Fa La La: Filmmaker, artist and iconoclast John Waters, aka the “people’s pervert,” is back on tour after a two-year home detention in Baltimore, and he has some thoughts on Christmas conventions. Hop on a “sleigh-ride-of-sleaze” and fly down the slopes of good taste in what promises to be a raucous return to anti-establishment fun. See A John Waters Christmas at The Birchmere. Tickets $55. //Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Not Christmas Carols: Hailing from Charlottesville, Disco Risqué has an eclectic sound that melds elements of rock, funk, hip hop, hard core, progressive pop and—you guessed it—disco, with a nice helping of horns. Have a listen and head over to The Renegade to experience the band’s high-octane sound in person. //Dec. 16, 8 p.m., The Renegade, 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
VIP Traffic: Santa’s Motorcade will be passing through the Mosaic District on Friday, spreading holiday cheer with escorts from the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad. Bring the kids, catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf and donate an unwrapped toy, game or book to the police department’s holiday toy drive. You’ll find collection boxes in the Target lobby. // Dec. 17, 5-5:30 p.m., District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Fir Sure: Feeling festive? Ballston’s inaugural Holiday Wreath Market will keep the season bright with fresh wreaths for sale, a pop-up bar serving hot cocoa, cider, cocktails and beer, a seasonal light installation by artist Robin Bell and live performances from the Arlington Children’s Chorus and TikTok sensation Andrew Savoia. And if you’ve got kiddos with letters for Santa, there’s a mailbox just for that. Proceeds from wreath purchases benefit local charities, and a Toys for Tots cruiser will be on hand for wrapped-gift donations. //Dec. 17 (4-7 p.m.) and Dec. 18 (noon-7 p.m.), Ballston Exchange, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Stop and Shop: Find vintage duds, jewelry and plenty of other gift items at the National Landing Holiday Market. Local makers and purveyors include Voyager Bag Works, Everybody Sweet, Capital Vintage, Wanton Studio and No Encore Club. And be ready for some serious snackage from a lineup of food vendors assembled by gua bao pros Bun’d Up. // Dec. 17 (5-10 p.m.) and Dec. 18 (noon – 5 p.m.), Crystal Drive Pergola, 2121 Crystal Drive, Arlington
Cold, Hard Cash: Johnny Folsom 4 takes the stage at the State Theatre and pays tribute to Johnny Cash with faithful renditions of “A Boy Named Sue,” “Ring of Fire,” “Jackson” and other blockbuster hits by the Man in Black. Tickets $20 in advance; $25 day of show. //Dec. 18, 9 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.), 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Matinee Morning: Keep your PJs on and bring the kids to the ShowPlace ICON Theater at The Boro in Tysons for a holiday movie pajama party with goodie bags, crafts, a photo booth and favorite movies Elf (10:15 a.m.), The Polar Express (10:30 a.m.) and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (10:45 a.m.). Enter a social media PJ contest for the chance to win a $100 gift card for a return trip to the movie theater. Tickets are $6 and include a small drink and popcorn. // Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 1667 Silver Hill Drive, McLean
Joyful Tunes: The National Chamber Ensemble takes the stage at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington for a Holiday Cheer concert featuring classical and contemporary favorites, including “Sleigh Ride,” “Hanukkah Festival” and “Rejoice” from Handel’s Messiah. Soprano Sharon Christman will perform along with winners of NCE’s Piano Young Artists Competition, and the show will conclude with a carols sing-along. Tickets $35 for adults; $18 for students. //Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
Naughty and Nice: Clarendon Ballroom and Pamplona are hosting a marathon (7-hour) Bad Santa Party featuring live bands, drink specials, winter wonderland décor, dancing, surprise giveaways and a costume contest for the most outrageous holiday attire. Featured bands include Klepto Radio, Paopow, Brendan Wallace and 9B49. Tickets $20-$30. //Dec. 18, 2-9 p.m., Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)