How Soon Is Now? Calling all fans of Steven Patrick Morrissey and The Smiths: Tribute band Caligula Blushed takes the stage at Jammin Java on Thanksgiving Eve for an all-ages show featuring covers of “This Charming Man,” “Ask,” “The Boy With a Thorn in His Side,” “Every Day Is Like Sunday” and a few surprises, too. // 8 p.m.(doors open at 7 p.m.), Nov. 24. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Tickets $12.
A Modern Fairy Tale: Glass slippers? Please. Cinderella steps into her own shoes in Synetic Theater’s revamp of the classic tale. This one is led by an all-female team of creators and features Afro-Latino inspired music and dance. The theater will be staging two matinee preview performances on Nov. 27 and 28 before opening night on Nov. 29. The show runs through Dec. 26. // 2 p.m. Nov. 27 and 28 (preview performances). Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington (Crystal City). Tickets $10-$30.
Make a Skate Date: The outdoor ice rink at Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) is officially open for the season—and with 6,840 square feet of ice, it’s the second largest al fresco rink in the state of Virginia. The plaza has a double-sided outdoor fireplace for warming up, and skating lessons are available. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance online and all skaters must wear masks. // Open daily, noon-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; noon-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, at 1201 S. Joyce St. Arlington. Tickets $10 for senior citizens and kids 12 and under; $11 for skaters age 13 and older. Skate rentals $5.
Walk This Way: You don’t have to drive out drive out to the Shenandoah to enjoy the fall colors and work off those Turkey Day calories. Round up the family (including the dog), peep some leaves and stretch your legs on some of the nature trails closer to home, which offer hikes ranging from gentle to more strenuous. Our rundown of 8 trails in the immediate area includes several in Arlington and McLean.
Give Back: The season of giving is here. Registration is now closed for Arlington’s annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K, but you can still make a donation in support of the race’s multiple charitable beneficiaries. For more information about 35+ local nonprofits that need your help, see our 2021 Guide to Giving.
O Tannenbaum: If your post-Thanksgiving family tradition includes getting a Christmas tree, you’ll find a number of pop-up tree sales in Arlington—plus a couple of farms that are worth the drive for hot chocolate, cider, doughnuts and the chance to cut your own. Find our list of holiday tree purveyors here.
Rock the House: Treat the family to Signature Theatre’s reimagined take on RENT, the iconic rock musical by Jonathan Larson—which itself was a modern-day riff on Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme. The riveting tale finds a group of bohemians in New York’s East Village struggling with gentrification, love, loss and legacies in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis. // See website for show times. Performances run through Jan. 2. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets $40-$108.
Pretty Lights: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna is open for the holiday season, featuring a half-mile wonderland of trees, shrubs and gazebos transformed with thousands of colorful lights. Purchase timed tickets online or at the door while supplies last. // 5:30-9:30 p.m. (starting at 5 p.m. after Dec. 10), through Jan. 2. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Tickets $16.
Shop Local. Ready for holiday shopping? Enjoy all-day specials from a handful of independent retailers, gift shops and bakeries on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27. Visit these local stores in Arlington and Falls Church to pick up a shopping passport, collect stamps, win prizes and find something for everyone on your list. For even more opportunities to shop local, put these holiday pop-up markets (featuring items by local makers) on your December calendar. // Small Business Saturday is November 27!
A Very Victorian Christmas: Love all things vintage? Visit Cherry Hill Farmhouse in Falls Church for an open house featuring period decorations, costumed reenactors and a chance to learn how Christmas was celebrated by the Blaisdell family in the 1860s. Hosted by the Victorian Society at Falls Church. // 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 27. Cherry Hill Museum – Historic House and Farm, 312 Park Ave, Falls Church. Free.
Do Brunch: If you’re tired of cooking after Turkey Day, let someone else feed the family. ICYMI, Navy Yard seafood favorite The Salt Line has a new outpost in Ballston, and its brunch menu includes tempting options like smoked trout Benedict, lobster rolls and a blueberry-pancake-cobbler cocktail. Plus, here’s a list of 21 other Arlington brunch spots that do this leisurely midday meal right. // The Salt Line, 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.