Cathedral Brass Christmas Music 

Featuring classical, jazz and popular-music favorites by Gabrieli, Harry Connick Jr., Vince Guaraldi, Karen Carpenter and more, the Cathedral Brass will present “Home for the Holidays,” Friday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. The performance will be held in the Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy. in Fairfax. Sponsoring this event is the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts.

People roasting marshmallows for s’mores at a previous holiday festival.

 

Festival of Lights and Carols

This annual event is set for Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon-6 p.m., in Old Town Square, 10415 North St. There’ll be live, holiday music performed by several groups, plus s’mores and beverages. The Kiwanis Club will be serving hot apple cider, Air O’Dynamic Art will give out special balloons, and vendors will offer holiday crafts. The festivities will also include caroling and the lighting of the Christmas tree there at 5:30 p.m. Fair City Mall is the event sponsor.

Twins Ace Hardware 10th Anniversary 

Founded by brothers Craig and Jeff Smith, Twins Ace Hardware at 10310B Main St. is an independently owned and operated store that’s been in the heart of Fairfax City since 2011. And in celebration of its 10th anniversary, it’ll host a three-day event from Friday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 5, with a celebratory board cutting set for Saturday, Dec. 4, at noon. 

The fun includes giveaways, special pricing, product demos, food tastings, children’s activities and a special appearance by Santa Claus. In addition, throughout the weekend, customers will have the chance to win prizes from brands such as Craftsman, Weber and Milwaukee. 

On Saturday, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chef Jason Morse and Team Traeger will be grilling, there’ll be a live deejay, goodie bags (while supplies last), Santa and an opportunity to win a Traeger Grill, with proceeds benefiting Children’s National Medical Center.

City Police Collecting Toys

Between now and Dec. 12, people may drop off new, unwrapped toys, games, books and gifts to the Fairfax City Police Department to benefit children in the local community. Toy collection boxes are in the lobby of the station at 3730 Old Lee Hwy. in Fairfax.

Holiday Market

The fourth annual City of Fairfax Holiday Market will be held in Old Town Square, both weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from Dec. 3 through Dec. 12. (The trees there are already decorated in twinkling, holiday lights). A wide variety of craft vendors will sell their wares, including gourmet food, holiday décor, jewelry, pet treats, wood, personal-care and needlework items, with different vendors scheduled each weekend. 

Dates and times for the Holiday Market are: Weekend One – Friday, Dec. 3, from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon-5 p.m. Weekend Two – Friday, Dec. 10, from 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 11, from noon-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 12, from noon-5 p.m.

The fun will include music, hot drinks and refreshments. And children and pets can have their pictures taken with Santa. The schedule is Sunday, Dec. 5, from 1-3 p.m., children/family photos; and Sunday, Dec. 12, from 3-5 p.m., pet photos.

The vendors are as follows:

*Weekend One

All That Yazz

Amaryllis Press

Bradshaw Sauce Co.

Cafeto Espresso

Colonial Kettle Corn

Doughboy Creamery

Early Bird Cheesecakes

Earth Essentials by Erica

Front Porch Art LLC

Goody Paws Bakery Treats

Gordon’s Grill

I Spy Artisan Jewelry

Khadija Brand

Memo Designs

Nash’s Fine Woodworking

Native Buffalo Spirit

Orange Peel Apparel LLC

Scrummy Gorgeous

Studio Ralla

Trinity Gifts

Tyson’s Web Solutions LLC

Uniquely Sea Glass LLC

Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

Viva Sol – Café & Bake Shop

Ward of the Wood

*Weekend Two

Altyn Clark Stained Glass

Belle Jar Co.

Betty Jane’s Sweet Delights Inc.

Castein Apothecary

Cindy’s Special Gift

Circuit Breaker Labs

Colonial Kettle Corn

Fairfax Library Foundation

Fera’s Loft

Green Papaya LLC

Paddingtons Backyard LLC

Raising Kane Design LLC

Samsara Upcycled Art & More LLC

Shiloh Church Artisans

Smell of Love Candles LLC

Stallard Road Farm & Botanicals

SweezEats LLC

TOKIYA JAPAN

Valley of Gems

Wanderlust Art by Sharon

Whole Grain Goods

Xtraordinary Evoked Photography

Lunch with Santa

Children will enjoy crafts, lunch and holiday characters in costume, Saturday, Dec. 11, at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive. There’ll be three seatings – at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Purchase tickets at City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St.; Green Acres, 4401 Sideburn Road and the Sherwood Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy., or via https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/lunch-with-santa.