McLean Weekend Planner: Hanukkah, 'The Nutcracker' and More

1. Celebrate Hanukkah in McLean

• When/Where: Hanukkah begins on Saturday evening and runs through Dec. 16
• Why Go: Are you looking for a temple in the area? Do you want to teach your children about the Festival of Lights? Check out this Hanukkah guide on McLean Patch. If you're more interested in the holiday's culinary traditions, check out these recipes for potato latkes and jelly doughnuts.
• Pricing: Food items vary.

2. Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale

• When/Where: The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls.
• Why Go: "This year’s show includes oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, photographs, jewelry, layered paper “paintings”, art quilts, weaving,  and woodcarving, plus artful gifts and cards. All of the artwork is created by Great Falls artists, most of whom work in home studios."
• Pricing: Free to attend

3. Santa Visits and Carousel Rides at Clemyjontri Park

• When/Where: The event starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at Clemyjontri Park 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean.
• Why Go: How will Santa know what to bring your wee ones on Christmas morning unless they whisper in his ear? (It's also supposed to be a nice day outside on Saturday.)
• Pricing: $1.75

4. Sugarloaf Craft Festival

• When/Where: The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Saturday at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
• Why Go: "Visitors can shop a stunning array of sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography and fine art – all hand-crafted by American artists who have been jury selected for this prestigious show. Whether they’re looking to add artistry to the home, garden or wardrobe, shoppers at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will leave with unique works of art for themselves or the people on their holiday gift list."
• Pricing: Tickets are $10 at the door.

5. Ballet West's "The Nutcracker"

• When/Where: Performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Kennedy Center in Washington. Matinee performances are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Why Go: The Kennedy Center's website says, "Utah's preeminent ballet company, Ballet West, brings America's oldest complete Nutcracker, called by the New York Times 'one of the best productions I've ever seen.'"
• Pricing: Tickets range in price from $45 to $150.

What are your weekend plans? If you care to share, please do. Maybe we'll see you there.