Alexandria Going Out Guide arts calendar

THU

Nov. 26

ARLINGTON BELL RINGING Celebrate Thanksgiving by ringing a vintage Pennsylvania church bell. Sponsored by the Bluemont Civic Association. Noon. Constitution Bicentennial Gardens, North George Mason Drive and Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. 703-525-3786. Free.

FRI

Nov. 27

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA TREE LIGHTING Mayor William D. Euille and Santa Claus lead this annual event. 7-9 p.m. Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria. 703-838-4844 or 703-883-4686. Free.

THE SELDOM SCENE The local progressive bluegrass band has been around since 1971. With Dry Branch Fire Squad. Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-549-7500. http://www.birchmere.com. $29.50.

"PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST" Roz White impersonates legendary singer Pearl Bailey for an evening of songs and stories. The show returns to MetroStage after a successful run last year. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m. Through Dec. 20. MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria. 703-548-9044 or 800-494-8497. http://www.metrostage.org. $45-$50.

MARK STUART AND THE BASTARD SONS The Austin singer-songwriter and his band are touring to promote "Bend in the Road." 9 p.m. Iota Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-522-8340. http://www.iotaclubandcafe.com. $15.

CHRISTMAS AT MOUNT VERNON George Washington's home is decorated with 12 Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier and a Christmas camel like the one Washington had in 1787. There will also be chocolate-making demonstrations. Starts Friday. Through Jan. 6. Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria. http://www.mountvernon.org. $15, seniors $14, ages 6-11 $7, age 5 and younger free.

SAT

Nov. 28

MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT A woman dressed as Martha Washington leads a tour with fireside caroling, early American decor and Christmas cheer. This is the only time of year that the estate is open to the public for special evening tours. Friday-Sunday, 5-8 p.m. Through Dec. 13. Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria. 703-780-2000. http://www.mountvernon.org. $18, age 11 and younger $12; reservations suggested.

"'TIS THE SEASON" This annual holiday planetarium show equates the darkness of the winter solstice with the multicultural practice of celebrating with festive lights. Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Through Dec. 20. Arlington Planetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington. 703-228-6070. $3, seniors and age 12 and younger $2.

"NEW MYTHOLOGY" An exhibit of paintings by Tracey Clarke. Through Jan. 3. The Athenaeum, 201 S. Prince St., Alexandria. 703-548-0035. http://www.nvfaa.org. Free.