A holiday tradition honoring service: “Salute to the Military”
Presented by Dominion Energy
Celebrate service members while enjoying a holiday classic during “Salute to the Military.” | Photo by Cecile Wolfe, courtesy Manassas Ballet Theatre
When The Hylton’s curtain rises on Manassas Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., the spotlight won’t just be on Clara and crew — it will also shine on those who serve.
368,000+ NOVA residents are active-duty service members or veterans: the population that “Salute to the Military,” presented by the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, is proud to honor during the production’s opening night, as well as our region’s many first responders.
The special evening includes a performance of the National Anthem and service-branch anthems, a color guard presentation, and bagpipes performing “Amazing Grace.” Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders receive complimentary show tickets using code SERVICE, and their guests receive a special 20% discount.
Dancers in a previous performance of “The Nutcracker” dance amidst a snowy scene.
Photo by Cecile Wolfe, courtesy Manassas Ballet Theatre
The classical ballet — a holiday must-do, in our book — will feature a live orchestra and professional dancers, keeping the beloved traditional performance alive. And by supporting the “Salute,” Dominion Energy underscores its commitment to our community, culture, and the families who make NOVA home.
Seats are limited and are expected to sell out quickly, so reserve yours early. Can’t make it in person? Online streaming access begins Wednesday, Dec. 24 for those who prefer to join from home.
A Northern Virginia-based pizza chain has been named one of the Top Artisan Pizza Chains in the world by the prestigious international guide 50 Top Pizza. Find out which chain received this recognition. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Opening
Falls Church will soon welcome a new Mexican restaurant at Founders Row. Fish Taco will primarily focus on seafood and is expected to open in the next two weeks. One order of blackened salmon tacos for me, please. (ARLnow)
Outdoors
After months of delays, the Four Mile Run Kayak Launch is expected to open at the end of this week. This project ended up costing about half a million and is the “first public ADA-accessible Potomac River paddling access,” according to the project. (ALXnow)
Drink
A raccoon in Virginia was the first victim to fall foul of holiday season merriment this year. Liquor store employees found the animal passed out in the bathroom after he broke in and had one too many. We recommend celebrating the holiday responsibly at a local happy hour. (AP News)
Ranked
Forbes just released its 30 Under 30 list for 2025, and Arlington’s own James Traile made the cut. Traile, a Senior Producer and Creative Director for NASA, works on podcasts, films, and shows that explore the alien world. Several DC residents were also highlighted in this year’s list.
Trending
Farewell, Hawkins. The final “Stranger Things” episode is getting a theatrical sendoff, with screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Tysons at the Boro, and the Cinemark Fairfax Corner and XD on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Heads up, tickets are vanishing fast.
Mailbag
“Loving these NOVA emails. Proud Baltimore resident here, but still love hearing about NOVA,” reader Samuel D. told us. He also let us know he enjoys our gift guide — and even shared something he designed, which we’ve now added. Check it out.
Environment
Look up. The December supermoon will appear today, Dec. 4, at 6:14 p.m., according to the Almanac. This occurs when the moon’s orbit gets closer to Earth, making the moon appear brighter than usual. This will be your last chance to see the cold moon before the year ends.
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Wait until you see number six.*
Finance
This just in: 6% is the new 2%. This card is every reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use. Bonus: You can get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2027. Learn more and apply.*
Editor’s Pick
The race runs through the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Have you ever heard of a backyard ultra? This event is a type of ultramarathon — defined as any race longer than a traditional marathon — in which runners complete a roughly four-mile loop every hour, repeating it until only one participant remains.
Sound intriguing? The Capital Backyard Ultra will take place in Lorton on March 28, 2026. The race is capped at 60 runners, and volunteers will be available to support participants every lap.
The Buy
Discover clever, useful tech that solves everyday problems in this guide to 2025’s coolest gadgets. We’re talking a small but mighty home security upgrade, a power bank the size of a credit card, and more.
Have you heard? Spotify Wrapped is officially out. My top song of 2025 was “September Fields” by Frazey Ford. I listened to it 123 times. What topped your playlist this year? Let us know. Don’t miss tomorrow’s NOVAtoday newsletter for our special take on Spotify Wrapped.