From now through Dec. 24, Manassas residents can drop off toys for CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Children) of Manassas, Va., at Monza and Carmello’s of Old Town Manassas, Va. in return for a  $10 Monza/Carmello’s gift card. For more information, go to www.carmellos.com.

“CASA is a tremendous support for kids in need of support, guidance and love, and we want to be able to bring them some extra kindness during the holidays, by offering them some surprise holiday gifts,” said Alice Pires, owner of Carmello’s and Monza of Old Town Manassas, Va.

Monza is hosting a Dogfish Head Brewery Beer Dinner on Wed., Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. for $75 inclusive, per person. The four-course dinner will feature Dogfish Head beers that complement new fall menu items. For reservations, go to eatmonza.com.                                         

The four-course dinner includes the 90 Min IPA with Meat and Cheese Platter; Namaste with Namaste Drunken Smoked Bacon Mussels, includes garlic, shallots, scallions, dijon crème fraiche and crostini; Punkin Ale with Four-Cheese Ravioli, served with wilted spinach, diced tomatoes, parmesan, creamy alfredo and pumpkin seeds; Indian Brown Ale with All Natural Braised Beef Ragu and Butternut Squash Gnocchi, served with carrots, celery, arugula, parmesan and olive oil ; and Aged-World Wide Stout with Homemade Bread Pudding, includes chocolate, cherries and crème anglaise.

Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria and Lorton, Va. will present their pint-sized, 30-minute version of the Nutcracker for younger audiences, along with a breakfast on Sun., Dec. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria, Va. Tickets are $38 for children, 10 and younger,  and $48 for adults. Go to www.metropolitanarts.org for tickets.