'LIGHT UP Rosslyn' on Thursday

Watch 40 Rosslyn rooftops come to life Thursday night during the 19th Annual LIGHT UP Rosslyn.

The occasion includes December favorites like music, hot chocolate, cookies, and the big event: Arlington officials flipping a giant light switch to turn on holiday lights on rooftops.

The event benefits the homeless clients of the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN). The Rosslyn BID, which is sponsoring the LIGHT UP Rosslyn event, collected warm winter clothing for the group starting Nov. 7 and topping off Thursday.

 “Last year, we collected 59 ninety-gallon bags of clothing for A-SPAN,” said Cecilia Cassidy, executive director of the Rosslyn BID. “I hope the Rosslyn community will join us for this memorable celebration.”

Artisphere’s dome also will be lit up with a commissioned installation to kick off its W3FI digital exhibit and opening reception. The exhibit is described as an "immersive digital installation."  

Music and food starts at 5:15 p.m., and the lighting of the skyline is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. under the ABC-7/WJLA big screen televisions at 1100 Wilson Boulevard.

Local celebrity and News Channel 8 meteorologist Devon Lucie will join officials in flipping the switch.

The dome lighting at the Artisphere is from 5:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a free public reception will be held from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1101 Wilson Blvd.

Rooftops will be illuminated until Jan. 15.

View last year's gallery of LIGHT UP Rosslyn.

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