Arts & Entertainment:
Holiday Happenings in Metro DC
December 4 – 10, 2014
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Washington D.C.***
National Christmas Tree
The Ellipse
Thursday, December 4 thru Thursday, January 1, 2015 ∙ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace—which includes nightly concerts—are open to the public daily from 10 am to 10 pm through New Year’s Day.
Note: Tickets required for the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse , Thursday, December 4th at 4:30 pm ET.
Seasons of Light
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: National Museum of the American Indian
Through Friday, December 19 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $6-$8
Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebrations the world over. Back for its 16th season, this signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Ramadan, Devali, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communities and cultures. Ages 5-10.
Calvert High School Musical Theatre Ensemble and Swanson Choral Group
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Thursday, December 4 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The ensembles perform folk and popular songs featuring soloists, vocal percussion, and movement.
Ariel Breitman and Maki Onuki. Photo by Dean Alexander.
The Nutcracker
Presented by: The Washington Ballet
Venue: Warner Theatre
Thru Sunday, December 28 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $32-$107
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his highly-acclaimed production, Septime Webre is planning some special surprises for his celebrated all-American Nutcracker. Set in 1882 Georgetown, this gorgeous production showcases the grandeur of The Washington Ballet’s international roster of dancers and majesty of Tchaikovsky’s music. Replete with swirling snowflakes, cherry blossoms and historical characters, including George Washington as the heroic nutcracker, TWB’s The Nutcracker has become a tradition for generations of family and friends to celebrate the holidays.
A Christmas Carol
Ford’s Theatre
Through Thursday, January 1, 2015 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $32-$95
The annual Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol has been a Washington tradition for more than 30 years. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Celebrated Washington stage actor Edward Gero returns to play Scrooge in the production The Washington Post hailed as “musically high-spirited” and “infectiously jolly.”
The Gift of Nothing
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Through Sunday, December 28 ∙ Schedule varies ∙ $20
In this Kennedy Center world premiere musical starring characters from the comic strip MUTTS, a charming cat searches for a special gift for his best friend, a lovable pup. Join Mooch and Earl for this heartwarming adventure! Age 4+
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Fridays, December 5, 12 & Saturdays, December 6, 13 ∙ 10:00 am & 1:00 pm ∙ $38-$48
Learn to make your own lush wreath using greenery from the Tudor Place Garden. We provide instruction along with all the cedar, magnolia, berry-laden holly, pinecones, and boxwood you’ll need, as well as generous supplies of ribbons and décor. You provide the imagination — no prior expertise required.
Peace and Carol Ringers, an English Handbell Performance
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
A group of 16 high school students and 17 adult choristers join forces to present an annual concert that includes a repertoire of recognizable sacred, folk, and holiday music on traditional hand bells.
All Points West: A Few Our Favorite Things
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Friday, December 5 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ $20-$25
It’s the time of year that transports us back to childhood. The smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven or the crackling sound of latkes frying in the pan. Present unwrapping and song singing; these are a few of our favorite things. Celebrate the season with music which evokes youth and innocence. We’ll need some audience assistance to play the cuckoo’s, ratchets and drums for the Toy Symphony, but, we’ll give you some liquid courage in the form of egg nog before you make your musical debut!
Nutcracker Storytime
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Saturday, December 6 & Wednesday, December 10 ∙ 10:00 am∙ $8-$10
Children enjoy an interactive reading of this holiday classic. After the reading, children learn basic ballet steps and participate in a variety of movement activities based on this holiday favorite. Parent/caregiver must remain with the child during the program. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Ages 3-5
Moya Brennan: An Irish Christmas
National Geographic
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm ∙ $30
Celebrate an Emerald Isle holiday as Moya Brennan returns by popular demand with a new selection of musical gems for the season. After catapulting to fame as the voice of the renowned group Clannad, Moya Brennan has become one of the most recognizable voices in Irish music. Inspired and illustrated by photographs of Ireland taken by her husband, Tim Jarvis, at the time they first met, the show offers holiday tradition and a dash of romance. Become part of one of Nat Geo Live’s most enduring traditions and join us for a memorable evening of music and imagery.
Special performance by the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance. Enjoy seasonal fare before the show for sale at the NGS Café.
Holidays Through History Open House
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $5-$16
Celebrate the holidays at Tudor Place, Dumbarton House, Woodrow Wilson House, and Anderson House! Stroll through the four mansions and delight in their holiday ambience and festive decorations that interpret traditional holiday celebrations from the Federal period through the Gilded Age. At Tudor Place, children create their own holiday cards in an art workshop lead by Artist-in-Residence Peter Waddell. Shuttle bus transportation provided between sites.
Joy of Motion Dance Center Dance Project
Presented by: Joy of Motion Dance Center – Friendship Heights
Venue: Jack Guidone Theater
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 8:00 pm & Sunday, December 7 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ $13-$16
The Dance Project is part of Joy of Motion Dance Center’s annual choreography series which introduces innovative works in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and hip hop by local choreographers and dancers.
Free Community Day
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Sunday, December 7 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
An opportunity to explore NMWA’s collection and current exhibitions through free admission. Be sure to check out NMWA’s new exhibition, Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea, which delves into the concept of womanhood represented by the Virgin Mary as well as the social and sacred functions her image has served through time.
Tudor Tots: Winter Wiggles
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Tuesdays, December 9, 16, 23 ∙ 10:00 am & 1:00 pm ∙ $0-$5
Celebrate the holidays at Tudor Place! Children enjoy holiday themed songs, stories, and movement activities. After stories, children make their own holiday craft to take home. Themes and crafts change weekly. Ages 2 – 4
Heart of Hip Hop
Presented by: Joy of Motion Dance Center – Atlas
Tuesday, December 9 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE!
“Heart of Hip Hop” is an interactive multi-media production that takes the audience on a journey through the history of Hip Hop and its major influences. This event is free and family friendly!
Baby Rex’s Holiday Surprise: with DinoRock Productions
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: Smithsonian Discovery Theater
Wednesday, December 10 Through Friday, December 12 ∙ 10:15 am & 11:30 am ∙ $5
It’s the perfect holiday color scheme: jolly dinosaur green with a little bit of red. But is Baby Rex ready for the holiday season? Pals Massimo Maxicalisaurus and Shao Shao the Microraptor lead Baby Rex on a globetrotting musical journey to show that midwinter celebrations are all about family, food, and sharing the fun. Ages 2-6.
Ballet West: The Nutcracker
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, December 10 Through Sunday, December 13 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $56-$152
Ballet West returns to the Kennedy Center with Willam Christensen’s beloved production of The Nutcracker danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Merry TubaChristmas
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Wednesday, December 10 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
This year marks the 41st anniversary of this holiday tradition, founded by Harvey Phillips, in which hundreds of tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players from the area come together to perform traditional Christmas music.
10th Annual Downtown Holiday Market
Presented by: Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID)
Venue: F St. Sidewalk
Through Tuesday, December 23 ∙ Open Noon-8pm Daily ∙ FREE Admission!
More than 150 exhibitors and artisans offer a diverse array of quality items. Local fashion trendsetters, regional artisans, and small businesses provide fine art, crafts, glass, jewelry, pottery, photography and clothing to satisfy every gift-giving need. Shoppers will enjoy free live music, tasty treats, and seasonal décor at the festive market.
***Maryland***
Christopher Piper
The Nutcracker
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Through Tuesday, December 30 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $10 [Discount]
The Nutcracker is the story of Clara-Marie’s favorite toy, and their adventures together in the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy. Music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet blends with marionettes and costume characters to create this unique production.
Running Time: 50 Minutes
Ages: K – Adult
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Olney Theatre Center
Through Sunday, December 28 ∙ Schedule varies ∙ $32-$65
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home, and her fins, behind and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas
Olney Theatre Center
Through Sunday, December 28 ∙ Schedule varies ∙ $35-$40
The Holiday Tradition Continues! Olney Theatre Center favorite Paul Morella returns to bring his unique and memorable adaptation of A Christmas Carol to life this holiday season. Experience the unforgettable characters and vivid imagery as Charles Dickens originally intended – in his own words – and rediscover this timeless classic presented in a masterful solo performance.
The Nutcracker
Round House Theatre
Through Sunday, December 28 ∙ Schedule varies ∙ $10-$45
This captivating new musical reinvents E.T.A. Hoffman’s original tale, turning it into a brand new seasonal classic. Weaving together spellbinding spectacle, riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, and a delightful original score, Clara’s crusade to save her family (with the assistance of a remarkable nutcracker) comes alive with dazzling theatricality. This contemporary retelling is a heartwarming, hilarious story of magic and hope that’s as poignant and touching as it is hilarious, tuneful, and fun.
Created by Tommy Rapley, Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, and Kevin O’Donnell
Book by Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich
Music by Kevin O’Donnell, Lyrics by Jake Minton
Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffman
Directed by Joe Calarco
Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
Adventure Theatre MTC
Through Thursday, January 1, 2015 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $19 [Discount]
Tiny Tim longs to have his father home on Christmas day, but mean old Mr. Scrooge won’t give Bob Crachit the day off! There must be a way to change Scrooge’s mind – perhaps a ghost or two will set Scrooge right. Can this clever boy and his best friend Charlotte save Christmas and change the heart of the meanest man in town? This exciting world premiere story of a father and son is adapted by Broadway’s Tony-winning Ken Ludwig (Twas the Night Before Christmas) and his very own son, Jack. Get ready for the wildest ride you’ve ever had at Christmas!
Based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Ken Ludwig and Jack Ludwig
Directed by Jerry Whiddon
Starring Chris Dinolfo
Recommended for Ages 4 and up
Tiny Tots – Nutcracker Fantasy
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Through Tuesday, December 30 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $5
Some non-traditional arrangements from the Nutcracker Suite transport you to the Kingdoms of Snow, Sweets, Flowers, and Faraway Places! Designed just for our youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4 years old), “Tiny Tots @ 10:00″ offers a viewing atmosphere especially suited to small fry, their parents and caregivers: *Shorter shows (about 30 minutes) *No dark room *No loud noises *The theater doors stay open. Reminder: Everyone needs a ticket, including infants.
Mrs. Claus Tea
Strathmore
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 10:30 am & 1:00 pm ∙ $28
This event takes place in the Mansion.
A holiday favorite! Christmas music, a child-friendly menu and story time with our special guest, Mrs. Claus. Shhh!!! A surprise appearance from Santa too!
Santa Fly-In
College Park Aviation Museum
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ $0-$4
Watch Santa fly into the historic College Park Airport and then have your picture taken with him. Holiday arts and crafts will also be offered throughout the museum. Santa will arrive at 12:30.
Holiday Glass Ornaments
VisArts at Rockville
Through Saturday, December 13 ∙ schedules varies ∙ $10
Explore your creative holiday spririt and join us for this fused glass ornaments workshop. The $10 fee includes instruction, use of tools and grinders and 1 ornament. Additional ornaments (up to 3 additional and each no larger in size than 4 x 4) can be made for $5 additional each. Precut forms make this a perfect event for families. Make a new holiday tradition! No experience necessary. Each enrolled child between 5 and 8 must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.
Holiday Book Fair
The Writer’s Center
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission!
Meet workshop leaders and editors from area literary journals and small presses at our Holiday Book Fair.
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live From WVL Radio Theater
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 7:30 pm ∙ $15-$32
Inspired by the classic American film of the same name, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play as well as produce the sound effects. A wonderful holiday tradition for all ages, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play premiered in 1996 at Stamford Center for the Arts in Stamford, Connecticut, and has since been produced around the country to critical acclaim.
Annual Holiday Open House
Montpelier Arts Center
Sunday, December 7 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Montpelier Arts Center invites families to a fun holiday celebration! Resident artists open their studios for tours and offer works priced specially for holiday giving in the Gallery Shop. Attend the opening reception for the annual exhibitions featuring the Patuxent Art League and Montpelier resident artists, and stop by for a pottery sale, holiday music, art demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and refreshments.
Cricket on the Hearth
Publick Playhouse
Tuesday, December 9 ∙ 10:15 am & 12:00 pm ∙ $6-$8
This classic story was Charles Dickens’ most popular holiday tale in 19th century London. Theatre IV’s new musical shows how lucky it is to have a cricket on the hearth watching over things, especially if you’re a poor and kindly toymaker with a beautiful blind daughter, a curmudgeonly boss, and a mysterious stranger as a house guest.
Curriculum Connections: language arts, literary classic, music, reading, character development, history, and family
Recommended for grades K-5.
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour
Strathmore
Tuesday, December 9 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ $38-$85
Grammy-winning saxophonist Dave Koz returns with his high-energy holiday tour, which celebrates its 17th anniversary this year. The 2014 lineup includes R&B and gospel star Jonathan Butler, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, known for such Top 10 hits as “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” and Soul Train award winner, Maysa. Enjoy fresh takes on holiday classics in this “must-see show” and believe: “There really is a Santa Koz” (Examiner.com)!
Kid’s Day Out-Christmas With Santa
Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center
Wednesday, December 10 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ $5
Carols, Santa and Christmas galore! The spirit of the holidays is celebrated in this hysterical Christmas-wrapped musical comedy. Two hilarious elves have misplaced some of Santa’s presents and they go through many rollicking adventures trying to find them. When Santa arrives, he teaches the well-meaning elves that the family and friends we share the holidays with are the greatest gift of all.
***Virginia***
Arts on the Horizon Presents: Snow Day
Workhouse Arts Center
Thru Sunday, December 14 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $8
Written and Directed by Rex Daugherty. Recommended for children ages 2-6.
One cold December morning, a young girl named Skip wakes up to find the entire neighborhood covered in a thick, dazzling blanket of snow. A playful (if not a little mischievous) winter elf takes her on an adventure- showing her just how magical snow can be! Join Skip as she experiences all the excitement, joy and wonder of her very first snow day. This nonverbal world premiere production features live music and lots of wintertime fun, just in time for the holidays.
Ruth Judson
The Nutcracker
Presented by: BalletNova Center for Dance
Venue: Thomas Jefferson Theatre
Thursday, December 4 thru Sunday, December 7 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $15-$45
See the classic holiday tale of Clara and The Nutcracker Prince brought to life on stage by BalletNova Conservatory and Pre-Professional Dancers, as well as dancers from the Metro DC Arts Community.
Artfête Open House & Holiday Party
Presented by: The Art League
Venue: The Art League Madison Annex
Friday, December 5 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The Art League’s annual open house and holiday party kicks off the season with artwork exhibits, the opening of our holiday ceramics sale and jewelry sale, live music, food and drinks, artist demonstrations and more. Our students will also present a fashion show of wearable art created in Art League classes! Admission free of charge. View pieces during the Annual Holiday Jewelry Sale and Annual Holiday Ceramics Sale, all tastes and budgets.
Gingerbread Houses!
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $40
Come and join our Chef to create a special memory for your household. Learn how to build a gingerbread house together to bring home and enjoy with the whole family. (Meets in W-3, 302)
All Skill Levels, Ages 4 and Up, FAMILY CLASS, Instructor: Chef Kathleen Linton. Meets Sat Dec 6, 10am-12pm. Price is per student- at least one youth AND at least one adult must register the same time for these special classes. Materials cost of $5 per student covers fresh foods used in class, payable to instructor at first class.
Doughnuts with Santa
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturdays, December 6, 13, 20 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ $20
Join Santa and his helpers for a special experience at Donuts With Santa. Each ticketholder will enjoy two donuts and a choice of juice or coffee while Santa and his Elves read a classic Christmas story and lead a fun-filled family sing-a-long. There will be plenty of time to meet Santa and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras for those special photos!
Children’s Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturdays, December 6, 13, 20, 27 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ $9-$13
LIVE onstage! When Scrooge, the owner of a hotel, decides that his employees can’t have the day off to enjoy Christmas with their families, Santa (in disguise), decides it is time for a change. Santa sends The Spirit of Christmas to visit Scrooge and show him his past, present and future. Will Scrooge’s heart change?
Holiday Open House
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ FREE!
During the holidays, there is nothing like a one-of-a-kind handmade gift for that one-of-a-kind person. For the Holiday Open House, artists keep their studios open late for visitors to find special gifts while shoppers snack on treats from Bread & Chocolate as they browse. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Alexandria Choral Society will perform seasonal favorites throughout the evening.
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
The Barns at Wolf Trap
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2014 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This annual musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.
Cabaret Series: Holiday Magic
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 6 ∙ 8:00 pm & Sunday, December 7 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ $25-$30
Hop into the sleigh and enjoy the ride as we present some of the most memorable songs from the holiday season! Featuring music from our favorite holiday films and those December television perennials, with our own jazz-inspired twist, our cabaret cast will start the holiday season on the right note!
Deck the Halls: Holidays at the White House
National Archives
Thursday, December 11 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Over the years, first families and White House staff have adorned the White House for the holiday season with decorations that evoke the holiday spirit and reflect the times. Panelists, including Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Johnson, Genevieve Gorder, Host of HGTV’s White House Christmas, former White House Chief Usher Gary Walters, and Coleen Christian Burke, author of Christmas with the First Ladies will present a visual feast of the themes, designs, and processes that go into decking the halls, rooms, and exterior of the White House. The official 2014 White House Christmas Ornament, featuring President Warren G. Harding, will be available for purchase.
A book signing will follow the program.
Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Thursday, December 11 thru Monday, December 22 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $20-$38
Step Afrika! is back to delight audiences young and old with their magical musical holiday step show. Audiences are invited to make music with DC’s internationally-known stepping company and their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom in this annual holiday tradition! Come ready to bring in the festive season with a bang featuring the electrifying artists from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman.
NSO Pops: Happy Holidays! with Cirque de la Symphonie / Steven Reineke, conductor
Presented by: National Symphony Orchestra
Venue: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, December 11 thru Saturday, December 13 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $20-$88
Back by popular demand for the holidays–with new acts and returning favorites! Aerialists, jugglers, illusionists, and more bring the circus to the Concert Hall. “Dazzling and elegant, if not death-defying!” says the San Francisco Examiner.
Second Thursday Art Night
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Thursday, December 11 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Second Thursday Art Night series brings the fun and spontaneity of the creative process to the streets of Old Town. Visitors can browse open studios and galleries, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments and music for free on the second Thursday of each month. Stop by on your way to dinner and make an evening of it!
This year’s events focus on specific artistic disciplines represented in our building. Look for special themed exhibits, sales and activities designed to highlight a particular visual form.
The Interpersonal Underworld
Presented by: ACW Dances
Venue: Gunston Theatre Two
Thursday, December 11 thru Saturday, December 13 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $10
Is it possible to build a perfect group? Join ACW Dances as they dive headfirst into building interpersonal relationships. Over two interconnected works, this evening-length show uses humor, highly athletic, daring choreography, and audience interaction to address issues of group dynamics. We search for inclusion, control, and affection. The possibilities are endless; come explore with us!
Target Family Night: Washington National Opera preview of The Little Prince
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Friday, December 12 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
WNO gives audiences a preview of the holiday family opera The Little Prince, “a magical opera” based on the original storybook written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Relive its joy and wonder in Rachel Portman’s “enchanting opera…satisfying to child and adult alike” (Financial Times).
Nutcracker Petite Performances
BalletNova Center for Dance
Friday, December 12 thru Saturday, December 13 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $15-$20
A Petite Performance for a Petite Audience! BalletNova performs Act II of The Nutcracker in the Fredgren Studio Theatre. Designed for kids under the age of 6, this performance is short and sweet and offers kids the opportunity to meet the dancers after the performance. Tickets sell out fast!
Tea with Santa
Dumbarton House
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 10:00 am & 2:00 pm ∙ $25-$30
Sit back, relax and let Santa’s helpers serve you during this magical holiday experience. While visiting with Santa, families enjoy a delicious holiday tea complete with special holiday tea blends, hot apple cider, sandwiches and desserts. After taking tea, children decorate their own gingerbread cookies to take home.
Christmas Cookie Exchange
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $40
Learn to create some of the classic Christmas cookies from around the world and treat your neighbors and friends to a truly traditional gift this year. Some of the cookies could include Gingerbread men, Mexican wedding cookies, snowflakes, and thumbprints! A great workshop to take with the family. (Meets in W-3, 302)
All Skill Levels, Ages 4 and Up, FAMILY CLASS, Instructor: Chef Kathleen Linton. Sat Dec 13 (10am-12pm). Price is per student-at least one youth AND at least one adult must register the same time for these special classes. Materials cost of $5 per student covers fresh foods used in class, payable to instructor at first class.
Gingerbread House Workshop!
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 10:30 am, 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm ∙ $3-$10
Gingerbread is but one of many classic traditions children can learn about in this lively tour and craft workshop. In the 1816 mansion, children become History Detectives, touring its rooms for clues about how holidays were celebrated in the past. Next, they design and build their own edible gingerbread houses to take home (one per child). For ages 5+
Brentwood Arts Exchange Holiday Craft Fair
Brentwood Arts Exchange
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
Don’t get stuck at crowded malls this season buying generic gift sets for your loved ones…Come to the Brentwood Arts Exchange Holiday Craft Fair! Thirteen Fine Craft artisans from the community will be displaying their items for sale inside our warm and cozy gallery and classroom. A wide selection of fine craft items will be available such as pottery, jewelry, textiles, glass, ornaments, and much more.
”Frozen” Sing-A-Long
Montpelier Arts Center
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
Fearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in an epic journey, braving Everest-like conditions to find and save her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. Elsa, haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her sister Anna, has isolated herself, spending every waking moment trying to suppress her powers, but fears she’s becoming a monster and that no one, not even Anna, can help her.
All ages; includes snacks and beverages.
Family Joy!
Presented by: Cathedral Choral Society
Venue: Washington National Cathedral
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ $15-$25
Join us for a Family Christmas Concert at Washington National Cathedral. This 60-minute program includes the procession of the advent wreath, Christmas favorites and a kids only! sing-along.
Holiday Shopping and Book Signing
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission
Up With Paper Lead Paper Engineer Yevgeniya Yeretskaya, who won the 2011 Moonbeam Award for Best Pop-Up Book for her work on the company’s Snowflakes title, provided layouts and paper engineering for the book, will be signing in the Grand Foyer outside the Opera House.
Frozen
The Alden
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Just when your kids stopped singing “Let It Go,” the blockbuster movie returns. Bring the whole family to see it again (or for the first time) on the big screen. We’ll even let you sing along!
Rated PG, 102 minutes.
Joy of Motion Dance Center Fall Youth Company Concert
Joy of Motion Dance Center – Atlas
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm ∙ $17-$22
Join Joy of Motion Dance Center as we celebrate our youth dance companies in the annual Fall Youth Company Concert! The concert will feature performances in a range of styles from hip hop to belly dance! Our youth have been working hard, come and support them!
2nd Saturday Art Walk
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The 2nd Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouse showcases the diverse work of more than 100 visual artists in a unique historic venue, creating an atmosphere that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of this creative community.
Kwanzaa Celebration 2014
Dance Place
Saturday, December 13 ∙ 8:00 pm & Sunday, December 14 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $15-$30
Welcome the holiday season with Dance Place’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration! Gather family and friends to watch Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Nutcracker Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy
Presented by: BalletNova Center for Dance
Venue: Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City
Sunday, December 14 ∙ 10:30 am & 2:00 pm ∙ $48-$68
Come Dressed in Your Holiday Best for Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy! Join BalletNova, The Sugar Plum Fairy and her character friends for a very special Holiday Tea! Guests will get their picture taken with Sugar Plum, enjoy excerpts from BalletNova’s Nutcracker, and enjoy an elegant high tea at The Ritz-Carlton. Private tables of 4 and VIP tables of 10 are available.
Grump at Artisphere: Supersized
Artisphere
Sunday, December 14 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
The fourth annual GRUMP will be bigger and better than ever! This year, GRUMP is SUPERSIZED! We are taking over the entire Artisphere facility with 75 local vendors, snacks, music and fun. Bring the kids because the 1966 cartoon classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will play all day long in the Dome Theatre for free. GRUMP will be your best chance to shop local this holiday season AND get your picture taken with a Yeti!
Holiday Shopping and Steinbach Nutcracker Signing
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, December 14 ∙ 12:00 pm
The name Steinbach is recognized all over the world for the unique design of their wood carved Steinbach Nutcracker creations developed many years ago by the Steinbach Family. Karolin Steinbach will sign some of her family’s creations.
Girl Scouts’ High Tea for the Holidays
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Sunday, December 14 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ $20-$25
Join fellow scouts for an elegant Victorian tea and a tour of the mansion, decked for the holidays in Red, Green and Gold: Tudor Place Sparkles for Christmas, a blend of contemporary style and classic traditions. Begin in the 1873 Dower House with tea sandwiches, scones, delicious desserts and historic tea blends. Then “stroll into the past” on a guided docent tour through the festively decorated 1816 National Historic Landmark mansion.
For Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.
An A Capella Holiday with the Capital Hearings
Montpelier Arts Center
Sunday, December 14 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $15
Since 2010, the lush a cappella harmonies of The Capital Hearings have delighted Washington audiences, large and small. With repertoire ranging from Renaissance motets to modern hits, this dynamic ensemble is praised for its versatility. The Capital Hearings will be making spirits bright with a festive, family-friendly program of seasonal favorites, vocal jazz, and contemporary arrangements. The perfect holiday concert! “Once again, The Capital Hearings had stolen the show.” —Roll Call
Annual Holiday Concert
Presented by: National Chamber Ensemble
Venue: Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre
Sunday, December 14 ∙ 4:30 pm ∙ $15-$30
The National Chamber Ensemble invites young emerging musicians to join in t