Arts & Entertainment:
Holiday Happenings in Metro DC
December 18 – 24, 2014
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Washington D.C.***
Paolo Galli
A Classical Holiday Performance
Kirov Academy of Ballet Washington, DC
Thursday, December 18 thru Saturday, December 20 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ $30 [Discount]
A classical holiday performance featuring The Nutcracker Act II as well as famous selections from the Mariinsky Ballet repertoire.
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.
Holiday Family Opera: The Little Prince
Presented by: Washington National Opera
Venue: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, December 19 thru Sunday, December 21 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $45-$69
For its annual family holiday production, WNO brings to life all the joy and wonder of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s storybook in Oscar winner Rachel Portman’s “enchanting opera..satisfying to child and adult alike” (Financial Times).
Culture Shock, Washington, DC: Holiday Showcase
Dance Place
Friday, December 19 & Saturday, December 20 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $20-$25
Dynamic hip-hop performances by all of Washington, DC’s Culture Shock troupes: Afta Shock, Culture Shock, Future Shock, Mini Shock and Mighty Shock. Committed to creating fresh, innovative choreography at the forefront of the hip-hop dance community, the world-renowned Culture Shock troupes have brought their groundbreaking hip-hop performances to stages all over the world.
Go, Tell It! A Concert Celebration featuring BeBe Winans
Presented by: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Venue: Lincoln Theatre
Friday, December 19 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ $35
Grammy-award-winning artist BeBe Winans headlines the electrifying holiday production, “Go, Tell It!: A Concert Celebration of African American Holiday Traditions”, a family-friendly concert production that brings together music and spoken word celebrating time-honored Christmas traditions in the African American community, from the 19th century to the present. Conceiver and director Nolan Williams, Jr. leads an amazing cast in an unforgettable entertaining extravaganza that showcases stellar musical performances, expressive dance interpretation and inspiring oration.
First Studio: An Art Exploration for 3-5 Year-Olds
Kreeger Museum
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $0-$7
Children and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program includes a gallery tour, analysis of works of art, a story and a hands-on art-making experience.
Family Chocolate House Workshop
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:30 am & 1:30 pm ∙ $3-$15
Classic traditions come to life in this lively house tour and craft workshop. In the 1816 mansion, children become History Detectives, touring the rooms for clues about how holidays were celebrated in the past. Next, they design and build their own chocolate houses to take home, complete with chocolate walls and roofs and sweet décor. Enjoy hot apple cider and sweet treats after the program during house-making. For ages 5+
Chantons Noel – Holiday Concert
Presented by: Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW)
Venue: National City Christian Church
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $10-$50
Get in the true spirit of the holiday season with the angelic sounds of the Children’s Chorus of Washington with a French flair, featuring CCW’s five award-winning chorus ensembles, and the Amadeus Brass Quintet.
The December 20th performance (Program I) features CCW’s Bel Canto Chorus, Concert Chorus, Chamber Ensemble, and Young Men’s Ensemble. The December 21st performance (Program II) features CCW’s Treble Chorus, Concert Chorus, Chamber Ensemble, and Young Men’s Ensemble.
Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Atlas Performing Arts Center
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.
Tudor Tots: Winter Wiggles
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Tuesday, December 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
A Renaissance Christmas
Presented by: Folger Consort
Venue: Folger Shakespeare Library
Thru Tuesday, December 23 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $35-$50
Celebrate the holidays with music from the courts of Renaissance Flanders and Italy. The Consort explores expressive seasonal works by masters Obrecht, Compère, and Josquin – including Josquin’s “Ave Maria” and Compère’s “Adoramus te, Christe.” Featuring winds, viol, lute, & a quintet of voices. “Folger Consort gives the best Christmas concert in Washington.” – DCist
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.
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.
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+
National Christmas Tree
The Ellipse
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.
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.”
National Gallery of Art Ice Rink
Presented by: National Gallery of Art
Venue: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Through Monday, March 16 ∙ see schedule below ∙ $7-$8
The Gallery’s ice rink can accommodate more than two hundred skaters, with a music system that brings vibrant sound to visitors on and off the ice. At night, lighting creates a festive atmosphere for the richly landscaped ground and a distinctive backdrop for nineteen works of modern and contemporary sculpture.
The Sculpture Garden is located on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW. It is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Ice Rink Hours:
Mo–Th, 10am.–9pm.
Fr & Sa 10:00am–11:00pm
Su 11:00am.–9:00pm
The ice-skating rink will close at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The Gallery and Sculpture Garden are closed on December 25 and January 1.
***Maryland***
Peabo Bryson: The Colors of Christmas
Strathmore
Friday, December 19 ∙ 8:00 pm ∙ $35-$100
The stars shine in this soulful celebration! Silken-voiced, Grammy Award-winning R&B legend Peabo Bryson is joined by Tony Award winning singer Jennifer Holliday, pop diva Taylor Dayne, and “American Idol”-winner Ruben Studdard for an unforgettable evening of pop hits and Christmas favorites.
Gingerbread Workshop
VisArts at Rockville
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:30 am & 2:00 pm ∙ $45
At the class, each registered guest receives an already built house, icing and all of the candy needed to create a dream house come true. You will be amazed at what you can create and take home. Each registration gets one house to decorate but up to two people may decorate one house.
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 [Discount]
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 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.
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
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
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Olney Theatre Center
Through Saturday, January 10 ∙ 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.
***Virginia***
Doughnuts with Santa
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 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 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?
In Concert: O, Holy Night
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 7:00 pm & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 5:00 pm ∙ $8-$15
LIVE onstage! Our cadre of carolers perform some of the world’s most beautiful music to celebrate the Christmas season. Workhouse cabaret vocalists perform the most loved music of the season on the Workhouse stage. Join us for a musical sleigh ride on a journey of music, love, laughter and memories that is sure to delight all. Running time approximately 90 minutes, appropriate for all ages.
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 8:00 pm & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $30-$50
This spirited performance by these remarkable Austrian youngsters features everything from ancient hymns and traditional Christmas carols to popular holiday favorites and songs from across the globe. Audiences and critics worldwide have praised these talented singers for their celestial voices, rapturous harmonies, pure tone, appealing demeanor, and, above all, a wide-ranging repertoire spanning centuries and genres. Dating back over half a millennium, the history of this choir has been associated with many of the world’s great composers, including Mozart and Bruckner; Franz Schubert himself was even a chorister.
All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Thursday, December 25 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Join in the 16th All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam, a Millennium Stage tradition, with host/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, drummer Lenny Robinson, trumpeter Tom Williams, bassist James King, and vocalist Delores Williams.
Family Painting Fun
VisArts at Rockville
Friday, December 26 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ $15
What to do with your kids over Christmas break? Create a masterpiece of course! We provide the partially sketched 11 x 14 canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, easel and aprons. Staff is available to provide inspiration and encouragement but this is not an instructional session. Choose from one of our four selections or select a blank canvas and use one of our printed images for inspiration. This is the perfect activity for families, but absolutely no children in strollers or under the age of 4. Also on Saturday, December 27 at 2:00 pm.
Holiday Vaudeville
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Saturday, December 27 & Sunday, December 28 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Cajun cellist Sean Grissom hosts an evening featuring modern-Klezmer quartet the Alexandria Kleztet and world-class comedian/variety entertainer Will Shaw, blending holiday music with non-stop laughter.
Kwanza, Kwanza!
Publick Playhouse
Sunday, December 28 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ $15-$20
Sankofa Dance Theatre of Baltimore presents a joyous program celebrating heritage, family and community. The symbols of Kwanzaa are enhanced with African music, traditional tales, dance and drumming. “Sankofa” means learning from the past to build for the future. Join us for a heartwarming, interactive performance for the whole family that reaches into the rich legacy of African culture and history to embrace the proud shared culture of African Americans.
Kwanza Triple Play: The fourth day of Kwanza Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH) Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Monday, December 29 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE!
Kids and families can spend the entire morning participating in three different Kwanza-themed arts and crafts workshops. All materials and supplies will be provided.
A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Branford Marsalis
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, December 31 ∙ 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm ∙ $85
Ring in 2015 with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, a 2011 NEA Jazz Master and Tony Award nominee, and his quartet–one of the leading jazz groups working today.
New Year’s Eve at The Kennedy Center
Presented by: National Symphony Orchestra
Venue: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, December 31 ∙ 8:30 pm ∙ $55-$120
Usher in the New Year with Steven Reineke, members of the NSO, and a special guest artist to be announced at a later date! After the concert, enjoy dancing, a countdown to 2015, and a balloon drop, all included with your concert ticket.
Three Kings Day Celebration
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Sunday, January 4, 2015 ∙ 11:30 am & 2:30 pm ∙ FREE!
Don’t miss GALA’s traditional Three Kings celebration, featuring the Magi, live animals, local performers, a walk through the neighborhood, and gifts for every child. Free for the entire family!
Networks Presents Disney’s Beauty And The Beast
Warner Theatre
Tuesday, January 6 thru Sunday, January 11, 2015 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $42-$122
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
The show features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice.
Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly: in partnership with the Air & Space Museum
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Thursday, January 15 & Friday, January 16, 2015 ∙ 10:15 am, 11:15 am & 12:15 pm ∙ FREE!
Little flyguys and gals take off with kooky Professor Wingnut and Seymour the Seagull to find the secrets that make birds—and airplanes—fly. Master arts educator and nutty guy Oran Sandel and puppeteer Dan Mori get everyone singing, dancing, and soaring in this lively interactive musical show in the Air and Space Museum. After the show, zoom down to the How Things Fly hands-on experience for more facts and fun.
Ages 3-8.
Photograph by Clara Lee Turner
30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program
Presented by: Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Venue: National Museum of the American Indian
Friday, January 16, 2015 ∙ 7:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Join us as we celebrate King’s life and legacy with this year’s theme, “The Beloved Community, “ at the National Museum of the American Indian, Rasmuson Theater. Keynote Speaker: Kica Matos, Director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice, Center for Community Change Entertainment Provided By: Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, Alfred Kiger Savoy Players in collaboration with DC Youth Ensemble, and the 2014 DC Schools Latin Dance Competition Winners.
Mockingbird
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, January 17 thru Sunday, February 1, 2015 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $20
Adapted from the 2010 National Book Award-winning novel, this vibrant and inspirational world premiere play, commissioned by the Kennedy Center and VSA, tells the story of a young girl on the autism spectrum who changes a community. Age 10+
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Strathmore
Sunday, January 18, 2015 ∙ 4:00 pm ∙ $25-$35
Celebrate 20 years of stepping around the world with Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional company dedicated to the percussive dance tradition of stepping. This Martin Luther King Weekend performance features six amazing step teams.
Classroom Character: The Road to Success
Publick Playhouse
Thursday, January 22, 2015 ∙ 10:15 am & 12:00 pm ∙ $6-$8
With a fun and wacky blend of magic, comedy and total audience involvement, Choosy Suzy and YouDini the Genie give kids a powerful path to stop name-calling and bullying. Challenging the audience members to think about how they treat each other, this entertaining and thought-provoking program shows how students working together can make a school a Bully Free Zone.
Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Relationships, Character Development, Social Issues.
Recommended for Grades K-3.
Baba-C, American Griot: Folktales from Africa to the Americas
Presented by: The Smithsonian Associates
Venue: Smithsonian Discovery Theater
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 ∙ 10:15 am & 11:30 am ∙ $5
Master storyteller Baba-C shares West African, Afro-Brazilian, and Gullah tales with his unique blend of interactive storytelling and song. They’re jam-packed with remarkable animals and life lessons and feature Anansi the Spider, Bossy Elephant, and other memorable characters.
Ages 5-10.
Petite Rouge A Cajun Red Riding Hood
Adventure Theatre MTC
Friday, January 30 thru Sunday, March 8, 2015 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $19
Take a toe-tapping trip to the bayou in this family-friendly, Zydeco-driven musical soaked in N’awlins hot sauce! Based on the classic fairy tale and adapted from the book by Mike Artell and Jim Harris, a red-hooded duckling named Petite Rouge and her sidekick cat lead the Big Bad Gator on a wild “duck” chase through New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Will they make it to Grandmere’s house with a basket full of Cajun goodies?
Adapted from the book by Mike Artell
Book, music & lyrics by Joan Cushing
Directed and Choreographed by Michael J. Bobbitt
Assistant Director Danny Tippett
Featuring Kurt Boehm
Recommended for Ages 4 and up
Holiday Shopping with the Arts – Metro DC
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