DC Thrifty Mom’s
FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO
THIS WEEKEND
in the Washington DC Area:
December 20 & 21, 2014
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Visit our Calendar for more FREE & Cheap happenings.***
Arts on the Horizon: Snow Day
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:00 am, 11:30 am & 3:30 pm & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 3:30 am ∙ $8
Created and Directed by Rex Daugherty
One cold December morning, a young girl named Skip wakes up to find her entire neighborhood covered in a thick, dazzling blanket of white snow. A playful (if not a little mischievous) winter elf shows him all of the fun one can have on a snow day. Join Skip and her magical new friend as they experience 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 holiday season. Best for ages 2 – 6. Program continues through Monday, December 22.
Tiny Tots – Nutcracker Fantasy
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $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. Program continues through Tuesday, December 30.
Holiday Sing Along
The Plaza at CityCenter
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Holiday sing-a-long for all ages to enjoy. A children’s performer will lead sing-a-long of children’s holiday classics. There will be children’s tables and chairs set up with festive coloring pages, stamps and stickers for kids to enjoy before and after the performance. Don’t miss the 18th Street Singers at 6:30 pm
Community Arts Series: Let’s Make Holiday Arts & Crafts!
Anacostia Community Museum
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE!
Artists Camilla Younger, Rain Young, and Alma Robinson lead families in a holiday arts-and crafts making extravaganza. Make tree ornaments and other holiday-inspired objects to give as personal gifts. All art materials will be provided. Vintage Social Dancers and Dance Historians, Briant and Karin Bohleke will perform a Civil War dance performance and engage the audience in a participatory demonstration as part of the program.
Kids’ Fête de Noël
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE – Wyoming Ave, NW
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ $10. $8 AFDC Members
Celebrate the winter holidays with AFDC! Join us for a holiday storytime and activity hour for kids and families!
Families will be invited to decorate winter houses sweetened for the holidays – using candies, cookies, and more!
Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
Adventure Theatre MTC
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm & December 21 ∙ 11:00 am & 2:00 pm ∙ $19 [Discount Available]
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 - Program continues through Thursday, January 1, 2015.
Christopher Piper
The Nutcracker
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 11:30 am & 1:00 pm ∙ $10 [Discount Available]
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. Program continues through Tuesday, December 30.
Children’s Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 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? Repeats Saturday, December 27.
Explore the Past!: Contain Your Excitement
DAR Museum
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 1:00 pm ∙ FREE!
FREE FAMILY PROGRAM: How did people carry things before shopping bags and cardboard boxes? In early America people kept their special belongings in many types of containers. Discover some of those early containers, and make some of your own. Create a basket or clay pot. Decorate a cloth bag or paper wrapping. Keep them for your own special things, give away as gifts, or use to put gifts in. This free family history program is made possible by the kindness of members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Registration is not required but encouraged here. Drop-ins are always welcome.
Harbor Holiday Movies: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
National Harbor
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Last Saturday afternoon to enjoy a FREE family holiday film on the Plaza at National Harbor. All films will screen at 2pm, snow or shine.
While at the National Harbor, and for a fee, enjoy Ho-Ho-Holiday Carousel Rides With Santa (12pm -2pm) and Photos With Santa At The Capital Wheel (2pm -4pm).
2014 Winter Ice Show
Cabin John Ice Rink
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 6:30 pm ∙ FREE!
Featuring Maria Yang, 2015 Senior Ladies National Qualifier, DC Edge and individual & group performances from our local skating stars to winter music!
Also accepting Toys for Tots Donations through the end of the show.
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.
Chanukah Family Spectacular on Bethesda Lane
Bethesda Row
Sunday, December 21 ∙ 5:30 pm ∙ FREE!
Bring family and friends to this special Chanukah: Lights & Music event presented by the Chabad Center of Bethesda. The event features a giant Techno-Menorah flashing and pulsating to the music of Hassidic rapping sensation “Mor-To-Life”. Family entertainment, music, food, and more! Event is free and open to the public.
Handel’s Messiah
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church
Sunday, December 21 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
As the Metropolitan Baptist Church, concludes their 150th Sesquicentennial anniversary celebration, the Metropolitan Concert Series will present its FREE 68th annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah. This concert is free and open to the public ~ donations accepted but not required.
Holidays at Union Station
Union Station has become renowned for its grandeur and beauty. There is no more beautiful time in the station than during the holidays. Some of the major features of the station’s holiday transformation are the Norwegian Christmas Tree, the Miniature Train Display, and the Holiday Wreaths.The Holiday train and wreaths on the exterior of the building are on view. The train in the Main Hall is very popular with travelers and shoppers and viewing the train has become a holiday tradition for many. From the elaborate mountain landscape to the vintage cars, trees, people, dogs and cats make for a realistic setting. We’ve heard whispers that there may be some special additions this year as well. Our beautiful, fascinating lit holiday wreaths are sure to amaze visitors and tenants alike. As tradition endures the three enormous wreaths will be hanging in the archways of the front colonnade.
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.
Season’s Greenings
United States Botanic Garden Conservatory
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE Admission!
Each year, the U.S. Botanic Garden creates displays to give visitors one of the region’s most delightful holiday exhibitions. Come explore the seven seas, guided by the light of over 15 historic lighthouses and navigate your way through this nautical wonderland. Get your telescopes primed and keep an eye out for sea creatures, mermaids and even a pirate ship, all created with plant parts. Don’t worry if you get seasick; train travel is still possible with our marvelous model trains! More information on planing your holiday visit can be found here. Note: This exhibit continues through Sunday, January 4, 2015.
Family Story Time: Teddy Bear Takeover
Petworth Library
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE!
Who runs the world? Teddy Bears!
Well, not really, but at Petworth Library they will rule for a day!
Many Americans celebrate teddy bears twice a year: Sept. 9 (National Teddy Bear Day) and Nov. 14 (National American Teddy Bear Day).
Bring your favorite teddy bear to Petworth Neighborhood Library for a cozy and fun teddy-themed Family Story Time with parachute songs, poems and a group photo. Afterwards, be sure to check out some teddy-centric tales for you and your plush pal to enjoy at home!
(Especially for ages 7 and younger.)
Winter Wonderland Fun
Deanwood Library
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 11:00 am ∙ FREE!
Experience wintertime merriment through seasonal stories, movies, festive things to make and crafts good enough to eat.
For ages 4-12.
Holiday Sing-Along
Lamond-Riggs Library
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 1:30 pm ∙ FREE!
Come and join us as we celebrate the season with jingle bells and other holiday favorite songs.
Holiday Party
Southwest Library
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Join us in the Children’s Room to celebrate the season with holiday-themed stories, crafts & karaoke singing.
Children under 9 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Reading and Refreshments with Mrs. Claus
Lamond-Riggs Library
Sunday, December 21 ∙ 1:30 pm ∙ FREE!
Welcome winter with Reading and Refreshments!
Mrs. Claus will be reading the classic, Yes Virginia There Is A Santa Claus and other Winter stories, followed by refreshments.
Hanukkah Crafts for Kids
Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Library
Sunday, December 21 ∙ 2:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Gear up for Hanukkah at the library.
Create your own Dreidel ornament and get some ideas for other fun Hanukkah-themed crafts you can do at home.
Children ages 2 and older will enjoy this simple holiday craft.
Zoolights
National Zoo
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 5:00 pm ∙ FREE Admission but parking is for a fee.
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a dazzling light show set to music! This event continues nightly through Thursday, January 1, 2015 (EXCEPT DEC 24, 25, 31).
37th Annual Festival of Lights
Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center
Through Thursday, January 1, 2015 ∙ Lights illuminate at dusk ∙ FREE Admission
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center.
Temple grounds glow with 600,000 lights
Nightly performances in indoor theater
Christmas trees decorated in international themes
Exhibit of crèches from around the world
Life-sized outdoor nativity
Fenton Street Market
Downtown Silver Spring
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 9:00 am
Featuring over 60 vendors, live music and lots of holiday cheer, we’re so excited to bring this event back to downtown Silver Spring this holiday season.
Alexandria’s Holiday Market
John Carlyle Square
Saturday, December 20 ∙ 11:00 am
Alexandria’s Holiday Market is an annual signature event that transforms the Carlyle District into a lively outdoor Holiday Market.
While shopping for unique art and craft items for your loved ones, enjoy live entertainment, traditional European food and sweets, wine, and beer. Local non-profit organizations are invited each weekend to be part of the event.
The event is free for the public to enjoy and spend quality time with their friends and family. Alexandria’s Holiday Market is the perfect place for children young and old; visit the children’s corner for kid’s activities to learn more about European traditions and culture. It is the one stop shop, bringing the local community together.
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
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.
The Harbor Holiday Market
National Harbor – on American Way
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 ∙ 12:00 pm
The market will be filled with delicious treats, hot drinks, gifts and fresh produce.
Warm up with Hot Chocolate, Winter Treats + much more at National Harbor’s retailers!
Rediscover the holiday season and make new traditions with National Harbor’s Holiday Market!
Holiday Art Bazaar & Live Performances!
Bloombars
Sunday, December 21 ∙ 12:00 pm
It’s time for the BloomBars Holiday Art Bazar! Vendors & Artisans: Reserve Your Space Today! Come celebrate the holiday season and support local and global artisans! We’re excited to curate an amazing group of artist and vendors to sell and showcase their goods from across the globe. Only original, hand-made work may be sold. Interested?
Special 2pm Performance by David Camero:
Networks Presents Disney’s Beauty And The Beast
Warner Theatre
Tuesday, January 6 thru Sunday, January 11, 2015 ∙ schedule varies ∙ $42-$122 [DISCOUNT AVAILABLE]
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.
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Enjoy your weekend!
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