Arts & Entertainment:
Happenings in Metro DC
**Including Holiday Events**
December 25 – 31, 2014
Always call or check the event website before heading out;
Event information is subject to change.
***Washington D.C.***
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.
Kwanza Triple Play: The first day of Kwanza (Umoja: oo-MOH-jah)
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Friday, December 26 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE!
Celebrate Kwanzaa with arts, crafts, and music in the museum’s popular three-day event honoring this traditional African American holiday. Entertainment will be provided by Nabeeh Bilal and “Winston”, his Caribbean puppet character from the children’s book Callaloo, a Jazz Folktale. Winston will teach visitors the seven guiding principles of the holiday.
Family of Praise
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Friday, December 26 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The Richmond-based gospel group presents an evening of gospel and holiday-related programming.
Kwanza Triple Play: The second day of Kwanza Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah)
Presented by: Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Venue: Fort Stanton Recreation Center
Saturday, December 27 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ FREE!
Enjoy a special performance by the KanKouran West African Dance Company on day two of the museum Kwanzaa celebration.
Note: This second day of the program takes place at the Fort Stanton Recreation Center.
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.
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+
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.
Zan McLeod’s Celtic Holiday
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Monday, December 29 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Enjoy traditional Irish music and step-dancing as guitarist Zan McLeod collaborates with the group Skylark, comprised of Elise Kress (flute and vocals) and Alex Mitchell (fiddle, mandolin, and vocals), and with the Culkin Irish Dancers.
“Making Their Mark” Family Day
National Archives
Tuesday, December 30 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ FREE!
Come and bring your family to the Boeing Learning Center in the National Archives Museum to explore the many ways people have placed their signature on history, from developing a signature style to signing groundbreaking policy into law. The day will feature family fun with hands-on activities, such as writing with a quill pen, Presidential Catch Phrase, and making signature hats, all based on the new exhibition, “Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures.”
Sweet Heaven Kings
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Tuesday, December 30 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
The acclaimed 16-member gospel brass and percussion band from Anacostia performs a joyful holiday program.
Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra
Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Wednesday, December 31 ∙ 6:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Brooklyn-based Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, led by percussionist Gianni Mano and fronted by Argentinian superstar Solange Prat. The program features indie pop tunes arranged under the influence of the ’70s Fania/Salsa Dura scene and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
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.
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.
Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous
National Geographic
Through Sunday, April 12, 2015 ∙ $0-$11
Meet Spinosaurus. At over 50 feet long, 20 feet high and weighing in at 6 tons, Spinosaurus is the largest predatory dinosaur to ever roam the Earth — even bigger than T. rex. This bus-sized dino’s extraordinary features include a crocodile-shaped skull and 7-foot spines forming a sail along its back. Spinosaurus is unlike any other dinosaur you’ve seen or heard of before. Encounter this bizarre predator for the first time at the world premiere of “Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous.”
In this exhibition, you can explore a full-sized skeletal model as well as genuine dinosaur fossils and learn about the latest technologies modern paleontologists use. Travel with National Geographic explorers and scientists to the remote edges of the Sahara to discover the origins of this rare African dinosaur and the mysterious journey that led to its rediscovery.
***Maryland***
Family Painting Fun
VisArts at Rockville
Friday, December 26 & Saturday, December 27 ∙ 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.
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.
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***
Children’s Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturdays, December 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?
Free Community Day
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Sunday, January 4, 2015 ∙ 12:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Visit us on Community Day for FREE admission to the museum—take this opportunity to explore our collection and current exhibitions.
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.
Picturing Mary Workshop: Wood Engraving
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Saturday, January 10, 2015 ∙ 10:00 am ∙ $13-$15
Guest artist Rosemary Feit Covey will introduce wood engraving, a form of woodcut printmaking, to a multigenerational audience. Participants will have ample time to learn from this skilled artist, practice the technique using specialized materials and tools, and explore prints in the exhibition. This workshop is designed to instruct and engage audiences ages 14 and up.
2nd Saturday Art Walk
Workhouse Arts Center
Saturday, January 10, 2015 ∙ 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.
Arlington Philharmonic Concert
Presented by: Arlington Philharmonic
Venue: Washington-Lee High School
Sunday, January 11, 2015 ∙ 3:00 pm ∙ FREE!
Join Arlington Philharmonic for an afternoon of classical favorites, including works by Frescobaldi, Schubert, and Rachmaninoff! DC-based pianist Sara Daneshpour is featured as our soloist in Rachmaninoff’s third piano concerto. Admission is free and no tickets are required; however, a $20 donation is suggested. Repertoire includes Frescobaldi’s Toccata, Schubert’s “Unfinished” symphony, and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
Kid’s Day Out-Loose With Mother Goose
Arts Harmony Hall Regional Center
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 ∙ 10:30 am ∙ $5
A really fun revue featuring popular and obscure Mother Goose nursery rhymes, along with a few original story songs by the Kinderman. There are great visuals that accompany these stories, and of course as is the basis for all Kindercise shows, there is call and response, rhythm movement and chanting.
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.
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 Cheer 2014
DC Holiday Events:
Music, Dance, Theatre & More!
Plan your Holiday Celebrations in Metro DC with CultureCapital.com. With nearly 100 events ranging from the traditional Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and Vienna Boys Choir…to the offbeat Second City’s Nut-Cracking and Jackie Hoffman’s A Chanukah Charol….and everything in between (including Santa’s Fly In), you’ll find plenty to keep you, your friends and your family entertained this Holiday Season with Holiday Cheer at CultureCapital.com.
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