holiday

Hanukkah celebrations in and around Washington, DC

November 30, 2023

Hanukkah begins December 7 this year! There are several ways to get festive in our area from menorah lightings to family Hanukkah parties to performances!

Nov. 30 – Dec. 31: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co.
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)?

Dec. 7 at 4:00pm: National Menorah Lighting
The annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally. The National Menorah is honored to have the presence of the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington perform at the lighting ceremony, often accompanied by a celebrity Jewish artist. Prominent guests including the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Congress and the diplomatic corps, as well as numerous senior Administration officials and international dignitaries and celebrities have participated in the ceremony. The event creates much joy and celebration throughout the entire Washington community and beyond. Music, food, entertainment and the “National Essay Winners” are main attractions of the National Menorah Ceremony.

Dec. 7 – Dec. 15 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Dec. 7 at 6:00pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Dec. 8 from 6:00pm-8:00pm: Lights & Ice: Hanukkah Skate Night
The Festival of Lights is back at the Canal Park Ice Rink with Free Skate Rentals for the first 150 attendees to glide around the outdoor menorah along with live music from DJ Ci Ci, free Hannukah-themed donuts, and hot cider from neighborhood confectionary shop Kilwins courtesy of the Capitol Riverfront BID; PLUS dreidels, glow sticks, gelt, and an exclusive Capitol Riverfront mug & hot cocoa kit for the first 100 attendees! The official menorah lighting will take place at 7:00 pm.

Dec. 10 from 10:30am-11:30am: Family Chanukah Party
Join us for a Chanukah gathering for families of young children!

Dec. 10 at 5:00pm: Light Up Arlington
Celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

Dec. 12 from 6:30pm-9:00pm: Hanukkah Party at National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Join the annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song! Explore the museum and enjoy food, music, and more.

Dec. 14 from 5:00pm-6:30pm: Community Menorah Lighting
It’s Chanukah time – and they’re bringing the celebration to you! Join as they light the candles, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, spin the dreidel and more!

Juneteenth Literature for Children

June 15, 2023

Free At Last

What is Juneteenth?

The History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom (Step into Reading)

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

Juneteenth (Beautiful Me)

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

Memorial weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

May 26, 2023

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day in addition to some familiar events. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested day trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car too long but will get you “away”. An obvious and free pick is to visit the various memorials along the Mall. Many events at Arlington National Cemetery can be found here and info on Rolling Thunder can be found here.

The Big Bounce America is taking over Fort Washington, Maryland this weekend through June 11; 10,000 square feet of bounce fun. Use code: MEM10 at checkout to redeem a 10% off offer.

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. All outdoor pools and splash pads will open Memorial Day weekend and will operate on a weekend schedule through June 25.

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks or hit a waterpark (see the bottom of the list). A few sprays in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.

Friday
5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
This season captures the breadth of the American musical experience with Latin fusion from ¡Tumbao! on May 26, zydeco from Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas on June 23, Indigenous fusion from Anderson Quartet on June 30, and funk and soul from the 8 Ohms Band on July 28. Another highlight is a special Juneteenth celebration concert with the Muneer Nasser Quintet on June 16, one of seven local acts this year.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday
Strawberry Jubilee Festival at Great Country Farms is the longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. To celebrate the royal strawberry, our Jubilee is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, a visit from the Strawberry Princess, great food and fun games for the whole family!

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington Cemetery
Members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided by the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. Visitors should not bring their own flowers. During this event, visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones throughout the cemetery.

11:00am: Black Birders Week STEM Day at National Museum of African American History
Did you know there is an entire week dedicated to Black birders, called Black Birders Week?
Black Birders Week began in 2020 to highlight the challenges and joys of Black nature enthusiasts, particularly birders. If you are interested in STEAM, including birds, nature, wildlife, and African American history, then this is the program for you! Museum visitors can participate in a bird walk on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor- Featured movie: Akkelah and the Bee
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

8:00pm-9:30pm: National Memorial Day Concert
Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also open to the public. The gates open at 5:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm.

Monday
2:00pm: National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its fourteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

Day (or overnight) trips-
Overnight trips for the family
Beach and State park
Day destinations (less than 2 hours away)
Trails, marshes & gardens
Outdoor fun
15 ways to get outdoors
Adult getaways

Easter egg hunts in and around Washington, DC

March 27, 2023

March 25- April 8 from 10:00am-5:00pm: Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! The Easter Bunny has hidden some eggs filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need your to help us find them! Be sure to get advance tickets as our Egg Hunts Sell out every year! Come see our spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $7.50 add-on per child with your paid farm admission.

April 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15 & 16 from 9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

March 25-26, Apr 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 & 9 : Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
There will be two weekends of Easter egg hunts! No pre-registration is available. Purchase your admission to the farm/hunts when you arrive. Hunts will be happening all day, between 10:30am and 3:30pm. Egg hunt areas are sectioned off according to ages 1-3 & 4-12.

April 1 & 8 (Various times): The Lee-Fendall House 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
Find Easter eggs hidden in the Lee-Fendall garden. Sessions also include crafts, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

April 1-9 (Various times): Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
They will host small, frequent egg hunts for children in different age groups (ages 1-3 and 4-6) throughout the days. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy. When you are ready to participate in the egg hunt, come to the egg hunt area and your child will line up with other children and pick up eggs. The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. The first egg hunt each time will be for the 1-3 year olds.

April 1 from 12:00pm-3:00pm: Eggstravaganza
For more than 20 years, National Community Church has hosted the Easter Eggstravaganza with no other reason than to be a blessing to families in the neighborhood and to put a smile on the faces of kids.

Easter basket gift ideas!

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in and near Washington, DC

Sign up for Jewish books and holiday resources!

February 27, 2023

Did you know that every child under age 12 in your family can receive their own FREE book each month?

PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 8 years old. Signing up is easy and takes less than 3 minutes.  Join today!

PJ Our Way (PJOW) is for kids ages 9-12, and they choose their own books each month, creating a tailored experience totally based on their own interests and reading level. Learn more and sign up your middle grade reader.

Both programs are open to families raising Jewish children.

If you would like to share more about Jewish holidays and traditions with your child, please visit the PJ Library Holiday Hub for ideas, recipes, videos, and more.

For the upcoming holiday of Purim (starts at sundown on Monday, March 6^th), traditions include

· Dressing up

· Telling the story of the holiday from the Book of Esther

· Using groggers (noisemakers) to drown out the name of the villain in the story

· Sharing gifts of food with friends,

· Eating hamantaschen (filled triangular cookies), and

· Donating to those in need.

Get ideas to celebrate at home on the PJ Library Purim Holiday HubPJ Library Purim Holiday Hub, or find an event to celebrate in the community at the local PJ Library events page.

PJ Library and PJ Our Way in Greater Washington are made possible by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and generous local donors.

Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in and around Washington, DC

January 13, 2023

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving forward.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The National Museum of African American History & Culture has a great resource complete with activities for children and families to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he stood for. It also includes talking points to start a conversation with kids about racism and activism.

We encourage you to volunteer with your family in whatever capacity fits your needs as we celebrate the legacy and life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Visit: Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library. After a recent library renovation, you’ll be amazed you are in a library; complete with a recording studio, dance studio, an indoor slide and a rooftop terrace.

Children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and marches:
Let the Children March
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sometimes People March
I am Martin Luther King, Jr

Rock Creek Park, in partnership with Rock Creek Conservancy will host the annual MLK Weekend of Service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of community action. With service events planned at Rock Creek Park and throughout the Rock Creek watershed, we invite our neighbors to join us and help their communities by picking up litter and removing invasive species from our beloved public green spaces!

DC Public Library events
From an Advocate Speech Contest, Essay & Poetry, Word Searches and more at various libraries.

Come experience the National Parks for free on January 16! National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

9:30am: MLK Jr Peace Walk
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the Washington DC metropolitan communities. Over a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ join annually in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC.

9:30am-12:30pm: 49th Annual MLK Jr Day Virtual Celebration
Join the City of Rockville for the 51^st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This free event features performances, awards, a keynote speaker, interactive booths and a continental breakfast (while supplies last).

10:00am-1:00pm: Clean Waterways Cleanup: MLK Day of Service 2022
All equipment is provided, please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rain or Shine. All supplies provided.

10:00am-5:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream Day
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history’s greatest visionaries. Open Mic, art-making, music, dance and more!

6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring! at the Kennedy Center
Join for a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. featuring Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. The annual program is presented as part of the Center’s Millennium Stage free performance series.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

New Year’s Eve for families in and around Washington, DC

December 28, 2022

We’ve never done the same celebrating twice when it comes to New Years Eve, thanks to all of the fun Washington, DC has to offer. However you ring in the new year, we wish you a happy and healthy 2023 and are so thankful to have spent another year sharing adventures and events with you all.

10:00am: Rocknoceros New Years Eve Ball at Jammin Java
Rocknoceros is returning to Jammin’ Java for New Year’s Eve 2022! Raise a glass of apple juice and count down to 12pm with Rocknoceros. Yes, that is 12PM, kids! The ball will drop on the stage at noon for all of us who plan to turn in before midnight.

10:00am-1:00pm: Noon Yards Eve
There’s no need to stay up until midnight, celebrate at Noon Yards Eve! Ring in 2023 at Noon Yards Eve! Come enjoy complimentary family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, including train rides through The Yards, inflatable slide and bounce houses, glitter tattoo artists, carnival games, music by DJ Alex Love, crafts, magic show, performance from TheUncle Devin Show, and more. The event will culminate with a countdown and celebration at noon to ring in the New Year!

10:00am-2:00pm: Midnight Noon
Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back! Count down to the new year at the Maryland Science Center’s annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities that will get you in the mood to celebrate. Explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits. Rock out to the bright and exuberant tunes of Marsha and the Positrons, and help us ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop!

10:00am-5:00pm: Noon Time New Year at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Help Port Discovery ring in 2023 with the annual Noontime New Year Event. Participate in hands-on winter-themed activities such as Snow Fun and a Polar Bear Party. This year, learn about a group of Time Travelers and hear their stories from different time periods. As well as witness the travelers make their jump through the Port Discovery Time Machine!

10:00am-4:30pm: Christmas at the Gaylord
ICE! is back as part of Christmas at Gaylord National. Don one of our signature blue parkas and step into a winter wonderland carved from two million pounds of colorful ice by our expert artisans in National Harbor. Experience the beloved holiday classic, “A Christmas Story™,” as presented through larger-than-life ice sculptures. Afterward, zip down a thrilling ice slide in this unique Gaylord Hotels experience. ICE! is presented by Pepsi. Ask about the package deals available at our resort hotel this Christmas.

11:00am-2:00pm: Shipgartens’s Noon Years Eve
Shipgarten’s Kids presents Noon-Years Eve! All the fun of New Years with a ball drop at noon, face painting, party favors and more!

12:00pm-12:00am: First Night Alexandria
We are excited to share that First Night Alexandria will return this year with activities in Old Town from noon until midnight on Saturday, December 31, 2022! Event organizers are planning another safe and responsible return to our family-friendly New Year’s Eve experience in Alexandria.

Order Milk Bar’s BRAND NEW Chocolate Mint Chip Cake and Truffles and the return of the ever-popular Peppermint Bark Snaps in a new mini size!

Year Cheer can help you get in the celebrating mood, while supplying fun decorations and games in a box that is delivered to your doorstep. We are big fans of the curated boxes and love supporting a local Mom!

Also, don’t forget about holiday shows, ballets and concerts, tree lightings and holiday markets, and ice skating!

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2022 guide to holiday shows, ballets and concerts in and around Washington, DC

November 17, 2022

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Nov. 18-Dec. 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming José Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s beloved Radio Play adaptation, featuring traditional caroling and new staging throughout. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a memorable journey. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Strathmore: Nov. 19
This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony!

Kansas City Ballet: The Nutcracker at The Kennedy Center: Nov. 23-27
Kansas City Ballet’s seasonal tradition, The Nutcracker, returns to the Kennedy Center to continue our annual holiday presentation of America’s best Nutcrackers. The company’s production is hailed as “positively oozing charm” by The Washington Post, promising grandeur, laughter, and a snowfall of holiday magic!

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo: Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Join the Puppet Co. for our 34th annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

A Christmas Carol at Olney Theatre: Nov. 25-Jan. 1
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Olney’s favorite Christmas tradition. Paul Morella’s captivating solo performance of the Dickens classic keeps audiences coming back season after season. They come for the masterful storytelling and come back for the way Paul keeps this tale fresh, year-after-year. 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. Adapted from Dickens’ original novella and reading tour, Morella’s solo version will transport you back to Victorian England and into the heart of this classic morality tale. This critically acclaimed production has become a holiday must-see.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Nov. 25-Dec. 30
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, Experience the magic of The Washington Ballet’s charmingly-DC The Nutcracker! This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With 30 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed.

Encore Stage & Studio present- A Fairytale Christmas: Dec. 2-4
In this remake of a Christmas classic, your favorite fairy tale characters bring to life the story of
Ebeneezer Scrooge’s magical Christmas Eve. Mother Goose lends her talents to narrate the
story as the Big Bad Wolf takes on the humbugging lead role. Cinderella, the Three Little Pigs,
Old King Cole, and many more help create a new twist on the traditional Dickensian story told
every December.

Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 2-4
A Christmas season tradition: the Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other to experience Handel’s iconic work. Shortened “Family Edition” available on Saturday at noon. Live webcast available for Sunday’s performance.

Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap: Dec. 3
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas at Kennedy Center: Dec. 3
Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! This year, our annual sell-out event spotlights ferociously talented Japanese musical phenom Hiromi, Mountain Stage’s Bob Thompson, and Bolivian prodigy José André Montaño, chosen as one of the Kennedy Center’s “Next 50” leaders.

Atlas Presents Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra: A Bohemian Christmas at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Dec. 5
Celebrate the holidays with performances of cool classics by Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn, Stan Kenton, and a handful of arrangements by BCJO Ghosts of Christmas Past. Directed by Brad Linde and Joe Herrera, the 17-piece big band is enjoying its 12th year of adventurous and exciting programming.

NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert: Dec. 6
The National Symphony Orchestra continues its series of casual, affordable concerts—a new way to enjoy the symphony! Don your favorite holiday sweater (ugly or not) as the NSO decks The Anthem’s halls with all of your favorite festive songs.

Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military at the Kennedy Center: Dec. 8-10
Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military invites all current, retired, veteran, and prior service members and their families to a special FREE performance of A Holiday Pops! This year, our sparkling, sing-along holiday celebration returns with Tony Award^®-winning actress and singer Laura Benanti performing festive favorites like “Jingle Bell Rock,” Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Baby,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and so much more.

Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage: Dec. 9-18
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom — Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear — along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family!

Joy of Christmas at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 10-11
Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. CCS’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition that all should experience.

The Christmas Revels: Celtic Crossroads: Dec. 10-11 & 16-18
Join Washington Revels to celebrate the season with rousing carol sing-alongs—including a rollicking “Twelve Days of Christmas,” a new “old” Mummers play featuring characters from many traditions, and dancing in the aisles with our multigenerational cast of 80. Enjoy songs of the Old World and new by local favorites the Whiskey Before Breakfast Band; the Highland pipes, great and small; and the majestic sounds of the Washington Revels Brass.

The Mini-Nut at Montgomery College: Dec. 10-11
The Mini-Nut is MYB’s abbreviated version of The Nutcracker geared towards younger audiences. This one hour version is a great introduction to ballet for our youngest theatre goers. The performance is approximately one hour long with no intermission. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

A Muppet Christmas Carol at the Kennedy Center: Dec. 11
Join the Kennedy Center for a FREE film screening in the Justice Forum at the REACH. The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine).

Postmodern Jukebox: A Very Postmodern Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 13
Since Scott Bradlee began Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, the project has grown to become a pop culture mainstay. Spinning modern hits into vintage tunes, Postmodern Jukebox introduces audiences around the world to some of the greatest singers, dancers, and musicians on the scene. You may recognize them from such viral arrangements as their 1950s bandstand version of Radiohead’s “Creep,” with over 105 million views on YouTube.

Ballet Theatre of Ukraine Presents: Swan Lake at Strathmore: Dec. 14
Swan Lake is the most famous ballet of classical heritage. His theatrical fate vividly illustrates all the significant aesthetic and artistic changes that the 20th-century ballet theater has undergone. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece attracted the attention of many choreographers in the world.

Strathmore Children’s Chorus: With Bells On: Dec. 15
Join Strathmore Children’s Chorus as we embark on our eleventh season celebrating the music of the holidays, music representing the diversity of cultures and traditions in our community and join us as we collaborate with the Virginia Bronze handbell ringing ensemble.

Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center: Dec. 15-18
Celebrated Baroque authority Fabio Biondi and four exceptional singers make their NSO debuts at our joyous holiday tradition! Experience all of the hope, redemption, and grace of Handel’s masterwork in the festively decorated Concert Hall as Biondi conducts an intimate performance of Messiah the way it was premiered in Dublin, 1742.

An Irish Carol at Keegan Theatre: Dec. 15-31
An original work by Keegan favorite Matthew J. Keenan, AN IRISH CAROL is an homage to Dickens’ classic – told as only the Irish can. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve – challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present, and faced with the reality of a lonely future – David’s life may change forever.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at MGM National Harbor: Dec. 15-18
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!

The Washington Chorus Presents A Candlelight Christmas: Dec. 16
Celebrate the holidays in style at The Washington Chorus’ “A Candlelight Christmas!” Under the direction of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, “A Candlelight Christmas” is a 75-minute holiday music experience featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and thrilling special guests. TWC’s “A Candlelight Christmas” is among the DC region’s most treasured traditions so you don’t want to miss this unforgettable holiday experience!

The Nutcracker at Montgomery College: Dec. 16-26
Magical dolls, life-sized mice, dancing snowflakes, and an enchanting kingdom of sweets return to stage this holiday season for Maryland Youth Ballet’s full-length production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the incredible dancing and dazzling costumes bring to life the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.

The Most Wonderful Time of Year at Olney Theatre: Dec.16-31
Did you know that there are almost one thousand, religious, federal, national, and just plain fun holidays in the month of December? Our reasons for love and joy tend to overflow this time of year. Yet, there has never been a musical celebration to talk about the common threads in them all; the gathering of family and friends, the presents, the movies, the food, the prayers, the singing and dancing, and the memories yearly made. What song makes you think of Grandma’s latkes or your mom’s pumpkin pie? What holiday movie makes you think of a lost relative and smile? Emotions and gratitudes will overflow this holiday season at Olney Theatre Center as we invite you to join us at the world premiere event, The Most Wonderful Time of The Year.

A Magical Cirque Christmas at The National: Dec. 16-18
The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday production – A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.

Freedom Choir Holiday Concert at Imagination Stage: Dec. 16-18
Join Imagination Stage and the newly formed Freedom Choir under the direction of Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr., Artist In Residence at IStage, as they present “HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR!” A fun filled family and friends show that will guarantee to have you singing and dancing along. This diverse and talented group will display their incredible abilities through singing and dance. The concert will feature favorite songs for the holidays including songs in other languages from around the world.

A Candlelight Christmas! at Kennedy Center: Dec. 17-18
Under the direction of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, “A Candlelight Christmas!” is a 75-minute holiday music experience featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and thrilling special guests. TWC’s “A Candlelight Christmas!” is among the DC regions most treasured traditions so you don’t want to miss this unforgettable holiday experience!

NatPhil: Handel’s Messiah at Strathmore: Dec. 17-18
Hallelujah! It’s time for to mark the most wonderful time of the year with Handel’s Messiah. Messiah is a time-honored tradition that offers the occasion for community to come together and embrace the comfort and joy this holiday classic unfailingly brings every year. We hope your family will join our National Philharmonic family in celebration. Tis the season!

Capital City Symphony: Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Dec. 18
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come celebrate the holiday season with Capital City Symphony and Potomac Fever! Potomac Fever is a close-knit harmony a cappella group made up of members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Grab your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun-filled concert and sing along featuring your favorite holiday classics. We can’t wait to revel in the spirit of the holiday season with you!

The Hip-Hop Nutcracker at Strathmore: Dec. 19-22
This holiday mash-up is back by popular demand and celebrating its 10th anniversary season! Join Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they set off for a magical adventure…in modern day New York City. The Hip Hop Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s classic score punched up by all-star contemporary and hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Innovative visual effects transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of modern urban life. Through this remixed and reimagined version of the holiday classic, The Hip Hop Nutcracker takes us on a journey that celebrates love and community.

O Night Divine! Christmas with Choral Arts: Dec. 19 & 24
Embrace the magic of the Christmas season from the sheer excitement of a morning in community with one another to the snowy lilts of a lullaby.

Family Christmas Service at National Cathedral: Dec. 23
Heaven and nature sing! A menagerie of live animals helps bring the Nativity to life in this joyful service of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones of all ages to welcome the Holy Family in the festively decorated Cathedral nave.

Gospel Christmas: The Light Has Come at National Cathedral: Dec. 23
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Hear the good news as it comes to life in our annual service of gospel Christmas music, poetry, and readings from Holy Scripture. Canon Theologian Kelly Brown Douglas delivers the homily.

A Family Christmas at the Kennedy Center: Dec. 24
For the Young and the Young at Heart. Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them!

Christmas Day Organ Recital at National Cathedral: Dec. 25
Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ.