Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

All weekend

Tootsie at The National
Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”

Winterfest at Adventure Theatre
Get three winter-themed shows for the price of one! Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Playing through Jan. 2, 2022.

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre
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: 75 minutes. No intermission.. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Playing through Dec. 27, 2021.

A Christmas Carol at Olney Theatre
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. Playing through Dec. 26, 2021.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo
Join the Puppet Co. for our 33rd 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. Playing through Jan. 2, 2022.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre
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. Playing through Dec. 26, 2021.

Enchant Christmas: The Mischievous Elf is at Nationals Park through January 2, 2022. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they come right out of a childhood Christmas dream. Marvel at the 100 ft. animated tree, glide across the glistening Ice Skating Trail, pose for photos with Santa himself, and sip and savor delicious festive holiday treats every step of the way. Become part of the magical Christmas story of “The Mischievous Elf”. Eddie the elf has misplaced some very important gifts and needs your help finding them within the North Pole’s dazzling lights. Will you come and help save Christmas?

Christmas at the Gaylord now through December 31, 2021. There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than gathering your family at Gaylord National. Explore acres of twinkling lights and decorations and hours of exciting holiday activities, shows, and events, including our Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, I Love Christmas Movies™ featuring five beloved films. See this list of all of the fun activities.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™
The wildly popular train ride in Baltimore continues through SUNDAY only. Gold class tickets are already sold out. The remaining silver and bronze tickets are flying faster than Santa’s reindeer! Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever. Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of the The Polar Express. The performance will begin in our North Car Shop where you will be invited onto the Polar Express to travel by train to the North Pole. Once on the Polar Express, the classic Christmas tale will be performed, and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas!

Friday

4:00pm-9:00pm: Ice Maze at CityCenter
Bundle up in your most stylish winter wardrobe and prepare to have unanticipated twists and turns throughout the 150,000-pound clear ice maze that will light up throughout The Park at CityCenterDC.While this event is free and open to the public, CityCenterDC is encouraging visitors of the Ice Maze to make a donation to Children’s National Hospital Foundation and help spread the gift of giving in the community. Donate here today. Also, taking place on December 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed to public from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. each day for chilling repairs). No tickets are needed for this event. Face masks are suggested. This event is open to the public and CityCenterDC will follow all local and CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.

6:30pm-9:00pm: 12 Days of CapRiv: Holiday Drive-in Movies: Muppet Christmas
Hop in your sleigh (or car) and layer up in your best ski lodge gear or warmest “ugly holiday sweater” to head over to The Stacks at Buzzard Point for some festive holiday drive-in movies! As a special holiday treat Kilwins will be onsite selling hot chocolate, popcorn, candy and other goodies! Plus, in the spirit of the holidays, these drive-in movies will be free to attend (drive-ins welcome!), but movie-goers are encouraged to make a $20 donation to DC Central Kitchen.

7:30pm: The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule! Also playing next weekend.

8:00pm: Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military A Holiday Pops with Ingrid Michaelson at The Kennedy Center
Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military invites all current, retired, veteran, and prior service members to a special FREE performance of A Holiday Pops with Ingrid Michaelson.

Saturday

10:00am-1:00pm: Santa’s Workshop Meet & Greet
Come sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and snap a photo! Holiday crafts for kids. Food and drink for purchase.

10:00am-9:00pm: Ice Maze at CityCenter
Bundle up in your most stylish winter wardrobe and prepare to have unanticipated twists and turns throughout the 150,000-pound clear ice maze that will light up throughout The Park at CityCenterDC.While this event is free and open to the public, CityCenterDC is encouraging visitors of the Ice Maze to make a donation to Children’s National Hospital Foundation and help spread the gift of giving in the community. Donate here today.The glistening puzzle will also be open on Friday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed to public from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. for chilling repairs). No tickets are needed for this event.Face masks are suggested. This event is open to the public and CityCenterDC will follow all local and CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.

11:00am: The Polar Express Pajama Party at Miracle Theatre
Sip some hot chocolate in your PJ’s while watching this holiday classic. Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

11:00am: Corduroy at Imagination Stage
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search–with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. ASL-Interpreted performance: January 2 at 1:30 p.m. Sensory-Friendly performance: January 16 at 11:00 a.m. On stage through Jan. 24, 2022

11:00am: Corduroy at Imagination Stage
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search–with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love, based on the books by Don Freeman, captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. Best for ages 3-9.

11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm: The Mini-Nut at Montgomery College
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!

12:00pm-5:00pm: Holly TrolleyFest
Celebrate the season at National Capital Trolley Museum with toy trains and Santa. You can ride a streetcar and visit Santa and see the Winter Garden Railway.

2:00pm & 6:00pm: Joy of Christmas at The Washington National Cathedral
From all corners of Washington National Cathedral, voices rise, filling the arches with echoes of holidays past and the wonder of things to come. It’s time to surround yourself with feelings of comfort and warmth that come when the weather is cold and the music is bright. It’s time to restart the tradition of singing together in a space of beauty and community. Washington, D.C.’s holiday tradition since 1976 is back. Seraph Brass and Cathedral organist George Fergus join Maestro Steven Fox and the Cathedral Choral Society for an unforgettable return to choral music.

2:00pm & 7:00pm: Holiday Cheer at The Performing Arts Factory
A Cabaret of Holiday Songs from some of your favorite Other Voices Theatre performers!

2:00pm & 8:00pm: Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military A Holiday Pops with Ingrid Michaelson at The Kennedy Center
Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military invites all current, retired, veteran, and prior service members to a special FREE performance of A Holiday Pops with Ingrid Michaelson!

2:00pm & 7:30pm: The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule! Also playing next weekend.

4:00pm: A Celtic Christmas with Seán Heely Celtic Band at Strathmore
Join award-winning Irish fiddler Seán Heely and a cast of nationally-acclaimed Celtic performers on a magical journey through Scotland and Ireland during the holidays. The fiddle and bagpipes will sweep you away to Christmas time and Winter Solstice celebrations along with featured dancers from Scottish and Irish traditions that are sure to lift your holiday spirits and warm your heart. Kilts and tartan abound as the show travels through ancient Gaelic carols and songs, tucked in perfectly with lively Irish tunes and familiar Christmas melodies with a Celtic twist.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Caroling Christmas Trees
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! The corner of Half Street SE and N Street SE in the Ballpark District will come alive the weekend of December 11-12 with a forest of Christmas trees along the street and carolers performing holiday classics both Saturday and Sunday evening. Also featuring a can’t-miss Letters for Santa mailbox for kids and kids-at-heart to drop off their wishes for the year. Visit Half Street to see and sing along, drop off your letters to Santa, and enjoy specials from restaurants along the corridor.

Sunday

10:00am-1:00pm: Santa’s Workshop Meet & Greet
Come sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and snap a photo! Holiday crafts for kids. Food and drink for purchase.

10:00am-9:00pm: Ice Maze at CityCenter
Bundle up in your most stylish winter wardrobe and prepare to have unanticipated twists and turns throughout the 150,000-pound clear ice maze that will light up throughout The Park at CityCenterDC.While this event is free and open to the public, CityCenterDC is encouraging visitors of the Ice Maze to make a donation to Children’s National Hospital Foundation and help spread the gift of giving in the community. Donate here today.The glistening puzzle will also be open on Friday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed to public from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. for chilling repairs). No tickets are needed for this event.Face masks are suggested. This event is open to the public and CityCenterDC will follow all local and CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.

11:00am: Corduroy at Imagination Stage
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search–with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love, based on the books by Don Freeman, captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. Best for ages 3-9.

2:00pm: Holiday Cheer at The Performing Arts Factory
A Cabaret of Holiday Songs from some of your favorite Other Voices Theatre performers!

2:00pm: The Polar Express Pajama Party at Miracle Theatre
Sip some hot chocolate in your PJ’s while watching this holiday classic. Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

2:00pm: The Christmas Revels: A French-Canadian Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe! As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world. The cast of over 100, ages 9-90, invites you to join tradition bearers Karim Nagi, Shizumi Shigeto Manale and Mark Novak for this timeless fable. Sing along and dance through the aisles to eclectic instrumentals by Seth Kibel, Vladimir Fridman and Bob Abbott, with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. And as we prepare to call back the Sun, let’s light a candle, deck the hall, and revel in this exuberant blend of seasonal celebrations from around the world and across the centuries. Welcome Yule! Also playing next weekend.

4:00pm: Joy of Christmas at The Washington National Cathedral
From all corners of Washington National Cathedral, voices rise, filling the arches with echoes of holidays past and the wonder of things to come. It’s time to surround yourself with feelings of comfort and warmth that come when the weather is cold and the music is bright. It’s time to restart the tradition of singing together in a space of beauty and community. Washington, D.C.’s holiday tradition since 1976 is back. Seraph Brass and Cathedral organist George Fergus join Maestro Steven Fox and the Cathedral Choral Society for an unforgettable return to choral music.