12 Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit in D.C.

Celebrate the holidays by participating in these safe yet fun events taking place throughout the District and beyond. From watching music and dance performances at home to romantic strolls while gazing at intricate light displays, partake in holiday joy this season. 

Anytime

Kennedy Center Digital Stage Holiday Performances
Get into the holiday spirit by viewing holiday performances on the Kennedy Center website under their “Celebrate the Holidays!” section. The videos are free and there to help give you the holiday cheer you may need, especially during these hard times. Enjoy watching the variety of performances that vary from professional instrumentalists and choruses performing classical pieces to children dancing to popular Christmas hits like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” www.kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

Through 12.31

Holiday Flicks at The Wharf
This holiday season, come to Transit Pier at The Wharf to view your favorite holiday classics like “The Polar Express.” Up to four people can have the privilege of gathering around their personal fire pit while enjoying snacks and drinks in front of a 20-foot LED screen. One ticket is for one group of four, larger groups require purchasing additional fire pits and children under three can sit on their parents’ lap. Because of D.C.’s Covid guidelines, the max amount of people around the fire pit is six, and masks are required when not eating and drinking, getting food, or using the bathroom. $60. Click here for the full schedule of movies, dates and times. www.wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc 

Through 1.1

Visit the National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree is spectacular to see and the quintessence of a perfect Christmas tree. The enormous tree features an infinite amount of lights and ornaments that make this tree sparkle.  Also, it is the best place to take an instaworthy photo. Grab the family or your significant other and cozy up for your visit. Free. www.thenationaltree.org 

Through 1.10

2020 Light Yards
By social distancing, it is possible to come and see the breathtaking art installation at The Yards while being safe. Light Yards returned for its fifth year at the Sundeck on December 7 with new installation theme “Stars” created by Amigo & Amigo, an interactive lighting and design company. The installation is open to all ages and is the perfect experience for those in need of some holiday cheer. Visitors are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. The lights will be illuminated nightly from 6-10 p.m. until January 10. Free. www.theyardsdc.com // @theyardsdc

12.11-12.28

The 43rd Annual Festival of Lights Drive Through
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints decided to continue their tradition in a pandemic-friendly way with the 43rd Annual Festival of Lights Drive Through from 6-9 p.m. through December 28. The temple grounds have over 400,000 twinkling lights and two outdoor life-size nativities. As the cherry on top, you can enjoy some Christmas tunes that will be transmitted to your car through the FM radio channel 101.7. The church asks for all participants to follow protocols, which is to not park and remain in your vehicle at all times even when taking photos to keep not only yourself but others safe. Free. Washington DC Temple Visitors’ Center: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr. Kensington, MD; www.churchofjesuschrist.org

12.19

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long From Home
Wolf Trap is bringing holiday cheer to people with their Holiday Sing-A-Long but with a virtual spin to adhere to Covid protocols, enabling people to relax and watch from their couches while sipping hot chocolate. The digital event features performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and over 500 local singers leading the sing-along of classic Christmas carols prerecorded at The Barns at Wolf Trap. The first performance premiered December 5 and the next distinctive performance will premiere December 19. Free. www.wolftrap.org // @wolf_trap

12.19-12.20

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional stepping company, is bringing holiday cheer during these unprecedented times by sharing the art of stepping. The polyrhythmic movements, lively costumes, stage scenery and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin, the polar bear twins, and Pinky and Palo – makes the show spirited and magical. Although the opportunity to register to watch has closed, the experience can be enjoyed though Facebook and YouTube at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Free. www.stepafrika.org // @stepafrika 

12.20

2020 Winter Solstice Revels
Winter Solstice Revels is the perfect virtual event to tune into this holiday. Enjoy sing-alongs and performances by the Washington Revels’ virtual choruses of adults, teens and children, the Washington Revels Brass, and the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, an English folk dance from the Middle Ages, will also be featured as well as a folk play performed by special guests Mark Jaster, Sabrina Mandell and Happenstance Theater. The live event starts at 7 p.m. $35 per device. www.revelsdc.org // @revelsdc  

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show
Relish some of the greatest holiday hits like “Sleigh Ride,” “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth,” “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells,” performed by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC during their virtual holiday show. The production also comprises fresh dance numbers from 17th Street Dance and sing-alongs, and will be ASL interpreted. The show started on December 5 and runs through December 20. Tickets are $25 but are also complimentary for schools. LGBTQ+ student groups, frontline workers and people with financial hardships are eligible for discounted tickets. www.gmcw.org // @gmcwashington 

Virtual Holiday Paint N Sip
Join local artist Kellie Sanson in her Grinch-style virtual paint n sip where she will guide you through your painting from beginning to end via live video conferencing. Explore your artistic capabilities while sipping wine or hot cocoa in your comfortable pajamas. Admission is $15 (plus a $2.55 fee) for the online class only (kit not included), and the add-on sale for the 11 x 14 canvas upgrade has ended, which means you must purchase your own supplies. But do not worry, the list of recommended materials will be given before class. 7-9 p.m. www.eventbrite.com // @kelliesansonecreates

12.22 + 12.29

U.S. Botanic Garden Online Concert: Seasonal Music
Hear the sounds of the season in the U.S. Botanic Garden’s virtual music concert with upcoming performances by singer-songwriter, pianist and producer Chris “JChris” Urquiaga on December 22 and world jazz band Veronneau on December 29. The festive event filled with glorious music is a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and to fill a home with holiday cheer. Couples are highly encouraged to use that open space in the living room to dance to Chris Urquiaga’s smooth vocals and feel the romance with Veronneau’s jazz. The concert can be viewed on the U.S. Botanic Garden’s website or on their Facebook and YouTube channels. Free. www.usbg.gov // @usbotanicgarden 

12.29

Coyaba Dance Theater: In Spirit of Kwanzaa
Celebrate with Coyaba Dance Theater West African Dance Company in their virtual presentation based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa (umoja, kujichagulia, ujimaa, nia, kuumba, imani). Prepare for the immense amount of energy from the performers dancing and playing instruments to radiate upon your spirit. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www.danceplace.org // @danceplacedc

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