Holiday Guide 2017 Listings

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30

BrewLights at ZooLights
Friends of the National Zoo’s hoppiest holiday event, BrewLights, a ticketed microbrew and craft beer event, will take place during ZooLights, powered by Pepco. Guests can enjoy beer tastings from a dozen breweries and sample savory foods from top local restaurants, all under the bright lights of DC’s favorite holiday tradition. All proceeds support the critical work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, including species preservation and animal care. 6-9 p.m. Tickets $55. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC. www.nationalzoo.si.edu

National Christmas Tree Lighting
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. Each year the National Park Service and National Park Foundation present the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, featuring popular entertainers and musical artists to add to the festivities. And if you can’t make it to the lighting ceremony, the gorgeous conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it’s accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. All day. President’s Park: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.thenationaltree.org

Not So Silent Night Holiday Concert
94.7 Fresh FM proudly presents the return of Not So Silent Night at the Fillmore Silver Spring – featuring Andy Grammer, Rachel Platten, Andreas Moss, Whitney Woerz and and the Cardinal Shehan School Choir. Tickets are $45 each. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD; www.947freshfm.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

The Nutcracker
DC’s perennial favorite! This celebrated production is set in historic Georgetown with George Washington and King George III, among other historical figures. Join again with family and friends, or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. Various dates and times. $30-$125. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, DC; www.washingtonballet.org

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

40th Annual Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center. A different performing artist or group is showcased each night, including bell ensembles, choirs, orchestras, and more! Enjoy nightly performances in indoor theater, Christmas trees decorated in international themes, exhibit of crèches from around the world and a life-sized outdoor nativity. Washington DC Temple Visitors’ Center: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr. Kensington, MD; www.dctemplelights.lds.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

Capitol Riverfront Tree Lighting
Join the Capitol Riverfront BID at the Canal Park Ice Rink for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy caroling, skating with Santa, warm holiday treats, photo-making fun, ornament decorating, and more activities for all ages to kick off the holiday season. Free to attend, 5-8 p.m. Canal Park: 200 M St. SE, DC; www.capitolriverfront.org

Cathedral Commons Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with a flurry of holiday activities at Cathedral Commons’ annual Holiday Tree Lighting! Join neighbors and friends on Newark Street for live performances, free giveaways, and food and drinks from neighborhood restaurants. Santa will join this year for free holiday photos with the family (including cats and dogs) before leading the countdown to the tree lighting at 8 p.m. Starts at 6 p.m. Cathedral Commons: 3401 Idaho Ave. NW, DC; www.cathedralcommons.com

Monroe Street Market Tree Lighting
Monroe Street Market’s second annual Tree Lighting event is happening on the outdoor plaza in front of Busboys & Poets. Enjoy festive holiday performances, free photos with Santa (cats and dogs are welcome too!), activities for kids, and food and drink offerings. At the end, the event will countdown to light the tree. 6-8 p.m. Monroe Street Market: 625 Monroe St. NE, DC; www.monroestreetmarket.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

47th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk
The Campagna Center presents the 47th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade. Thousands will join together for a full lineup of festivities that celebrates the rich Scottish heritage of Old Town Alexandria. Proceeds from all events of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend will benefit the Campagna Center’s core programs. Campagna Center: 418 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA; www.campagnacenter.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s A Christmas Carol
The Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holiday season with a return of the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim, A Christmas Carol is a must for the entire family. Various dates and times. Admission $17. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St. Alexandria, VA; www.thelittletheatre.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

Wunder Garten Winterfest
Wunder Garten will transform into a winter wonderland, festooned with decorations and decked in holiday lights. Winterfest will include a makers’ market, featuring Made in DC vendors, art installations and a Christmas tree lot. Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., and Fridays-Sundays from 12-8 p.m. Wunder Garten: 1101 First St. NE, DC; www.wundergartendc.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

Alexandria Archaeology Ornament Decorating Workshop
Decorate take-home paper ornaments using shapes, colors and patterns from the City’s finest 18th and 19th-century excavated artifacts. 1-4 p.m. It’s fun, it’s free and it’s for the entire family. No registration required. Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St. #327, Alexandria, VA; www.alexandriaarchaeology.org

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade  
At sundown, experience one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions. The Wharf will shine as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River. Boats will be decked to impress a panel of judges who will award prizes in mutliple categories. There will be live music from Go Go Gadjet, fireworks, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and a holiday beer and wine garden. The District’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is part of a Potomac River holiday tradition with the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade taking place the same evening. Events start at 4 p.m., the parade is from 6-8 p.m. District Wharf: 700 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

Frost Fest at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row’s signature winter event, Frost Fest, will feature an on-ice fireworks display, a live DJ, ice sculptures and special promotions! 5-8 p.m. Free to attend. Pentagon Row: 1201 S. Joyce St. Arlington, VA; www.pentagonrow.com

Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray
Kick off the holidays with a visit to Del Ray for the annual holiday tree lighting, featuring a special appearance by Santa Claus who will lead carols and sit for photos with children. Continue the celebration and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias. Pick your favorite in the neighborhood business association’s annual Christmas tree decorating contest. 6 p.m. Free admission. Pat Miller Neighborhood Square: Corner of Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Oxford Avenue in Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com

Manassas Christmas Parade
The 72nd Annual Manassas Christmas Parade will take place in the Greater Manassas area with more than 2,000 participants, including marching bands, balloons, floats, dance groups and more! Parade starts at 10 a.m. Free to the public. Manassas Christmas Parade: Various locations in Manassas, VA; www.gmchristmasparade.org

Open House at The Apothecary
Tour the historic Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and learn about this family run business and the products they sold to the residents of Alexandria between 1792 and 1933. Don’t miss the museum shop, which is filled with unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission. Apothecary Museum: 105 S. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA; www.alexandriava.gov

Open House at Carlyle House
Step back in time to see Carlyle House decorated for the holidays in the style of the 18th century. John Carlyle, one of Alexandria’s town founders, was a British merchant of Scottish descent. Come into the museum to warm up after the Scottish Walk Parade and learn more about 18th-century Alexandria! The Soldier’s Christmas program will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment and visitors will learn about colonial life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the American Revolution. 12-4 p.m. Free admission ($1 suggested donation). Carlyle House: 121 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA; www.carlylehouse.org

Rhode Island Row Tree Lighting
Rhode Island Row will bring a winter wonderland to Brentwood with a flurry of activities. Enjoy performances from Nelly’s Echo and District Dance Arts as you mingle through a variety of family-friendly activities, including giveaways for kids, a free s’mores station, and other festive holiday flavors you don’t want to miss. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Rhode Island Row: 2300 Washington Pl. NE, DC; www.rhodeislandrow.com

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-Along
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2017 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. 4-6 p.m. Free to attend. Wolf Trap’s Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

Smithsonian Holiday Festival
The 2017 event features family-friendly entertainment including a wide selection of festive events, exhibits, movie screenings and activities as well as seasonal decorations and festive food. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Free to attend. National Museum of American History: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, DC; www.americanhistory.si.edu

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

Candlelight Tours in the Mansion
Celebrate the holidays with a historical Christmas celebration. See the grounds lit for the holidays and enjoy a guided tour of the elegant mansion. Great for history lovers and Christmas enthusiasts alike! For adults and history buffs ages 16 and up. 6 p.m. on various dates. Tickets $15-$25. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden: 1644 31st St. NW, DC;www.tudorplace.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

Holiday Follies Cabaret at Signature
Holiday Follies makes its triumphant return for the yuletide season! Grab a hot toddy from Ali’s Bar and enjoy favorite seasonal tunes blended with humor and a generous helping of holiday cheer. Various dates and showtimes. Tickets $35. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; www.sigtheatre.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

Second City’s Twist Your Dickens
Experience Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol like never before! The Second City brings its infamous improvisational skills and sketch comedy mastery to the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Journey through this wicked parody of “the night before Christmas” with Tiny Tim, three ridiculous ghosts, and a brilliant cast of The Second City’s funniest comedians. $49-$75. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6

6th Annual Winternational
Winternational is an exciting celebration showcasing the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. This festival has the atmosphere of a bustling global marketplace with each embassy promoting their country through vibrant displays of visual art, food, handcrafts as well as travel and tourism exhibits. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free and open to the public, guests have the opportunity to travel the world and do some holiday shopping – all during the lunch hour! Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.itcdc.com

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Join DC in the lighting of the 2017 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn of the Capitol from 6-8 p.m. United States Capitol: East Capitol St. NE and First St. SE, DC;www.capitolchristmastree.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out
Join the Shops of Del Ray to shop local and enjoy special promotions while sipping Virginia wine. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out: Various locations on Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23

The SantaLand Diaries
In the interest of alt-holiday hilarity, Drafthouse Comedy Theater proudly presents The SantaLand Diaries by best-selling humorist David Sedaris, adapted by acclaimed theater director Joe Montello. Broadway actor Cameron Folmar stars as a gay, out-of-work writer who lands a job as a Macy’s elf – and spills the beans behind the scenes. Directed by DC theater veteran Lynn Sharp Spears, the solo show about a puckish Santa’s helper runs December 7 to 23, 2017. Various showtimes and dates. Tickets $20. Drafthouse Comedy Theatre: 1100 13th St. NW, DC; www.drafthousecomedy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

National Symphony Orchestra Pops: “A Holiday Pops!” featuring Megan Hilty
Dash through the snow to The Kennedy Center’s merrily adorned Concert Hall and warm your spirit with fresh takes on comforting classics and sing-along carols in this annual NSO tradition. Make an unforgettable holiday memory in a cozy, music-filled winter wonderland with your favorite yuletide tunes sung by Kennedy Center favorite and Tony®-nominated stage and screen star Megan Hilty (Broadway’s Noises Off, 9 to 5 and Wicked as well as NBC’s Smash). Various dates and times. $24-$99. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

Georgetown Glow: Light Art Exhibition
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine. 5-10 p.m. nightly. Free to attend. Georgetown Glow: Various exhibits near Georgetown Park located at 3222 M St. NW, DC; www.georgetownglowdc.com

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