Holiday Guide 2017 Listings

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

Alexandria Black History Museum’s How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop
Have you ever wanted to celebrate Kwanzaa, but are not sure how to begin? Join the staff of the Alexandria Black History Museum and Marilyn Patterson, CEO of Joyous Events, for an informative morning that includes the history of Kwanzaa, and hints on easy-to-make crafts, games, gifts, recipes and holiday decorating. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $2 admission. Alexandria Black History Museum: 902 Wythe St. Alexandria, VA; www.alexandriava.gov

Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl
Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specialty cocktails, beer and food specials at select Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood bar crawl to benefit local nonprofits. Starts at 4 p.m. Free to attend. Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl: Various locations in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA; www.visitdelray.com

DC Santa Crawl
The DC Santa Crawl is the city’s LARGEST Holiday celebration. Santa’s elves have been busy adding more bars, specials, DJs and entertainment this time around, so gather your jolliest ensemble, and get ready to bar hop through more than 15 of Dupont Circle’s best bars. You’ll also receive a refillable signature Santa mug, exclusive drink and food specials, and a raffle entry to win great prizes. 2-10 p.m. Tickets $40. Front Page: 1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW, DC; www.dcsantacrawl.com

Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
Travel through centuries of local history and learn about Alexandria during the holiday season. Enjoy each site by candlelight, smell seasonal greenery, sip on drinks and taste the historic period inspired food. Seasonal libations will be available for purchase. Lloyd House will host members of Beth El Hebrew Congregation, the oldest Jewish congregation in Northern Virginia, for Hanukkah traditions. 4-9 p.m. $20-$25 admission. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: 134 N. Royal St. Carlyle House: 121 N. Fairfax St.; Lee-Fendall House: 614 Oronoco St.; Lloyd House: 220 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA; www.alexandriava.gov

NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas
Celebrate the season with a stylish twist on your favorite holiday classics. The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual holiday tradition featuring four celebrated jazz pianists performing their favorite seasonal music. 7 and 9 p.m. $55-$70. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

Russian Winter Festival
Celebrate Sviatki, the festive winter season, in traditional Russian style! Meet Grandfather Frost, Russia’s Santa Claus, and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden in a fun family play based on traditional Russian stories, produced by Flying V Theatre. Join in the playful antics of mummers parading in animal costumes and discover what the new year has in store from fortunetellers strolling the estate, presented by Happenstance Theater. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets $5-$18. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden: 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, DC; www.hillwoodmuseum.org

Wreath Workshops: Historic Greenery
Make your own wreath for the holidays! The garden at Tudor Place is more than 200 years old, and beautiful trees have been added through the centuries. Design your own festive mix of greens fresh-cut from the heirloom plants like holly, pine, cedar, magnolia and cypress to craft a beautiful, historic decoration. No experience required! Workshop registration includes instruction and all materials needed for one wreath per participant. 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. $45-$55. Tudor Place Historic House & Garden: 1644 31st St. NW, DC; www.tudorplace.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

Winterwilds Market
A holiday gift-hunting safari featuring independent and emerging brands, makers, live music and creative workshops. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free to attend. Park Potomac: 12435 Park Potomac Ave. Potomac, MD; www.winterwildsmarket.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra: A Bohemian Christmas
There’s something about a big band that encapsulates the spirit of the season. Even though the legendary nightclub it’s named for is now closed, the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra (BCJO), a 17-piece big band, is still going strong and continuing its quest to simultaneously embrace and challenge the treasured traditions of big band repertoire. Featuring some of DC’s best musicians, the BCJO performs a holiday concert that includes classics from Ellington, Basie and Strayhorn. 3 and 7 p.m. $30. The Music Center at Strathmore: 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert
The Colonial English Handbell Ringers perform clad in colonial attire, bringing a five-octave set of nearly 80 hand bells from the world-famous Whitechapel foundry in London. The ringers will perform children’s classics, timeless holiday tunes, and original show-stoppers. Audience participation in the sing-a-long encouraged. 2 and 4 p.m. Free to attend. The Lyceum: 201 S. Washington St. Alexandria, VA; www.colonialringers.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22

The Washington Chorus Presents A Candlelight Christmas
It’s not Christmas without The Washington Chorus! Featuring brass, organ, sing-alongs and the magnificent Candlelight Processional, A Candlelight Christmas includes your favorite songs such as “The Dream Isaiah Saw,” “Hallelujah Chorus” and more Christmas favorites to fall in love with. Various dates and times. $18-$72. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball
Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball 2017 presented by Capitol One in the season with its annual star-studded holiday concert. Top recording artists Fall Out Boy, Ke$ha and Logic will lead the all-star lineup. The celebration will benefit the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $50-$200. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; www.ticketmaster.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12

The National Menorah Lighting
Chanukah kicks off with this lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes and doughnuts and menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Marine Band and the Three Cantors will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah. 4 p.m. President’s Park: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; www.nationalmenorah.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13

The Hip Hop Nutcracker
This holiday mash-up for the whole family is back by popular demand! The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive hip-hop choreography. A dozen all-star dancers, an onstage DJ, and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. 7:30 p.m. $28-$58. The Music Center at Strathmore: 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

Rosslyn Winter Holiday Concert
Join for a fun holiday evening around the tree on Central Place Plaza! Enjoy some live music while sipping on a glass of hot wine or peppermint schnapps, and participating in fun holiday games. Don’t leave before you step inside the life-size snow globe photo booth and bring home a unique holiday picture card! It will be free and open to public from 12-10 p.m. Central Place Plaza: 1800 Lynn St. Arlington, VA; www.rosslynva.org

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Based on TSO’s multi-platinum DVD and long-running PBS fundraiser, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, the rock opera features such enduring fan-favorites as “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Canon,” “Music Box Blues,” “Promises To Keep” and “This Christmas Day.” This year’s tour will also boast a rousing second set containing more of TSO’s greatest hits and fan-pleasers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $46-$78. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, DC; capitalonearena.monumentalsportsnetwork.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

NSO Presents Handel’s Messiah
Join the NSO, gifted singers and a heavenly chorus for this annual holiday tradition! This year, conductor Jeannette Sorrell brings fresh perspective to Handel’s cherished “Messiah” with gifted soloists and the University of Maryland Concert Choir. Experience all the hope, redemption and grace of this angelic masterpiece in the festively decorated Concert Hall. Various dates and times. $15-$89. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music, with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment in winter encampment, and learn 18th-century dance moves from costumed guides in the geenhouse. George and Martha Washington will also be on site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. 5:30-9 p.m. $20-$34. Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. Mount Vernon, VA; www.mountvernon.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23

Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming
Folger Consort celebrates the season with evocative Advent and holiday music from Germany, from the medieval majesty of the 15th-century Glogauer Liederbuch to the flower of the 17th-century German Baroque. The music of Praetorius, Schütz, Schein, and Scheidt is performed, along with festive dances and canzonas. With lute, organ, viol consort Arcadia Viols and vocal ensemble Cathedra. Various dates and times. Tickets $50. Folger Shakespeare Library: 201 East Capitol St. SE, DC; www.folger.edu

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Show
This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! and special guest, DJ Frosty the Snowman. Over the years, this internationally renowned percussive dance company has created a contemporary holiday tradition at the Atlas, featuring friendly, furry characters, pre-show instrument-making workshops, photo ops, and even a dance party. Why celebrate the holidays sitting still when you can step with Step Afrika! Various dates and times. $18-$45. The Paul Sprenger Theatre: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

Holiday Ornament Workshop
This free family-friendly workshop provides the opportunity to create paper ornaments for the holiday season. All materials are provided. If you have special paper you would like to use, feel free to bring it the day of the event. No registration required. 2 p.m. Free to attend. Brentwood Arts Exchange: 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD; www.arts.pgparks.com

NogFest at The Wharf
Enjoy a mug of your favorite seasonal drink or sample other tasty winter beverages at the Waterfront Beer & Wine Garden. Ride the mechanical reindeer and try your hand at snowman bowling. There will be fun activities for all ages, and live music at District Pier. 1-4 p.m. Free to attend. The Wharf: 700 Water St. SW, DC; www.wharfdc.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

2017 Nationals Winterfest
Winterfest will include interactive holiday and baseball activities for fans of all ages. Fans can meet and greet their favorite Nationals players and mascots, take a photo with Santa, strike a pose at the life-sized snow globe photo station, and donate a toy to a child in need. 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for kids and $35 for adults. Washington Convention Center: 801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW, DC; www.m.mlb.com

Kwanzaa Celebration at Dance Place
Celebrate this holiday season at Dance Place’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration, under the direction of Sylvia Soumah. Gather family and friends to join Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests to celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Saturday, December 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 4 p.m. $15-$30. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

Sunday with Santa at Hooray for Books!
Hooray for Books! and Visit Alexandria are pleased to present photos with the region’s most beloved Santa and Mrs. Claus. Advanced reservation required. Time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a five-minute slot for your child to meet with Santa, please buy a Hooray for Books! gift card, in any denomination, for staff to select books, toys and games to donate to the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program’s Holiday Party. 12-3 p.m. Hooray for Books!: 1555 King St. Alexandria, VA; www.hooray4books.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Celebrate this Christmas with the experience taking North America by storm! Marking the 25th North American anniversary tour in 2017, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production values and world class Russian artists. Larger than life puppets, nesting dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why The New York Times raves “Knock Out!” and L.A. Times raves “Christmas Cheer!” Various dates and times. $28-$88. The Music Center at Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda, MD; www.strathmore.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24

Waterskiing Santa
Now in its 32nd year, this favorite DC area Christmas Eve tradition comes to Old Town Alexandria for the fourth time. Gather at Alexandria’s waterfront for a spectacular show by the Waterskiing Santa and his wakeboarding reindeer, plus flying elves, the Grinch and his friends, Frosty the Snowman, and Jack Frost. 1 p.m. Free. Waterskiing Santa: Alexandria’s waterfront between King and Oronoco Streets in Alexandria, VA; www.waterskiingsanta.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28

Military Bowl Parade
Come to one of the DMV’s favorite gameday traditions – the Military Bowl Parade! The Budweiser Clydesdales will lead the way as another exciting bowl season in Annapolis is launched. After the parade, join in the official Military Bowl Tailgate on the west side of the stadium. 9:30 a.m. Parade and tailgate admission is free. City Dock: Dock Street in Annapolis, MD; www.militarybowl.org

New Year’s Eve Events

Check out On Tap Magazine’s December issue for a full list of New Year’s Eve events, also available here on our calendar.

Happy Holidays!

Event details are subject to change; check event websites for updates.