Radar: To Do in D.C. 12.23-12.27

Between Christmas and the beginning of Kwanzaa, there is much to celebrate this weekend. Catch a Christmas concert or two from home, attend a virtual theater performance and kick off Kwanzaa virtually with a livestream celebration. Read on for all this and more in our weekend events calendar. Note: All descriptions courtesy of hosts of events and edited for clarity.

Ongoing

Christmas with the Folger Consort
For its annual holiday concerts, the Consort rejoices with a mix of Yuletide favorites. The rippling counterpoint of J.S. Bach’s “Wachet auf (Sleepers Wake),” composed during his time in Leipzig, is heard alongside Michael Praetorius’ wonderful setting of the same 16th-century Advent text from a century earlier. Complementing the joyous German holiday fare are Christmas classics from the English and American traditions, including festive carols by 18th-century American choral composer William Billings. This concert will be presented virtually and available on-demand through January 5. $25-$50. www.folger.edu // @folgerlibrary

Christmas Carol Streaming
It wouldn’t be Christmas at Olney without Paul Morella’s solo performance of “A Christmas Carol.” This season, Olney Theatre created this new, filmed version of his one-man show celebrating the Charles Dickens classic. Even better, you can watch as many times as you like before January 3. $20. www.olneytheatre.org // @olneytheatre

12.23

The Night We Stole Christmas
This livestreamed holiday concert features Glass Animals, Wallows, Cold War Kids and more special guests. This year’s event benefits Project SHINE! One dollar of every ticket will be donated to www.volunteermatch.org. It will be an evening of exclusive performances and holiday merriment.
9 p.m. $17.50. www.nocapshows.com // @nocapshows

12.24

Christmas Eve Igloos
Stay warm all winter long in the Watergate Hotel’s cozy Winter Igloos. These heated igloos are located on the patio of the Next Whisky Bar and can accommodate up to six guests each. On Christmas Eve, celebrate the holidays with friends over a special seasonal menu. 4:30-10 p.m. $150. The Watergate Hotel: 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, DC; www.thewatergatehotel.com // @watergatehotel

The Nutcracker
Northern Virginia’s favorite Nutcracker is back to help you celebrate the holidays. Join sweet Clara, naughty Fritz, the party guests and dancing dolls, and of course, Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince as they lead the way through a dreamy journey of fantasy and sweets. The Nutcracker is a wonderful holiday show for all ages, featuring international company dancers from the beautiful Hylton Performing Arts Center. 7:30 p.m. $25. www.manassasballet.org // @manassasballettheatre

12.25

A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play
In time for the holiday season and in partnership with WAMU 88.5 FM, Ford’s Theatre presents a one-hour radio play adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” featuring acclaimed Washington actor Craig Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge. This adaptation of the popular Ford’s Theatre holiday tradition captures the magic of Dickens’ Yuletide classic. Tune in to WAMU 88.5 to join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. 12 p.m. Free. www.fords.org // @fordstheatre

Christmas Day Organ Recital Livestream
Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and George Fergus present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ. Make a cup of cocoa, wear your holiday-appropriate ugly sweaters and socks, and celebrate Christmas with the National Cathedral. 12-1 p.m. Free, donations accepted. www.cathedral.org // @wncathedral

12.26

It’s A Kwanzaa Celebration
Substantial Art & Music with Creative Suitland Arts Center will host its second annual It’s a Kwanzaa Celebration, a virtual holiday program featuring performing artists and educators from the DMV. This year, due to the pandemic, the organizers decided to hold the celebration virtually on the first day of Kwanzaa. In honor of this holiday, they will celebrate with eight program segments including a restorative justice presentation by Randy Green, yoga by Lisa Renee, performances by Substantial, Tamara Wellons, and Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance, storytelling by Mama Serwaa and Gigi Gumspoon, and a virtual marketplace. 3-5 p.m. Free, donations encouraged. www.creativesuitland.org // @creativesuitland

12.27

Vegan Cooking Class: Hearty Seasonal Veg Stew with Herbed Dumplings + Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Bring plant-based recipes into your very own kitchen. No need to go far to experience a variety of plant-based flavors, aromas and cuisine. Cook online and alongside vegan lifestyle coach and yoga teacher Christina Gdisis as she guides you through the journey of vegan cooking. 1-2:30 p.m. $20. www.ahimsayoga.me // @christina.ahimsa

Virtual Salute to Vienna
This year, Salute to Vienna is streaming directly into your living room. Celebrate the New Year with this never-before-seen performance filmed in Europe. Filled with the same joyful singing, dancing and full orchestra that audiences have celebrated with since 1995, this concert will come to you in the comfort of your home. Ring in the New Year with the Blue Danube Waltz and excerpts from beloved operettas. 8 p.m. $20-$60. www.strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

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