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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2009
'Tis the Season: 2009 Holiday Happenings in the District
Washington, DC celebrates the holiday season with an outstanding array of events and performances for every holiday mood. From a meeting with Martha Washington at Mount Vernon to unique gift options at the Downtown Holiday Market, there’s something for everyone in the District’s holiday lineup.
On the White House Ellipse, the National Christmas Tree will dazzle after the Obama family turns on the holiday lights (Dec. 3). The tree will be re-lit from dusk to 11pm each night, and there will also be free nightly performances through Jan. 1. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees will also be on display at The U.S. Capitol and Union Station.
For a different type of experience, consider the National Zoo’s popular “ZooLights” display (Dec. 4-13 & Dec. 18-Jan. 2), or a visit to Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, where the season is brought to life with candlelit evening tours, a gingerbread replica of Mount Vernon, chocolate-making demos and more (Nov. 27-Jan. 2). Historic mansions Hillwood Estates & Gardens and Tudor Place present additional holiday options, with programming ranging from kid-friendly gingerbread workshops to holiday wreath-making workshops (selected dates thru Dec.).
If entertainment is on the agenda, consider holiday favorites sure to delight audiences of all ages. “A Christmas Carol” takes the stage at newly-renovated Ford’s Theatre (Nov. 23-Jan. 3) while the Washington National Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for Handel’s “Messiah” (Dec. 4-6). Also on tap this year: the Washington Ballet’s DC-inspired “Nutcracker” at the Warner Theatre (Dec. 10-27), “Young Frankenstein” at the Kennedy Center (Dec. 15-Jan. 10), “The Fantasticks” at Arena Stage (Nov. 20-Jan. 3) and “As You Like It” at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (thru Dec. 20). And for the first time, the Rockettes kick their way to DC when the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” comes to the Verizon Center (Dec. 18-20).
For a little outdoor fun, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden offers ice skating against the backdrop of magnificent sculptures and warm treats at the Pavilion Café (Dec. 10 thru mid-March).
And for a bigger helping of holiday cheer, read on for more detail on what to expect this season in DC:
Thru Dec. 20: “As You Like It”
This classic comedy, presented at the Harman Center by the Shakepeare Theatre Company, features exiles from a tyrannical kingdom searching for freedom in the Forest of Arden. And Rosalind, Shakespeare’s most fully realized female character, finding freedom of a different kind as she pursues love in disguise. shakespearetheatre.org
Nov. 20 - Jan 10: “The Fantasticks”
The world’s longest-running musical is playfully staged at Arena Stage amid the thrills and chills of an amusement park in this new production by rising star director Amanda Dehnert. arenastage.org
Nov. 23 - Jan 3: “A Christmas Carol”
The holiday classic returns home to the newly renovated 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. fordstheatre.org
Nov. 26 –Jan. 10: Holiday Magic at the United States Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden's National Mall and fanciful garden-train exhibits have become a beloved Washington tradition. This year, the exhibit of the National Mall landmarks has added Sasha and Malia’s swing set and the National Museum of the American Indian to the display. usbg.gov
Nov. 27-Jan. 6: Christmas at Mount Vernon
The holiday season comes to life at George Washington’s estate, which features candlelit evening tours on select nights, a gingerbread replica of Mount Vernon made by White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historic chocolate-making demos and more. mountvernon.org
Dec. (selected dates): Gingerbread House Workshop
In this special hands-on children’s workshop children become history detectives! Children tour the historic mansion to explore the architecture of Tudor Place and how the holidays were celebrated in Washington. After the tour, children design and build their own edible house to take home. tudorplace.org
Dec. TBA: Chanukah on the Ellipse
The annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah will again take place this December, and include musical performances, hot latkes and fun for the whole family. nationalmenorah.org
Dec. 1-22: Seasons of Light at the Discovery Theater
Discovery Theater’s seasonal favorite celebrates the warmth of world holidays filled with light and love. We visit the traditions of Devali, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Christmas, and a First Nations tradition of the Winter Solstice. discoverytheater.org
Dec. 2, 4 & 5: Fabulous Wreath Workshop
Learn about Hillwood's holiday decorations made from fresh greenery on a short outdoor walk with horticulturalist Bill Johnson. Then create your own spectacular wreath. Supplies provided. Limited to 15 people, please call ahead. hillwoodmuseum.org
Dec. 3: National Christmas Tree Lighting
The highly-anticipated event, taking place on the White House Ellipse, will feature entertainment (performance line-up TBA) and the First Family lighting the National Christmas Tree to officially start the holiday season. Various free performances continue through Jan. 1, and the tree is lit nightly from dusk until 11 pm. thenationaltree.org
Dec. 3: Union Station Tree Lighting Ceremony
For the 13th year, Norway will light the 32-foot Christmas tree at Union Station, a symbol of the friendship between the U.S. and Norway. The internationally-recognized Children's Chorus of Washington will perform holiday songs and the Norwegian Giant Model Train exhibit, featuring handmade replicas of actual Norweigan trains, will be on display in Union Station’s West Hall and run throughout the holiday season. unionstationdc.com
Dec. 4 - 23: Downtown Holiday Market
The popular holiday market held on 7th and F Streets, NW across from the Portrait Gallery features an outdoor showcase of jewelry, pottery, paintings and textiles made by local artisans along with live music and homemade snacks. downtowndc.org
Dec. 4-Jan 2: "ZooLights" at the National Zoo
More than 50 light sculptures come to life at this annual event for 20 dates between Dec. 4 and Jan. 2. The lights will highlight approximately 30 animal species at the zoo, including some of the zoo’s conservation successes such as Asian elephants and Giant Pandas. fonz.org
Dec. 4 - 5: 39th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk
This annual tradition kicks off Alexandria's holiday season with the fresh scent of heather and the stirring melody of bagpipes throughout the quaint streets of Old Town. More than 100 Scottish clans dressed in traditional tartans participate in the event. scottishchristmaswalk.com
Dec. 4 - 6: “Handel's Messiah”
Each December the Washington National Cathedral Choir presents this holiday classic, performed by the Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra. nationalcathedral.org
Dec. 5: A Nutcracker Christmas at Tudor Place
Stroll through the mansion built by Martha Washington's granddaughter almost 200 years ago and delight in holiday ambience and festive decorations that interpret a traditional turn of the century holiday celebration. The family-friendly event includes a celebration of the first performance of the Nutcracker and mingling with costumed Washington Ballet dancers. tudorplace.org
Dec. 5 – 20: Winter Silhouettes Exhibition at the National Bonsai Museum
Visit this exhibition, at the National Bonsai Museum (within the National Arboretum) to experience the “bare bones” of the bonsai trees. The bonsai curator has selected trees from the museum’s permanent collection for a formal display of these living artworks. Other trees from the permanent collection will be on view throughout the winter in the Chinese Pavilion and the Tropical Greenhouse. Free to the public. usna.usda.gov
Dec. 5 – 30: “Teddy Roosevelt and the Ghostly Mistletoe”
When President Roosevelt refuses to put a Christmas tree in the White House, his kids don't plan to obey. In this holiday musical, a sequel to the 2006 hit “Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major,” a zany plot of comic haunting unfolds. Age 7+. kennedy-center.org
Dec. 10-13: NSO Pops: “Happy Holidays!”
The NSO Pops capture the spirit of the season in this Kennedy Center tradition featuring vocal ensemble Afro Blue, a visit from Santa Claus and other special guests. kennedy-center.org
Dec. 10 – 27: Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Artistic Director Septime Webre sets the holiday classic in Washington, DC, complete with cherry blossoms and a Rat King resembling King George III. washingtonballet.org
Dec. 12-13: Russian Winter Festival
This annual tradition at Hillwood Museum & Gardens gives guests the chance to meet Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden and enjoy festive music and entertainment. Seasonal gifts line the shelves of the Museum Shop and the Café offers delectable treats. hillwoodmuseum.org
Dec. 11: NPR’s “A Jazz Piano Christmas”
Join the Kennedy Center and National Public Radio for this annual treat, when top jazz pianists and other artists perform their favorite holiday songs. kennedy-center.org
Dec. 11-20: In Dulci Jubilo: “A German Christmas”
The Folger Consort and the Cantate Chamber Singers celebrate the holidays at The Folger Theatre. Performance will feature the festive music of Michael Praetorius, the most prolific German composer of the early 17th century. folger.edu
Dec. 12- Nation’s Capital Christmas Walking Tour
Washington Walks offers a special Christmas walking tour that passes through the Decatur House Museum Shop, the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery of Arts and Crafts, the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum and much more. It concludes at the beautifully-lit National Christmas Tree. washingtonwalks.com
Dec. 12-13: “The Joy of Christmas”
Featuring the Heritage Signature Chorale and the world premiere of a Christmas carol by renowned American composer Lee Hoiby, this perennial holiday favorite has long been a Washington, DC family tradition. nationalcathedral.org
Dec. 14: “Joyeux Noel”
The whole family will delight in this beloved holiday tradition from The Choral Arts Society of Washington, featuring great seasonal classics intermingled with the uniquely enchanting carols of France. kennedy-center.org
Dec. 19-22: “A Candlelight Christmas”
This annual choral performance by The Washington Chorus features will feature Christmas classics, sing-a-longs and a candlelight processional at the Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org
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