Nov. 20 - Jan 2: "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.
http://www.fordstheatre.org

Nov. 24-28:  The Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet dancers perform Gerald Arpino's "dazzling" (The Chicago Sun-Times) version of Tchaikovsky's family classic, featuring charming Victorian scenery and costumes.
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Nov. 25 - Jan. 2: Seasons Greenings at the United States Botanic Garden
Don't miss this popular exhibit, including one of Washington, DC's largest indoor decorated trees and Washington Landmark Buildings all created with plant materials. Their famous garden railway features landmarks from around the world.
usbg.gov

Nov. 26 - Dec. 19: Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred)
A world premiere Kennedy Center commission by Marcy Heisler with music by Zina Goldrich, Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred) re-imagines the Brothers Grimm tale as a musical comedy about two ill-behaved students who learn about teamwork.
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Nov. 26-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.
http://www.mountvernon.org

Dec.  2-26: Washington Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Artistic Director Septime Webre sets the holiday classic in Washington, DC at the Warner Theatre, complete with cherry blossoms and a Rat King resembling King George III.
http://www.washingtonballet.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. 3, 4 & 10: Holiday Wreath Workshop
Fashion your own festive holiday wreath with a variety of plant materials from the Tudor Place garden including cedar boughs, magnolia leaves, berry-laden holly, pinecones, and boxwood. All wreaths are medium-sized and all materials are provided.
http://www.tudorplace.org/calendar.html

Dec. 4: Christmas in Washington: Two Centuries of Yuletide Traditions
Three historic mansions -  Anderson House, Dumbarton House, and Tudor Place  - open their doors for festive and historic Christmas displays! Traditions of different time periods are described and period decorations, live music, children's crafts, and refreshments are offered at all locations.

Dec. : 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. 3 - 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.
http://www.downtownholidaymarket.com/

Dec. 3 - Jan. 1 : "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. 3-4: 40th 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. 3-5: "Handel's Messiah"
Handel's masterpiece in the Cathedral's setting is the essential Christmas music experience. A Baroque-period orchestra and guest soloists join the Cathedral's combined boy, girl and men's choirs under the direction of Michael McCarthy.
http://nationalcathedral.org

Dec.: 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. Free to the public.
usna.usda.gov

Dec. 9, 5pm: National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
On the White House Ellipse, the National Christmas Tree will dazzle after the Obama family turns on the holiday lights. The tree will be re-lit from dusk to 11pm each night, and there will also be free nightly performances through Jan. 1.

Tickets: Tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be distributed via an online lottery which will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, November 5th. The ticket lottery will remain open through 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, November 7th. To participate, visit www.thenationaltree.org or call (877) 444-6777. The lottery will include 3,000 ticketed seats and 10,000 standing room tickets. Successful ticket seekers will be notified by email or US mail (if applied by phone). Beginning Wednesday, November 10th, all ticket seekers may check the status of their request online or through the call center. Tickets will be mailed to the lottery winners by November 15. Tickets are required for every attendee, including children.
www.thenationaltree.org

Dec. 9-12 : NSO Pops: "Happy Holidays!"
Step out of the cold and allow time-honored holiday classics to warm your heart with Marvin Hamlisch and the NSO Pops. Enjoy music that captures the spirit of the holiday season as Santa and other special guests drop in to wish you Happy Holidays!
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Dec. 10 - Irish Christmas in America - Oisín Mac Diarmada - Téada
Part of National Geographic Live music series at Grosvenor Auditorium

Dec. : 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.
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Dec. 13, 21-24: The Choral Arts Society's The Treasured Holiday Tradition
The Choral Arts Society's beloved Christmas concerts celebrate the season with a magical mix of classical Christmas pieces, favorite carols, and popular holiday standards.  This year we invite you to join us for The Treasured Holiday Tradition.
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Dec. - 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. http://www.washingtonwalks.com

Dec.11-12 : "The Joy of Christmas"
Featuring the Maret School Concert Choir and the world premiere of a Christmas carol by the renowned composer Bob Chilcott.
http://www.cathedralchoralsociety.org

Dec. 16-19: National Symphony Orchestra: Handel's Messiah
Get in the holiday spirit with Handel's epic masterpiece, performed by the NSO, conductor Rinaldo Alessandrini, four guest vocal soloists, and the University of Maryland Concert Choir.
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Dec. 17: Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas
The world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings its traditional New Orleans style to warm up Washington for the holidays. "Preservation Hall keeps its jazz hot" (Los Angeles Times) and this winter they bring Creole Christmas, an irresistible gumbo of holiday classics, all with a fun-filled blues, jazz, and ragtime flair.
http://www.kennedy-center.org

Dec. 18: The Choral Arts Society of Washington: Family Christmas Concert: The Night Before Christmas
The Night Before Christmas comes alive in this theatrical concert, perfect for youngsters and adults alike!  This enchanting performance also includes a musical telling of the fable of The Reluctant Dragon.
http://kennedy-center.org

Dec. 18-22: The Washington Chorus' "A Candlelight Christmas"
With the splendor of brass, organ, percussion, and the 200-voice chorus, this beloved holiday event features Christmas classics, sing-alongs, and the glorious candlelight processional.
http://kennedy-center.org/