More Holiday Happenings

As mentioned in my previous Holiday Happenings post, there are numerous holiday events throughout the month. Below are some events coming up in the next couple of weeks.

For the most part, I've not included family-oriented events or events in Maryland and Virginia, but there are plenty of great things to do. I particularly enjoy the numerous drive-through light displays. For a more extensive listing of fun stuff going on this month, visit the Post's Going Out Guide or the What's On - Washington, DC website.

Throughout the Month:
At Source, the Washington Improv Theater ad-libs Seasonal Disorder hour-long shows about a dysfunctional family's Christmas gathering. The theater company incorporates information from audience members into their show such as worst present received and a family holiday tradition. Shows take place at 8 p.m. on December 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th.

The Audoban Society has an annual Christmas bird count during which birdwatchers help to survey areas all over the Americas. For more information go here.

There are myriad light displays in and around DC. For a fairly comprehensive list, go here.

For more ongoing holiday events, please see my previous post.

Monday the 15th:
At the Washington National Cathedral, an exhibit of creche scenes from around the world goes on display today. The exhibit will remain in place until the end of the Christmas season on January 6th.

AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring will show the classic It's a Wonderful Life at 5:20 p.m.

Tuesday the 16th:
At 11 a.m. the National Gallery of Art, take an hour-long guided tour exploring artworks in the permanent collection with holiday themes. The free tour begins in the rotunda of the West Building.

December 16th, 17th, and 18th there will be a holiday market at the Navy Yard Metro area from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Penn Quarter area workers may want to attend the lunchtime Christmas concert at Church of the Epiphany on G Street.

A Capella performance at the U.S. Botanic Gardens from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday the 17th
December 16th, 17th, and 18th there will be a holiday market at the Navy Yard Metro area from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Bell Wine & Spirits is holding its Grand Champagne Tasting from 5 to 8 p.m. with over 30 champagnes and sparkling wines to enjoy.

The Eric Felton Jazz Orchestra will perform Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite at Blues Alley. Tickets are $25 for the 8 and 10 p.m. shows.

Thursday the 18th:
At 11 a.m. at the National Gallery of Art, take an hour-long guided tour exploring artworks in the permanent collection with holiday themes. The free tour begins in the rotunda of the West Building.

December 16th, 17th, and 18th there will be a holiday market at the Navy Yard Metro area from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Male a capella singers will perform at the U.S. Botanic Gardens from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday the 19th:
At the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage, take in a performance of Holiday Vaudeville starting at 6 p.m. All Millennium Stage shows are free.

Modern Liquors across from the Convention Center at 9th and M will be holding a tasting of winter cocktails with Macchu Pisco.

Saturday the 20th:
At 2 and 7 p.m., celebrate Kwanza with the Coyaba Dance Theater at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.

Big Bear Cafe, First and R Streets, NW, will host the Bloomingdale Holiday Arts Market from 4 to 9 p.m.

At the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage, take in a performance of Holiday Vaudeville starting at 6 p.m. All Millennium Stage shows are free.

Pianist Jim Brickman will play Christmas songs in an 8 p.m. performance at the Lisner Auditorium.

Sunday the 21st:
The sweet-toothed of DC may enjoy a holiday chocolate making workshop and tea from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tudor Place.

The National Chanukah Menorah will be lit on the Elipse at 4 p.m.

Hear the National Gallery Orchestra play a Christmas concert accompanied by soprano Alessandra Marc at 6:30 p.m.

Monday the 22nd:
Trumpeter Dave Detwiler will perform "A Prelude to Christmas" at Blues Alley at 8 and 10 p.m.

Tuesday the 23rd:
At 11 a.m. the National Gallery of Art, take an hour-long guided tour exploring artworks in the permanent collection with holiday themes. The free tour begins in the rotunda of the West Building.

Project Natalie will perform jazz at the U.S. Botanic Gardens from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Carol Ringers and the Peace Ringers will play traditional and popular Christmas music on handbells at The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage.

At Blues Alley, the Redd Brothers play piano and vibes as part of their "A Redd Christmas" show at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets for adults are $18, with lower prices for seniors and children.

Wednesday the 24th:
Perennial nut, the water-skiing Santa will be doing his thing with knee-boarding reindeer, flying elves, and other water-logged Christmas characters at 1 p.m. by the Wilson Bridge in the National Harbor. If you miss the live event, there are always clips on the NBC 4 evening news.

Let the Ritz Carlton Georgetown cook your Christmas Eve dinner. The four-course prix fixe dinner will be served from 5 to 10 p.m. Go to their website for reservations.

On the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, catch the Monumental Brass Quintet playing a free performance of classical music, jaxx, ragtime, and holiday favorites.

The Society of Yong Jewish Professionals will hold the ever-popular Matzo Ball from 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Ultrabar. Tickets are available for $30.

Thursday the 25th:
Get out of the house on Christmas for the All Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam at The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage.

Friday the 26th:
Golem, a six-piece European funk band, will perform a Jewish Music Celebration at The Kennedy Center's Milennium Stage.

Sunday the 28th:
The Kennedy Center's Milennium Stage continues its celebration of Jewish music with a guitar performance by Vladimir Fridman.

Monday the 29th:
At 11 a.m. the Anacostia Community Museum will host Kwanza: A Musical Tribute. This is a free event. There are also other family-oriented Kwanza events at the Museum; go to their website for details.

In the last Jewish music celebration at The Kennedy Center's Milennium Stage, DeLeon will play Sephardic Judaic melodies in an indie-rock style.

Tuesday the 30th:
The Frederick Chorale will sing at the U.S. Botanic Gardens from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday the 31st:
Almost every local municipality is having a First Night celebration. Radio station DC 101 has a New Year's bash. Check bar and club websites for other parties. The International Club of Washington holds a spectacular New Year's Eve Grand Ball. There are more events than I could ever list here. Check out the Post's Going Out Guide or What's On - Washington, DC for more ideas.