Holiday Arts Preview
By • November 18, 2021 0 1078
As a lover of all holiday season things, I was delighted to put this holiday arts preview together. This year, lots of your favorite traditions are back (Nutcracker anyone?) as well as new fun like the Gaylord National’s tribute to Christmas movies. Have a jolly time!
For the Ones Who Love Tradition – The Washington Ballet’s “Nutcracker” at the Warner Theatre
If you’re a sucker for tradition as I am, there’s something about seeing The Nutcracker every year around the holidays. This year, the Warner Theatre will have the Tchaikovsky ballet from Nov. 27 through Dec. 26. If you’re planning on going, tickets are on sale now. A negative Covid test 72 hours before the event or proof of full vaccination two weeks after final dosage will be required. More information on the performances and the theater’s Covid policies can be found at warnertheatredc.com.
For the Whole Family – Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
After a one-year hiatus (thanks to Covid), the light show at Nationals Park is back and better than ever. Make your way through an illuminated light maze all about Eddie the Mischievous Elf. Kids will love ice skating through a trail lit by sparkling Christmas trees. Parents will enjoy a European-style Christmas market and lots of food and drink options (cocktails in Christmas lights? Sold!) Best of all, when you step into Nationals Park, the air smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, pine and vanilla. Trust us, it’s hard to be Grinchy when you visit this enchanted place. More information on Enchant Christmas can be found at https://enchantchristmas.com/washington-dc.
Enchant Christmas, 2019. Photos by Kate Oczypok.
For a Night Out with All of Your Friends – The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s “Holiday Show”
The ever-popular Holiday Show complete with tap-dancing elves, a dancing Christmas tree and more is at the Lincoln Theatre December 4, 11 and 12. The program includes all of your favorite holiday songs and performances from the full chorus as well as the GenOUT Youth Chorus. More on the show can be found at https://www.gmcw.org/the-holiday-show/.
For a Fun Date Night – NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert
On December 8, join the National Symphony Orchestra at the Anthem for a holiday concert. Best of all, the musicians will be tossing their traditional garb for ugly holiday sweaters. Take your partner, dress in your silliest sweaters and enjoy the holiday spirit. Note: attendees must be fully vaccinated against Covid. More information on the show can be found at https://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2021-2022/nso-anthem-ugly-sweater-holiday-concert/.
Check your closet for ugly Christmas sweaters. Then, go see this NSO show! Photo from from theanthemdc.com.
Take the Parents to this One – NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas Featuring Gerald Clayton, Eric Reed and Patrice Rushen
At the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, enjoy a relaxing jazz holiday concert with mom and dad. All the classics will be played and it’s always a treat to experience some of the world’s best jazz pianists in one room. This one sells out fast, so buy tickets soon! Performances are Saturday Dec. 4 at 7 and 9 p.m. More on the show can be found at https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/jazz/2021-2022/npr-jazz-piano-christmas/.
A Jazz Piano Christmas, 2020. Photo by Felix Contreras, NPR.org.
Meet the Neighbors at Georgetown Holiday Events
If you’d rather stay close to home, there are plenty of holiday options. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown is hosting their 18th annual tree lighting ceremony December 1. St. John’s Episcopal Church in town will be having a holiday concert on Sunday Dec. 12. Dumbarton United Methodist Church’s Celtic Christmas concert is Dec. 12 as well. Visit Georgetowner.com for more information on events throughout the holiday season.
For Movie Lovers – The Gaylord National’s “I Love Christmas Movies”
If you’re anything like me, you make your friends and family watch holiday movies each and every December. The Gaylord National has an exhibit on display this season featuring scenes from five favorite Christmas movies including “The Polar Express,” “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “A Christmas Story” and “The Year Without Santa Claus.” You’ll want to re-watch every one after seeing this! The display will be showing through the end of December. More information can be found at: https://christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com/all-activities.
Check out “I Love Christmas Movies” at the Gaylord. From https://tickets.gaylordnational.com/eventperformances.
