Weekend Roundup, Dec. 15 – 18
By • December 15, 2022 0 1287
With Christmas just 10 days away, holiday merriment is in full swing in the D.C. area. This weekend, check out the newly opened Museum of Illusions, or perhaps take in some holiday performances with The Washington Chorus or The National Philharmonic. You can also sprinkle some extra holiday cheer on top of your weekend with Mount Vernon’s Christmas Illuminations. Happy holidays!
See “A Magical Cirque Christmas” This Weekend Only
Broadway at The National is premiering “A Magical Cirque Christmas” this Friday through Sunday only. The show incorporates comedy, music, and magical holiday experiences for all. Performers and cirque artists take audiences through a truly immersive experience bursting with festivity. The story introduces “The Guardian of Time,” who orders the changing of the seasons with his gigantic magical clock. He’s feeling down about the 2022 holiday season, but then, in comes a magical, cheery Christmas fairy of sorts to cause lots of happy chaos. More information on tickets can be found here.
The Museum of Illusions Is Open Now!
Were you the child who always loved figuring out the optical illusion on your favorite cereal box growing up? You’ll want to check out the now open Museum of Illusions at 927 H St. NW. There are over 50 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions and immersive rooms specifically designed to trick our mind and tease our senses. Kids will love trying out the games, puzzles and brainteasers in the “smart” playroom at the museum too. More information on how to get tickets can be found here.
The Museum of Illusions is now open downtown. Courtesy of Museum of Illusions.
The Washington Chorus Presents “A Candlelight Christmas”
This weekend at The Kennedy Center, you’ll want to fa-la-la-la-la your way in to the Concert Hall to enjoy a 75-minute traditional holiday experience with The Washington Chorus. Singing holiday favorites and under the direction of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, there are two shows Saturday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. More on tickets can be found here.
The annual Candlelight Christmas is this weekend at The Kennedy Center. Courtesy of Kennedy Center.
Take in “The Messiah” at The Strathmore
The National Philharmonic will be at The Strathmore Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. performing Handel’s “Messiah.” The cast of African American vocalists will be conducted by Stan Engebretson and will feature the National Philharmonic Chorale. To coincide with the spirit of giving that comes with the season, 50 percent of proceeds from this year’s Strathmore performances will go toward the 2nd Century Project to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church. If you miss this weekend’s performances, there will be one more December 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall. More information on tickets can be found here.
A previous performance of Messiah at The National Philharmonic. Courtesy Cultural Spot MC.
“Christmas Illuminations” at Mount Vernon
While Saturday’s festivities are sold out, you can still visit Mount Vernon tomorrow for general admission tickets to their Christmas Illuminations event this weekend. Enjoy lights around the mansion and upper gardens and greenhouse, along with classic holiday music and patriotic and inspirational quotes on the Bowling Green. George and Martha Washington sure know how to throw a good party! For more information, click here.
Christmas Illuminations will light up Mount Vernon this weekend. Courtesy Mount Vernon.
