Weekend Roundup, Dec. 7 – 10
By • December 7, 2023 0 486
As the holiday season continues to delight, more events are popping up every day! Visit The Strathmore for a Bach Christmas Oratorio and a Celtic Christmas show, see Step Afrika’s holiday extravaganza, light the menorah at The Pendry, and more. Happy holidays!
Washington Performing Arts Performs ‘Season of Hope’
Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., visit DAR Constitution Hall for “Season of Hope,” a concert featuring the United States Air Force Band, conducted by Col. Don Schofield and the Children of the Gospel Choir. The event is limited to four tickets per household. More information on how to get tickets can be found here.
Visit Camp Wharf, Now Camp WAFF
This winter, Camp Wharf has turned into Camp WAFF to benefit the Washington Area Fuel Fund. There will be a wood-burning fire with all the s’mores supplies you’ll need. A vintage Airstream trailer will help create a festive atmosphere — hopefully Cousin Eddie won’t show up in it! Guests are encouraged to donate to the WAFF, and a portion of any purchases made at the campsite will help charities in SW D.C. More information can be found here.
Photo courtesy of The Wharf DC.
At the Strathmore: Christmas Oratorio, Celtic Christmas
Don’t miss The Washington Bach Consort’s return to The Music Center at Strathmore for a performance of Bach’s famous “Christmas Oratorio.” The performance, which focuses on the splendor ofc, is offered every year by the consort, who enjoy honoring this timeless European tradition. More information on how to get tickets can be found here. Also at the Strathmore this weekend is Sean Heely’s “Celtic Christmas.” Heely, an award-winning fiddler, will perform a musical journey through Scotland and Ireland. More information on how to get tickets to his show here.
Photo courtesy of Bucklesweet.
Step Out for Step Afrika’s Magical Music Holiday Step Show
Appearing at Arena Stage this weekend, the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, the group Step Afrika’s holiday performance is a family-friendly way to spend an afternoon or evening at Arena Stage. The show begins this weekend and runs through December 17. Don’t miss furry friends Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear, who will make appearances! More information on how to get tickets can be found here.
Photo courtesy of Bucklesweet.
The Fairmont Begins Hosting ‘Frozen Festive Afternoon Tea’
Saturday from 1-3 p.m., don’t miss the Fairmont’s afternoon tea with a “Frozen” theme. Ahead of the musical’s appearance at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 20, the Fairmont will be whimsically decorated and children are encouraged to wear “Frozen”-themed attire as they nosh on scones, pastries, tea sandwiches and more. More information on the tea can be found here.
Photo courtesy of The Fairmont.
Tonight: The Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting
The annual tradition at Union Station continues. This evening, the nation of Norway (as led by the Norwegian Embassy), presents a Christmas tree to Washingtonians in recognition of the strong friendship between the U.S. and their country. Washington Performing Arts, Norwegian singer Lisa Stokke, pop band Brent & Co. and more will be on hand to help celebrate. More information on the lighting can be found here.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
Not My Gumdrop Buttons! Gingerbread House Decorating at Hotel Zena
Visit Hotel Zena on Saturday afternoon to make your own gingerbread house. Pre-made houses will be available to decorate with candy canes, gumdrops and icing galore! Families, individuals and friends are welcome. More information on how to register can be found here.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Zena/Eventbrite.
Tudor Place Will Host ‘Tudor Lights’ and Candlelight Tours
Don’t miss the holiday season at Tudor Place with “Tudor Lights” this evening. The estate’s halls will be decked with holly and festive décor. Enjoy cocktails and holiday snacks after you take a tour. Also this season starting Friday, Candlelight Tours. After hours, guests can take a guided tour of the historic home by candlelight. More information on Tudor Place’s holiday festivities can be found here.
Photo by James C. Jackson. Courtesy Tudor Place.
Take the Pendry’s ‘Season’s Greetings Watercolor Paint Class’ or Enjoy Babkas and Rugelach
At Bar Pendry this weekend, guests can take a watercolor paint class led by local artist Samantha Testa. Festive cocktails will also be available. At the Pendry through December 15: at sundown, head to the lobby for a lighting of the menorah and complimentary housemade treats. More information on The Pendry’s holiday events can be found here.
Photo courtesy of The Pendry.
Check out Mount Vernon’s Boston Tea Party Family Day
Visit Mount Vernon Saturday for a day of learning about The Boston Tea Party. There will be hands-on opportunities to learn about the 250th anniversary of this important day in history. Guests can see teas dumped into Boston Harbor, decorate tea chests, go on a scavenger hunt and hear from George Washington himself. More information on the afternoon can be found here.
Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglass
In the first joint acquisition between The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and The Smithsonian American Art Museum, “Lessons of the Hour” by Isaac Julien has debuted. The exhibit by artist and filmmaker Julien is a moving image installation that paints a vivid picture of activist, writer, philosopher and orator Frederick Douglass. Julien’s intensive research combined with poetic image and sound (as well as some fictional reconstruction), makes for a powerful lesson on freedom, justice, and abolition. More information on the exhibit can be found here.
Coming this week…
Holiday Pop Party at the Poppy Georgetown Guesthouse and Gardens
Don’t miss a celebration at Georgetown’s premier place for overnight visitors. During the holiday party, two new public murals by Brandon McDonald and Amy Kaslow will be unveiled. There will also be mulled wine and an exclusive tour of The Poppy. More information on the event can be found here.
