FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
ALL IS BRIGHT THE BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE DISTRICT
HISTORIC HOLIDAY This character-guided tour sheds new light on the iconic mansion and its grounds while providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for historic traditions. Marvel at exquisite Christmas trees, learn about the holiday traditions of the 18th century, hear stories of past Christmases from “Lady Washington” and enjoy lively dancing and freshly baked cookies with apple cider. Make sure to visit Aladdin the Christmas camel, a nod to George Washington’s Christmas of 1787, when he paid 18 shillings for a camel to entertain his guests. Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 22, Evening tour times vary, Mount Vernon,Tickets $18-$26 (Kids five and under free), mountvernon.org.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
STEP INTO THE SEASON Celebrate the holidays like never before at Step Afrika!’s eighth Christmasthemed show. This dance performance combines the magic of the season with swirling colors, audience participation and polyrhythmic percussive symphony for an evening that will put the whole family in a jolly spirit. Along with other furry characters, special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman will make an appearance. Children are invited to make their own holiday drums and shakers with the troupe 30-45 minutes prior to the performance. Dec. 12-22, Showtimes range from 2 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Atlas Performing Arts Center, Tickets $25-45, stepafrika.org/performances.
Q St. Alban’s School Christmas House Tour
A tradition since 1983, this holiday-themed tour (the primary fundraiser of the school’s Parents’ Association) supplies the funds that support faculty, staff and student visual arts fellowships, as well as development programs for classrooms, labs and theaters. Completely walkable, the tour showcases the glittering, holday lighted houses of the Cleveland Park neighborhood and Sayre House at the Washington National Cathedral. Dec. 6-7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Cleveland Park neighborhood and Sayre House,Tickets $40, stalbansschool.org. Q ZooLights
Watch the National Zoological Park come to life with more than 500,000 environmentally friendly lights at its annual event featuring dozens of glowing animal lanterns, a 150-foot snow tubing slide (guests can glide down the hill near the lion and tiger exhibits), laser lights on the outdoor wall of the Elephant Community Center and local shopping at the Grump Holiday Market. Through Jan. 1, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Free admission, nationalzoo.si.edu. Q Georgetown GLOW
The region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations is an experience that shouldn’t be missed during this holiday season. Set against the historic background of the District’s oldest neighborhood, the exhibition—the sixth of its kind —promises a visual fairytale with artistic flair. Dec. 6-Jan. 5, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Georgetown, free admission, georgetownglowdc.com. Q Enchant Christmas
The Choral Arts Society 39th Annual Holiday Concert & Gala
GINGERBREAD & GERMANY Mix and mingle with 500 of Washington’s prominent political, diplomatic and cultural leaders at this year’s German-themed festivities. The event will kick off with a holiday concert by the Choral Arts Chorus, Choral Arts Youth Choir and the Choral Arts Brass Ensemble, featuring seasonal classics and carols. Guests will admire the Bauhaus-inspired décor and gingerbread houses by the Germany Embassy’s chef Benoit Teisseire (all of which are available for purchase at the silent auction) and then dance until midnight. Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Kennedy Center Concert Hall, choralarts.org.Tickets start at $675 and $8,000 for tables. 8
Grab your skates and head over to Nationals Park for a night of Christmas cheer. Glide through a picturesque trail of lights, shop at the market for seasonal treats and pose for a picture with Santa at Enchant Christmas. Nov. 22-Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Nationals Park.Tickets $14.99 - $19.99 for adults, dc.enchantchristmas.com. Q Children’s National Light Up The Season
This fundraiser is a seasonal favorite, featuring heartwarming collaborations between notable area artists and kids from Children’s National Hospital.Take in an array of custom holiday trees, mantelpieces, menorahs and dollhouses before crafting something of your own, indulging in cookies and taking photos with Santa. Dec. 15, 1:00 p.m.4:00 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel.Ticket prices and family packages vary, www. childrensnational.org. WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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