By Alexis Neely
‘Tis the season for bright lights, jolly cheer and so much more! Witness the magic of the holidays by making DowntownDC your destination for tons of festive, family-friendly fun. Below is a listing of holiday events happening downtown this season.
A Christmas Carol
Now through Dec. 30
Ford’s Theatre (511 10th St NW)
It’s the beloved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, as he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Reminisce with this holiday classic at Ford’s Theatre.
DowntownDC Holiday Market
Now through Dec. 23, 12-8pm
F Street between 7th and 9th streets (in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum)
Over 150 vendors with unique gifts and crafts, booths with delectable bites and free, live entertainment make DowntownDC the perfect place to complete your holiday shopping. Celebrate the market’s kickoff on the international day of giving, Giving Tuesday, on Nov. 27 at 11:30am. For more information, including a list of vendors and complete performance schedule, visit the official DowntownDC Holiday Market site.
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker
Now through Dec.28
Warner Theatre (513 13th Street)
Bring your friends and family for this renowned holiday production, set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III and other historical figures. Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker is celebrating 15 years in 2018 with 40 performances, meaning there’s plenty of time to catch a show.
Free Holiday Concerts at the Willard Hotel
Now through Dec. 23, 5:30-7:30pm
Willard Intercontinental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Ave)
Each evening, top choral and musical ensembles from across the DC area present holiday music sure to delight. Performers include Capital Harmonia, Heritage Signature Chorale and The Arlington’s Children Chorus.
Cirque du Soleil
Dec. 5-9, 7:30-9:30pm
Capital One Arena (601 F Street)
Journey on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as Crystal, a misfit heroine, dives into a world of her own imagination. CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to colorful life with astounding visual projections and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil.
Winternational
December 6, 11am – 2pm
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue)
Spend your lunch break shopping and diving into culture at this celebration of travel, tourism, trade and all things international. Countries from across the world will showcase their traditions through visual displays, foods, crafts and tourism information.
Hot Chocolate Happy Hour
December 11-22, 4-6pm
Hamilton Hotel (1001 14th St)
It’s a happy hour the whole family will enjoy! Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with the Hamilton Hotel and sip on free, specialty hot chocolate every evening. Choices include the decadent Creamy Hot Chocolate or the Caribbean Hot Chocolate, inspired by Alexander Hamilton’s hometown of Charlestown.
Earth Harp
Dec. 16, 4-6pm
The Plaza at CityCenter
Join William Close, known for affixing 1,000-foot strings to skyscrapers, mountain peaks and canyon walls, as he fills CityCenterDC with the music of the world’s largest harp, Earth Harp. You don’t want to miss this surreal holiday experience.
Tuesday Concert Series: Christmas Celebration
Dec. 18, 12:10-1pm
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St)
It’s the final installment of the 2018 Tuesday Concert Series. Celebrate the coming of Christmas at the Church of the Epiphany with guest soloist James Shaffran. All are invited to join in the singing of carols accompanied by a brass quartet.
Have a holiday event to add to our list? Email Alexis Neely at alexis@downtowndc.org.