Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Holiday Caroling

(December 20, 2009; 1:30p.m & 2:30p.m.; The National Gallery of Art; West Building Main; 600 Constitution Ave.)
The National Gallery of Art is always festive this time of year especially with all the caroling going on in the beautifully decorated West Building Rotunda. Guest choirs lead afternoon sing-along caroling so bring along family and friends for this free event.

New Years Countdown

(12/31/2009-01/01/2010; Grand Hyatt Washington; 1000 H St. NW; http://www.downtowncountdown.net; Price: $139-regular, $200-VIP)
A cult favorite, Third Eye Blind will be the main attraction at this year’s Grand Hyatt's yearly Downtown Countdown which also includes songs from cover band Gonzo's Nose, karaoke, live DJs, comedians, top shelf liquor and sports viewing in multiple ballrooms. Did we mention the five plus hours of open bar?

Monday, December 14, 2009

Don't Forget!

(12/14/2009; Hillwood Museum; 4155 Linnean Ave. NW; www.hillwoodmuseum.org)
The Russian Winter Festival is an annually held traditional at The Hillwood Museum & Gardens which offers visitors a chance to meet the Snow Maiden and Grandfather Frost while listening to holiday music and enjoying festive entertainment and décor.

National Zoo's Wild Side Stage

(02/28/2010; Friends of the National Zoo; 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW; www.fonz.org/wildsidestage.html)
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) is presenting a brand new concert/performance series for kids called Wild Side Stage which includes dancers, musicians, storytellers, puppeteers and of course the animals themselves! The performances will take place on Sunday from 11a.m.-1p.m. in the National Zoo's Visitor Center Auditorium. Visitors are encouraged to meet the animal keepers and the live furry performers up close and personal.

Friday, December 11, 2009

National D.C. Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree Lighting has been a tradition since 1923 and continues to be one of Washington, D.C.’s most treasured celebrations. The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace is lit up every evening from sundown-11p.m. now through January 1st. The tree is surrounded by beautiful seasonal displays which include a large-scale model train, a Yule log, a manger and Santa's Workshop which will be open and ready for children to visit! There are also various musical performances held by volunteer groups, choirs and dancers to be held nightly on weekdays from 6p.m.-8:30p.m. and weekends from 4p.m.-8:30p.m. on the Ellipse stage, near The White House.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Flavor Tripping Party

(Every 2nd Friday of the month; 7p.m.-9p.m., beginning December 11; The EFN Lounge; 1318 9th St. N.W.; http://www.flavortripdc.com; $12 per guest)
What exactly is a Flavor Tripping party you might ask. The EFN Lounge introduces guests to an exciting little West African berry called synsepalum dulcificum, or "trippy fruit." This particular fruit temporarily changes taste receptors on your tongue transforming acidic/sour food into sugary and sweet treats. The "Tripeteria," is where guests will be allowed to try out sour foods and snacks including soy sauce, radishes, cheese from Dean & Deluca and sugarless cupcakes. Shots and cocktails will also be provided for additional excitement.
The event will be held ever 2nd Friday of the month beginning December 11 and tickets only cost $12. Don’t miss out on this odd and unique trip.

Seasonal Holiday Sing-A-Long

(December 6, 2009; 4p.m.; The Wolf Trap Filene Center; 1645 Trap Rd.; Vienna, VA)
The holiday sing-a-long by the U.S. Marine Band is a famous seasonal tradition at the Wolf Trap. which includes a candlelit song during the last verse of “Silent Night” and a jing-a-long version of Jingle Bells. Free admission!

Georgetown Gallery Gaze

(Georgetown Gallery; 3235 P St. NW; Every 3rd Friday of the month 6p.m.-9p.m.; www.georgetowngallerygaze.com)
Calling all art lovers. You are officially invited to stroll through the streets of Georgetown while enjoying food, art, drinks, and live music on the 3rd Friday of every month. The Georgetown Gallery Gaze is an enjoyable festive gallery walking tour where participating business owners keep their doors open from 6p.m.-9p.m. to showcase artwork created by local and visiting artists. Many of the artists will be on site to discuss their pieces and answer questions. And since this month’s event is sponsored by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, a different wine label will be available for tasting at each gallery you visit.