PERFORMING ARTS

Holiday Arts Preview

BY KATE OCZYPOK

As a lover of all holiday season things, I was delighted to put this holiday arts preview together. This year, lots of your favorite traditions are back (Nutcracker anyone?) as well as new fun like the Gaylord National’s tribute to Christmas movies. Have a jolly time!

FOR THE ONES WHO LOVE

TRADITION – THE WASHINGTON BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” AT THE WARNER THEATRE

If you’re a sucker for tradition as I am, there’s something about seeing The Nutcracker every year around the holidays. This year, the Warner Theatre will have the Tchaikovsky ballet from Nov. 27 through Dec. 26. If you’re planning on going, tickets are on sale now. A negative Covid test 72 hours before the event or proof of full vaccination two weeks after final dosage will be required. More information on the performances and the theater’s Covid policies can be found at warnertheatredc.com.

FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH ALL OF

YOUR FRIENDS – THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON’S “HOLIDAY SHOW”

The ever-popular Holiday Show complete with tap-dancing elves, a dancing Christmas tree and more is at the Lincoln Theatre December 4, 11 and 12. The program includes all of your favorite holiday songs and performances from the full chorus as well as the GenOUT Youth Chorus. More on the show can be found at gmcw.org/the-holiday-show. Washington Ballet dancers pose on the balcony of the Warner Theatre. Photo © Tony Powell.

MEET THE NEIGHBORS AT GEORGETOWN HOLIDAY EVENTS

If you’d rather stay close to home, there are plenty of holiday options. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown is hosting their 18th annual tree lighting ceremony December 1. St. John’s Episcopal Church in town will be having a holiday concert on Sunday Dec. 12. Dumbarton United Methodist Church’s Celtic Christmas concert is Dec. 12 as well. Visit Georgetowner.com for more information on events throughout the holiday season. FOR A FUN DATE NIGHT – NSO AT THE ANTHEM: UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY CONCERT

On December 8, join the National Symphony Orchestra at the Anthem for a holiday concert. Best of all, the musicians will be tossing their traditional garb for ugly holiday sweaters. Take your partner, dress in your silliest sweaters and enjoy the holiday spirit. Note: attendees must be fully vaccinated against Covid. More information on the show can be found at kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2021-2022/nsoanthem-ugly-sweater-holiday-concert/.

TAKE THE PARENTS TO THIS ONE – NPR’S A JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS FEATURING GERALD CLAYTON, ERIC REED AND PATRICE RUSHEN

At the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, enjoy a relaxing jazz holiday concert with mom and dad. All the classics will be played and it’s always a treat to experience some of the world’s best jazz pianists in one room. This one sells out fast, so buy tickets soon! Performances are Saturday Dec. 4 at 7 and 9 p.m. More on the show can be found at kennedy-center.org/ whats-on/explore-by-genre/jazz/2021-2022/ npr-jazz-piano-christmas/.