Washington, DC Hosts Holiday Events November & December

Visitors to Washington, DC will find no shortage of events this holiday season. Here's a look at what's happening in the nation's capital this winter. For a complete listing of events, visit www.washington.org.

Nov. 20 - Jan. 7
Come & Behold Him
Each year the Washington National Cathedral exhibits part of its collection of nativities from around the world. Crèches made from fine ceramic and Gulf Coast driftwood represent cultures as diverse as Sri Lanka and Alabama.

Nov. 21 - Jan. 7
10th Annual Norwegian Holiday Celebration at Union Station
Union Station
The annual Nordic holiday display, complete with a charming model train that winds its way through the mountains and fjords of Norway. The Norwegian Embassy will be on hand to turn on the 8,000 lights of the Christmas tree on Nov. 28. A Norwegian Holiday Bazaar (Dec. 1-2) lets shoppers stock up on seasonal treats, gifts and goodies.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 3
Sales Tax Holiday
Get a head start on your holiday shopping as Washington, DC stores waive sales tax on clothing, shoes and accessories priced at $100 or less.

Nov. 24 - Dec.10
Candlelight Tours at Mount Vernon
Visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions, tour the candlelit mansion including the rarely-seen third floor, and meet historical characters like 'Martha Washington'. On the grounds, guests enjoy caroling and free cookies and hot cider around a roaring campfire.

Nov. 30 - Dec. 2
36th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
Old Town Alexandria starts the holiday season with an annual parade of bagpipers and more than 100 kilt-clad Scottish clans. Pick up greens and heather for holiday decorating or hunt for handmade gifts at the Christmas bazaar.

Dec. 1-31
Tudor Place's Georgetown Nutcracker Christmas
Celebrate the timeless story of the Nutcracker with festive holiday decorations and themed activities at Tudor Place, one of Georgetown's finest house museums. See the mansion decorated to depict scenes from the original German story.

Dec. 6
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
This year, the state of Washington provides the Christmas Tree that will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol. The tree will be lit at 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 7 & throughout the month.National Tree Lighting Ceremony & Pageant of Peace

In an annual holiday tradition, the President and first lady light the National Christmas Tree Dec. 7 to kick off the Pageant of Peace, a series of free musical performances held nightly at the White House Ellipse.

Dec. 7-23
The Nutcracker
A holiday feast served by The Washington Ballet - seasoned with American and DC history: George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker, King George III as the villainous Rat King and the second act set amongst beautiful blooming cherry trees on the Potomac. Performances take place at beautiful Warner Theatre.

Dec.10-11, 16-18
Jazz Hip-Hop Nutcracker
Momentum Dance Theatre calls on a local cast to perform this original dance theater production of Duke Ellington's take on the holiday classic. Momentum has added hip hop tracks, break-dancing, tap and rap and updated the story to reflect young urban audience's sensibilities.

Jan. - June
Shakespeare in Washington Festival
More than 40 arts organizations from Washington and around the world come together for this unprecedented festival, featuring a vast array of theatre, music, dance, film, art exhibits and many other events.

Jan. 7
The Choral Arts Society of Washington's 19th Annual Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Kennedy Center plays host to this annual choral tribute to the civil rights leader.

Jan. 15
Martin Luther King Family Celebration at the National Archives
The National Archives and Smithsonian Museum of American History present an afternoon of family activities, music and theater celebrating Martin Luther King Day.