The List — November 27-December 3

2. San Francisco Ballet: In celebration of their 75th anniversary, the Ballet dances a double bill in Washington: “Giselle,” with music by Adolphe Adam and choreographed by the company’s artistic director Helgi Tomasson and three selected ballets from the company’s repertoire (see Web site for details).

Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28-30; 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30

Info: $29-$99; 1-800-444-1324; www.kennedy-center.org

 

3. International Flamenco Festival: A three-week festival of outstanding international, national and local artists and a program of interactive demonstrations for the family.

Where: Gala Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW

When: Through Dec. 7

Info: $20-$30; 1-800-494-8497; www.galatheatre.org

4. ‘Signature Scene’: Signature Theatre invites young professionals for a special series of performances, including “Les Misérables,” “The Little Dog Laughed,” “Giant” and “See What I Wanna See.” Half-price tickets and festive pre-show receptions.

Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington

When: 6:30 p.m. reception; 8 p.m. performance.

Info: Packages range from $24.50-$32.50; 703-573-7328; www.signature-theatre.org

5. U.S. Army Blues: The premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army performs Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite,” arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in 1960.

Where: The Millennium Stage, The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW

When: 6 p.m. Dec. 1

Info: Free; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org

Family

1. Cruise the Potomac River with Santa: This one-hour scenic cruise includes Christmas caroling and storytelling from Santa. Cruise groups meet at the Christmas Attic where they are greeted by a helper elf. Each child receives a treasure map of Old Town Alexandria and will be led through Old Town by the Elf. The cruise ends at National Harbor.

Where: Christmas Attic, 125 S. Union St., Alexandria

When: 10:20 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 21.

Info: $20; $15 children; reservations required; 703-684-0580;

www.potomacriverboatco.com

2. ‘The Trumpet of the Swan: A Novel Symphony’: Based on the popular novel by E. B. White, this production tells the story of a young trumpeter swan born without a voice and how his friends and family help him set off in search of adventure and love. Starring Richard Thomas and Kathy Bates.

Where: The Kennedy Center, Eisenhower Theater, 2700 K St. NW

When: Dec. 4-6

Info: $18 to $35; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org

3. ‘Seasons of Light’: A multicultural celebration of global winter holidays that invites audience participation. Learn the customs of Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Diwali and more.

Where: S. Dillon Ripley Center, The Smithsonian Institution, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW

When: Dec. 1-23 (see Web site for details)

Info: $9 children; $10 adults; 202-633-8700; 202-633-3030; www.si.edu

4. Reston Holiday Parade: Reston’s holiday events include a community parade with huge balloons, musical groups, antique cars, visits with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides. In the evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus light the Christmas tree, followed by a carol sing-along.

Where: Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston

When: 11 a.m. (parade); 6 p.m. (tree lighting); Nov. 28

Info: Free; 703-689-4699; www.restontowncenter.com

5. ‘Penguin Story’: A group of mischievous, cute penguins is facing an unexpected visit from some uninvited characters. Soft puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets and more appear in this holiday delight for the whole family.

Where: Classika Theater, 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington

When: 12:30 Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 25

Info: $12 to $15; 800-494-8497; www.classika.org

Galleries

1. ‘Lawrence Schiller’: Lawrence Schiller shot photos for the Saturday Evening Post, Life and Paris Match on his way to becoming an Emmy-winning screenwriter, producer and director. This exhibit of his vibrant work features some of the most iconic subjects of the 20th century: Marilyn Monroe, Richard Nixon, Clint Eastwood, Muhammad Ali and more.

Where: Adamson Gallery, 1515 14th St. NW

When: Though Dec. 20

Info: Free; 202-232-0707; www.adamsongallery.com

2. ‘Pastime’: Christopher Sims, Kate MacDonnell and five other contemporary American photographers explore the American notion of leisure in a variety of settings.

Where: Civilian Art Projects, 406 7th St. NW

When: Through Dec. 6

Info: Free; 202-347-0022; www.civilianartprojects.com

3. ‘Onthaasting: About Spare Time and Slower Worlds’: Seven contemporary Belgian video artists present work based on the concept of Onthaasting, “a mental diversion through the use of recreation as an ‘escape’ from the perceived unpleasant aspects of daily life.” Check out the show to see how this differs from regular TV.

Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.

When: Through Dec. 21

Info: Free; 202-885-1300; www.american.edu/cas/katzen/museum

4. ‘Hiroshi Sugimoto: Drive-In Theatres and Portraits’: The Tokyo-born photographer has exhibited all over the world. His work is currently featured in Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Reality Check: Truth and Illusion in Contemporary Photography” in New York City. But if you’d prefer not to travel quite that far, you can sample his haunting, perceptive work in this intimate Hemphill gallery show.

Where: Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW

When: Through Dec. 20

Info: Free; 202-234-5601; www.hemphillfinearts.com

5. ‘Paula Bryan: Rare Specimens’: Textile artist Paula Bryan’s latest series takes its inspiration from flora and fossils.

Where: Wyatt Gallery, Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

When: CLOSING SATURDAY

Info: Free; 703-248-6800; www.arlingtonartscenter.org/exhibitions.htm

Gatherings

1. Scottish celebration: Celebrate Alexandria’s Scottish heritage a week before its famous Scottish Walk. Meet Tartan Day leaders, hear bagpipes and see highland dancing, country dancing, Scottish breed dogs. Adoptable dogs will be on hand.

Where: The Lyceum Museum, 201 South Washington St., Alexandria

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Info: Free; 703-838-4994; www.alexandriahistory.org

2. Wassail at Dumbarton House: Come see what Georgetown looked like at Christmas circa 1800, when this Federal architecture style house was built. Nonalcoholic wassail and treats; caroling; tour of the house; crafts for children.

Where: Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5

Info: $10 adults; first child free; other children $5; 202-337-2288; www.dumbartonhouse.org

3. Donate to A-SPAN: Each year the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network gives a holiday party to feed more than 100 homeless people in Arlington. Donate a turkey, pie or other holiday food to make the party a success.

Where: 2708 S. Nelson St., Arlington

When: Call now to sign up to bring food or help staff the party on Dec. 12.

Info: Call Lucy Yohn at 703-820-4357 (Ext. 15); www.a-span.org

4. Holiday concerts: Come hear a series of concerts in Alexandria. At 1 p.m. innovative Jewish music; at 2 p.m. holiday music and blues.

Where: Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria

When: 1 and 2 p.m. Nov. 29

Info: Free; 703-883-4686; www.alexandriava.gov

5. Donate toys and gift cards: Every year, Alexandria’s Office on Women organizes a holiday party for mothers and children who participate in their domestic violence program. Each family receives a bag of gifts to wrap and put under their Christmas trees at home. Please bring unwrapped gifts and gift cards to the Alexandria Office on Women by Dec. 15.

Where: Alexandria’s Office on Women, 421 King St., Suite 400, Alexandria

When: By Dec. 15

Info: 703-838-4911; www.alexandriava.gov

Music

1. Chanticleer: The Grammy Award-winning a cappella dozen presents “A Chanticleer Christmas,” holiday gems from Medieval music to spirituals and favorite carols.

Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts

When: 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Info: $24 to $48; 888-945-2468; www.tickets.com

2. NSO Pops: Marvin Hamlisch conducts “An Evening with the Jazz Ambassadors,” works by Washington composers Duke Ellington, Dr. Billy Taylor and James Reese Europe.

Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall

When: 1:30 and 8 p.m. Friday; 8 p.m. Saturday

Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; (800) 444-1324; www.kennedy-center.org

3. ABBA, the Music: Tribute show relives favorite moments and music of the ’70s with audience sing-along opportunities.

Where: Music Center at Strathmore

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Info: $25 to $65; 301-581-5100; www.strathmore.org

4. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: “Navidad Flamenca,” holiday show celebrates folkloric traditions of Flamenco.

Where: Music Center at Strathmore When: 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday

Info: $25 to $48; 301-581-5100; www.strathmore.org

5. The Seldom Scene and Dry Branch Fire Squad: Energetic, award-winning bluegrass specialists have been setting audiences on fire for nearly 60 combined years.

Where: The Birchmere

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Info: $29.50; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com

Also worth noting:

6. The Grandsons: Popular local band coaxes everyone on the floor for the General Admission Dance.

Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap

When: 8 p.m. Friday Nov. 28

Info: $16; 877-965-3872; www.wolftrap.org

Outdoors

1. Alexandria Tree Lighting: Join Santa Claus and Alexandria’s mayor to celebrate the City of Alexandria’s annual tree lighting.

Where: 301 King St., Alexandria

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Info: Free; 703-883-4686; www.alexandriava.gov

2. ‘Zoo Lights’: An annual winter celebration, where you can meander through the zoo sparkling with thousands of lights, enjoy entertainment and hear talks given by zookeepers.

Where: The National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 28-Dec. 14 (Friday-Sunday); 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 18-30 (except Dec. 24, 25).

Info: www.nationalzoo.si.edu

3. Full Moon Hike: These mildly strenuous, 5-mile-long guided walks fill up a month in advance, so call now to make your reservation for January. This magical trip will take you through moonlit gardens, meadows and woods. Discover how a familiar landscape changes under the moon and stars. Wear good walking shoes. Held rain or shine.

Where: The National Arboretum Grounds, 3501 New York Ave. NE, Washington

When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 9, 10, 11

Info: $15; Registration required; 202- 245-4523; www.usna.usda.gov

4. Walking Tour: Walk off that Thanksgiving dinner with a stroll through Washington’s Southwest Waterfront area. Follow 17 poster-sized signs of this self-guided Cultural Tourism DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail. The two-hour tour begins in Southwest’s main street and ends at the Waterside Mall.

Where: The first sign is located at the Waterfront/SEU Metro station plaza (4th and M Streets SW)

When: any day

Info: Free; 202-661-7581; www.culturaltourismdc.org

5. Bird Walk: Join members of Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal, non-strenuous walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn Parks in search of wintering birds. Experienced birders and beginners welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides.

Where: Meet at parking lot of Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington

When: 9:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 3

Info: Free; registration required; 703-228-6535; www.arlingtonva.us

Theatre

1. ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’: David Mamet’s incisive view of the cutthroat world of real estate sales. Jeremy Skidmore directs this Mamet classic, which investigates the lives of five real estate salesmen who battle for their business and their lives, desperate to avoid defeat and achieve the pinnacle of success. 

Where: The Keegan Theatre, Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW   

When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday (no performance Nov. 27)

Info:  $25-$30; 703-892-0202; www.keegantheatre.com

 

2. ‘Love, Peace, Robbery’: This New Island Project production of Liam Heylin’s 90-minute play is about two ex-cons straight out of Cork prison who try to break the cycle of petty vice and go clean.

Where: Keegan Theatre, Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run, Arlington

When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 21 (no performance Nov. 27)

Info: 703-892-0202; www.keegantheatre.com

3. ‘Alice’: Lewis Carroll’s beloved story about a precocious young girl who has extraordinary experiences after she follows the White Rabbit down into his rabbit hole. It is here adapted for the stage by Mary Hall Surface. Recommended for ages 6 and up. 

Where: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda

When: Through Dec. 28

Info: 240-644-1100; www.roundhousetheatre.org

4. ‘The Wizard of Oz’: A new British production of one of America’s most beloved musicals is coming to Washington in a 38-city tour of the United States. Hear the music of Harold Arlen and enjoy new special effects as Dorothy and her friends are transported over the rainbow.

Where: Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-7;  2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

Info: 202-397-7328; www.warnertheatre.com

5. ‘Cautionary Tales for Adults’ and ‘The Many Adventures of Trixie Tickles’: Bouncing Ball Productions bring these two mini-musicals by Shawn Northrip to Silver Spring. Shirley Serotsky directs. Appropriate for audience 13 years old and up.

Where: Round House Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring

When: 8 p.m. Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday

Info: www.roundhousetheatre.org

– Compiled by Emily Cary, Chris Klimek and Barbara Mackay