Best Galleries 1. Multiplicity: This collection of 83 prints made between 1972 and 2009 from the Smithsonian’s permanent collection features 38 pieces acquired within the last five years, most of which have not previously been shown at the museum. Chuck Close, John Baldessari, Susan Rothenberg and David Hockney are among the artists whose work appears in the show.
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Through March 11, 2012
Info: Free; 202-633-7970; americanart.si.edu
2. Louie Palu: The Fighting Season: The photojournalist extraordinary pictures document the armed conflict in the Kandahar region of southern Afghanistan, now in its 11th year. He’s been covering the war since 2006.
Where: Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE
When: Through Dec. 1
Info: Free; 202-580-5972; honfleurgallery.com
3. Andy Holtin: A Theatre of Objects: The multimedia whiz presents three new pieces that meld prerecorded video screens with projection elements that shift in real time, questioning the relationship between humans and their increasingly advanced tools.
Where: Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW
Info: Through Dec. 21
Info: Free; 202-315-1305; flashpointdc.org
4. Breck Omar Brunson: The indie rocker-turned-artist explores his religious upbringing and the iconography of the Catholic Church through this collection of manipulated found objects.
Where: 2nd floor, Curator’s Office, 1515 14th St. NW,
When: Through Dec. 22, 2012
Info: Free; 202-360-2573; curatorsoffice.com
5. Tis the Season: Sentimentality-abjuring yuletide and winter-themed pieces from Laurie Breen, Daniel Calder, Julie Giradini, Ron Loyd, Georgia Nassikas, Novie Trump and Lisa Rosenstein.
Where: Gallery 555, 555 12th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 13, 2012
Info: Free; gallery555dc.com
Best Music
1. Andrea Bocelli: The world-famous Italian tenor performs music from his heart.
Where: Verizon Center
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $164 and up; ticketmaster.com
2. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts “Sidereus,” an NSO co-commission by composer Osvaldo Golijov, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1. Plus, Midori performs Britten’s Violin Concerto.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20 and up; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
3. Dailey & Vincent: The award-winning bluegrass duo presents “I Believe in Christmas,” a family friendly evening filled with music, mirth and joy.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $24 to $48, youth through 12th grade half-price with adult; 888-945-2468, cfa.gmu.edu
4. “Hansel and Gretel”: Virginia Opera presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved opera in a Virginia setting.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $44 to $98, youth through 12th grade half-price with adult; 888-945-2468, cfa.gmu.edu
5. A Celtic Christmas: The Linn Barnes & Allison Hampton Celtic Consort, with seasonal readings by Robert Aubry Davis, put the audience in a holiday mood.
Where: Historic Dumbarton Church
When: 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, 8 p.m. Dec. 10
Info: Adults $33, seniors $29, 18 and under $18; 202-965-2000; dumbartonconcerts.org
Best Brainfood
1. “Black Nativity”: Theater Alliance presents Langston Hughes’ vibrant retelling of the Christmas story from an Afro-American perspective.
Where: H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE
When: Through Dec. 31
Info: $35; 202-241-2539; theateralliance.com
2. Merce Cunningham Dance Company: The legendary choreographer’s namesake company returns for the final time on its Legacy Tour with a program presented to live music, including”Antic Meet,” “Squaregame” and “Sounddance.”
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Friday and Saturday
Info: $22 to $65; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company: Edwin Aparicio, who appears regularly at national and international dance festivals, has created a stunning work featuring male dancers only.
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW
When: Friday to Sunday
Info: $18 to $30; 800-494-8497; galatheatre.org
4. “The Nutcracker”: The American Ballet Theatre presents of Tchaikovsky’s classic tale, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Dec. 8 to 11
Info: $45 to $150; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
5. “Thinking, Fast And Slow”: Daniel Kahneman won the 2002 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on decision making and has pioneered the field of behavioral economics. His new book presents thinking as a combination of the mind’s two systems, one fast, intuitive and emotional; the other slower, deliberative and logical. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 7
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
Best Family
1. Rebecca Harrison Reed: The award-winning illustrator signs copies of her new children’s picture book, “Only Cows Allowed,” as part of Frying Pan Farm Park’s 50th anniversary. The event features carolers, wagon rides, Santa in his sleigh and holiday shopping.
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: 703-437-9101; fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
2. Holiday Wreath Workshop: Adults and children ages 12 and older. Using all-natural items, you’ll create some delightfully decorative crafts to use around your home or give as gifts. Music, refreshments, basic instruction and materials for two crafts are provided. Bring special ornaments you like, hand pruners or wire cutters if you have them.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $30; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 612941-G
3. Visit with Santa: Tired of the shopping mall scene? Come visit Santa in the old log house at Gulf Branch, stop by the nature center, make a card, and watch the toy trains run. After registering, each family will be assigned a specific time to visit with Santa. Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $7; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; different times have different program numbers; ask when you call to register
4. ” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”: Take a wild ride with a mouse, an elf and a little girl, written by three-time Tony winner Ken Ludwig.
Where: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Ave., Glen Echo
When: Through Jan. 2
Info: $18; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre.org
5. Hibernation Investigation: Do short, cold days have you feeling sleepy? You’re not the only one. Learn the difference between hibernation, estivation, brumation, torpor and more. Info: 703-228-6535.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 622922-A
Best Gatherings
1. German Christkindlmarket: A traditional German Christmas market, sponsored by the German military. Browse Christmas decorations, gifts, and arts and crafts, watch puppet shows, and sample German food and drink, including mulled wine. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local charities.
Where: German Military Representative, 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday
Info: 703-390-3101
2. Edith Pearlman: Pearlman is this year’s recipient of the PEN/Malamud Award. Pearlman has published more than 250 works of short fiction and short nonfiction in national magazines, literary journals, anthologies and online publications.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $15; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
3. Arlen Blues and Berlin Ballad”: The songs of Irving Berlin and of blues-and-jazz great Harold Arlen defined what America played and sang and danced to for much of the 20th century.
Where: The Atlas Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: Friday through Dec. 11
Info: $17 to $40; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org
4. “A USO Christmas”: Tantallon Community Players take the audience back to a time when World War II stars entertained the troops with Bob Hope as master of ceremonies and the Glen Miller Orchestra as accompaniment.
Where: Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington
When: Friday and Saturday
Info: 301-203-6070; arts.pgparks.com
5. “Life Upon These Shores”: The latest work from distinguished professor, scholar and prolific writer Henry Louis Gates recounts the long, rich saga of African-American experience in North America. Covering five centuries, Gates’ narrative is accompanied by a veritable treasury of images, from ancient maps to cartoons, posters and photographs.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
Best Outdoors
1. City of Manassas Tree Lighting: Santa arrives by Virginia Railway Express train. Includes carols and live music, hayrides and museum admission.
Where: Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday; Santa arrives at 6
Info: Free; 703-368-1873; visitmanassas.org
2. City of Poolesville Tree Lighting Ceremony: A holiday sing-along, performances by local choirs and ice carving demonstrations. Climb aboard the Holiday Express train for a trip around the park.
Where: Whalen Commons Park, 19701 Fisher Ave., Poolesville
When: Santa arrives 6:30 p.m. Friday; tree lit at 7:30
Info: Free; 301-428-8927
3. Skate at the National Gallery: Enjoy extraordinary works of art!
Where: Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: See website for dates and times
Info: $7 to $8; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
4. Patuxent NWR Cash Lake Loop: The hike is short, just 1.9 miles, but rich in wildlife. You may see great blue herons, wood ducks, ringed-neck ducks, deer, geese, turtles, egrets, bald eagles and other wildlife. Trails are very well marked and good for hikers, dogs and families.
Where: Laurel
When: Year-round
Info: Free; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
5. Birding Westmoreland County: For adults: Join an excursion to Westmoreland and George Washington’s birthplace. You will likely see waterfowl, bald eagles and winter birds. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a drink, bag lunch and snacks for the day.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Rec Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $35; registration required; program No. 622842-A
Best Theater
1. “Hairspray”: When she wins a coveted spot on “The Corny Collins Show,” Baltimore’s most popular teen dance program, the high school loser with the big heart, big personality and big hair proves everyone wrong and becomes a local TV celebrity.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through Jan. 29
Info: $63 to $87; 703-573-7328; signature-theatre.org
2. “Wonderful Life”: A fresh take on a classic following George Bailey through the highs and lows of his life as he struggles to understand his own worth.
Where: The Hub Theatre, 9431 Silver King Court, Fairfax
When: Friday through Dec. 27
Info: $15 to $25; 703-674-3177; [email protected]
3. “You, Nero”: A comic romp through the life of one of Rome’s more famous and colorful rulers.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: Through Jan. 1
Info: $40 to $85; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
4. “An Irish Carol”: A world premiere by Dublin native Matthew Keenan. Set in a modern Dublin pub, this is an homage to Dickens’ classic, following one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity.
Where: The Keegan Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Saturday through Dec. 31
Info: $35; 703-897-0202; keegantheatre.com
5. “Seasonal Disorder”: Washington Improv Theater starts its holiday season with this four-week festival of long-form improvisational performances.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St. NW
When: Through Dec. 31
Info: $10 to $15; washingtonimprovtheater.com
