BrainFood 1. “Mount Vernon By Candlelight”: Tour the candle-lit home of George Washington and learn about his Christmas traditions. Where: Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria
When: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $14 to $20; 703-780-2000; mountvernon.org
2. Oatlands Christmas: Relive Christmas in the 1870s at the Greek revival mansion. The Victorian decor features an abundance of greenery and festive Christmas trees. Tours begin on the hour on weekdays, and on the half-hour. Tea offered at 1 p.m. Dec. 26, 27, 29 (reservations required).
Where: Oatlands Plantation, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 30; closed Dec. 24 and 25
Info: $5 to $12; 703-777-3174; oatlands.org
3. “Palladio and His Legacy”: This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most important drawings in the world of architecture — 31, 16th-century works from the hand of the Italian Renaissance master Andrea Palladio. These illustrations link the splendor of ancient Rome to the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic and, ultimately, to the symbols of our American democracy. Andrea Palladio’s architecture synthesized the lessons of the ancient Romans with the achievements of his predecessors and contemporaries, including Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Jan. 20
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
4. “Mixing Metaphors: The Aesthetic, the Social and the Political in African-American Art”: Mixed media works from thirty-six artists.
Where: Howard University Gallery of Art, 2400 Sixth St. NW
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday
Info: Free; 202-806-7070; howard.edu
5. “Sully Historic Site: Civil War Era”: Join a historic character on a wagon ride around the grounds, and then tour the 1794 home of northern Virginia’s first congressman, Richard Bland Lee, by candlelight. Hear seasonal music, make an ornament to take home and sample sugar cookies from a recipe in Sully’s open hearth cookbook.
Where: Sully Historic Site, 3601 Sully Road, Chantilly
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Info: $7 to $10; 703-437-1794; fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully
Family
1. “Holly Trolleyfest”: Ride with Santa on the Street Cars (12:30 to 4:30 p.m.) and enjoy a large model train display and holiday village set up beneath a decorated tree (noon to 5 p.m.).
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum, 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville
When: Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 26, Jan. 2
Info: $3 to $5; 301-384-6088; dctrolley.org
2. “Seasons of Light”: This seasonal favorite calls on the warmth of many holidays in a fun-filled interactive celebration. Explore the history and customs of Devali, Ramadan, Santa Lucia, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Christmas and a First Nations tradition of the Winter Solstice.
Where: Imagination Stage, Ripley Center., 1100 Jefferson Drive SW
When: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday; through Dec. 22.; (1 p.m. Dec. 17)
Info: $3 to $10; 202-633-800; discoverytheater.org
3. “Rocknoceros Holiday Show and Singalong”: Coach Cotton, Willie Bob and Boogie Woogie Bennie perform holiday songs
Where: Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
When: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10; 703-255-1566; jamminjava.com
4. “Santa’s Workshop”: For children age 3 and older, includes a visit with Santa, crafts and lunch.
Where: Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: $3-$7; 703-787-7300; herndon-va.gov
5. “Saturday Evening Post’s Christmas Stories”: Norman Rockwell’s images graced the cover of many Saturday Evening Post holiday issues and illustrated stories for the holiday season. Come celebrate “the most wonderful time of year” with dramatic readings from a selection of holiday favorites, including Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Clement Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicolas” and Francis P. Church’s “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; americanart.si.edu
Galleries
1. “Lo?s Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color”: Howard University professor Lo?s Mailou Jones’s 75-year career in the arts encompassed whose paintings, textiles, and sketches from the Harlem Renaissance to the late 1990s, inspiring three generations of African-American artists.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
When: Through Jan. 9
Info: $10, $8 students and seniors; 202-783-5000; nmwa.org
2. “American Modernism: The Shein Collection”: Twenty masterpieces from the first wave of American Modernism, including works by Georgia O’Keefe, Man Ray, Charles Sheeler and others.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Jan. 2
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
3. “Ancient Chinese Jades & Bronzes”: Eighty remarkable jade objects from the Liangzhu culture (circa 3300-2250 B.C.) are restored to public view after a decade’s absence. Essential.
Where: Freer Gallery, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW
When: Ongoing
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu
4. “Yuletide”: An assortment of small works, all priced under $1,000, in media from repurposed vinyl records to recycled glass to ceramics to sculpture to watercolor. What do you give the woman or man who has everything? Repurposed vinyl or wood.
Where: Project 4 Gallery, 1353 U St. NW, Third floor
When: To Dec. 22
Info: Free; 202-232-4340; project4gallery.com
5. “Jim Sanborn: Photographs”: Jim Sanborn’s transfixing digital prints look like extreme enlargements of flecks of chalk or salt, or else bioluminescent deep-sea life-forms.
Where: Marsha Mateyka Gallery, 2012 R St. NW
When: Through Jan. 15
Info: Free; 202-328-0088; marshamateykagallery.com
Gatherings
1. “A Celtic Christmas”: with S?or-îg, a traditional Irish band, storyteller Penelope Fleming who will tell the story of “The Christmas Cabin of Carnaween,” singers Ellie Mandell and Nicole Piche and Irish step dancing by the Boyle School of Irish Dance.
Where: Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: Free, no reserved seating; 703-352-2787
2. “Gaylord’s Tree of Light Show”: See the Gaylord atrium come to life with an extravaganza that heralds the arrival of nightfall with Christmas music, a light show and a dancing fountain that shoots 60 feet high.
Where: Gaylord National, National Harbor (see website for directions)
When: 6 p.m. nightly through Jan. 9
Info: Free; nationalharbor.com
3. “Garden in Lights”: “Garden In Lights” is a show of twinkling lights and one-of-a-kind “light sculptures.” This year, guests will see jumping poodles, hot rods, dinosaurs, sand castles, wild animals, princesses and more as they tour seven different magical vignettes. In the ornament sale, artists and artisans exhibit their hand-crafted ornaments during the third annual event. Most pieces sell for $5 to $25.
Where: Annmarie Garden, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16-23; Dec. 26-Jan 2, weather permitting
Info: $5, children free; 410-326-4640; annmariegarden.org
4. Botanic Garden Concerts: On Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December, the U. S. Botanic Garden will have extended hours featuring musical performances from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Garden Court, United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 6-8 p.m. Dec.16: Capital Accord Chorus; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21: Laissez Four?
Info: Free; 202-225-1833; www.usbg.gov
5. “Kwanzaa Celebration”: In this special holiday showcase, Coyaba Academy, Coyaba Dance Theater and special guests celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $8 to $22; 202-268-1600; danceplace.org
Music
1. The Washington Chorus: Julian Wachner conducts a Candlelight Christmas with brass, organ, percussion, harp and 200-voice chorus singing Christmas classics and sing-along numbers with a candlelight processional.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 1 p.m. Saturday-Monday, 7 p.m. Dec. 22
Info: $15 to $65; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Anonymous 4: Medieval carols and chants for Christmas by four women who combine historical scholarship with music from the age of candlelight.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Info: $38; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. Preservation Hall Jazz Band: A Creole Christmas, direct from New Orleans, with an evening of jazz and ragtime for the entire family to enjoy and dance in the aisles.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $45; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
4. Leahy Family Christmas: The Canadian octet energizes with fiery fiddles, fancy footwork and blazing vocals.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $24 to $48; 888-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
5. Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in “Vienna” by the youngsters who sing Gregorian chants, choral works, classical masterpieces, pop songs and holiday favorites with angelic flair.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $24 to $48; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
Also worth noting:
6. The Choral Arts Society of Washington: Family Christmas Concert conducted by Joseph Holt, presents “The Night Before Christmas” by playwright Mary Hall Surface and the musical telling of “The Reluctant Dragon.”
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 4 p.m. Friday
Info: $15 to $45; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
7. The Folklore Society of Greater Washington: “Nowell Sing We Clear,” a pageant of a Kentucky Mummers’ play and midwinter carols with vocal duo Roberts & Barrand and New England dance callers/musicians Fred Breunig and Andy Davis.
Where: Church of the Ascension Parish Hall
When: 633 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring
Info: $25, $10 for students at the door; 703-354-6460; fsgw.org
Outdoors
1. National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace: The National Christmas Tree and 56 smaller trees — one for each state, five territories and the District of Columbia — serve as the event focal point. Seasonal displays include a Yule log, a large-scale model train, a Christmas manger and Santa’s Workshop, where children can visit with Santa. Musical performances by volunteer choirs and dancers will be held nightly on the Ellipse stage.
Where: The Ellipse, 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 1; weeknight musical performances: 6 to 8:30 p.m.; weekend performances: 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Info: 202-208-1631; thenationaltree.org; nps.gov/whho
2. St. George’s County 24th annual Festival of Lights: Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event of more than one million twinkling lights. This year’s festival features fun displays, including Santa flying a helicopter and driving a fire truck.
Where: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro
When: 5 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 2
Info: $5 per car or van; $15 per mini-bus or limo; $25 per bus
3. Full Moon Solstice Hike: For families with children ages 6 and older. It’s the Winter Solstice and a full moon shines above. Gather for a hike on this longest night of the year. Hot cider will help keep you warm! Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $5; registration necessary for children and adults at 703-228-4747; program 622750-B.
4. “Winter Lights”: See more than 350 illuminated displays along a 3.5-mile drive through Seneca Creek State Park. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole and much more. Winter Lights benefits local charities.
Where: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; through Jan. 1; closed Dec. 25
Info: $12 to $15 per car; $20 to $70 larger vehicles; 301-924-2627; dnr.state.md.us
5. “Forts of North Arlington”: Union fortifications in North Arlington were built to protect Washington and the bridges across the Potomac River. Start at Fort C. F. Smith and travel by van to Forts Bennett, Ethan Allen and Marcy. Learn about the men and equipment stationed at the forts and the reasons behind each fort’s location. Children 12 and older welcome. Info: 703-243-4342.
Where: Meet at Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15; registration required at 703-228-4747; program 622740-A.
Theatre
1. “Sunset Boulevard”: Legendary silent film star Norma Desmond sings the glorious songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber. All the glamour of old-time Hollywood and Paramount Pictures comes alive in this tale of love, lust and revenge. Starring Florence Lacey as the faded screen star, “Sunset Boulevard” is a musical in which Andrew Lloyd Webber creates a lush romantic tragedy.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: See website for dates and times; through Feb. 13
Info: $66.30 to $93.55; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
2. “A Girl’s Guide to Washington Politics”: Second City celebrates 50 years of satiric theatre, bringing a hilarious revue all about D.C. to Woolly Mammoth, looking at the life of Washington politics with an original spin.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 7 and 10 p.m. Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday; through Jan 9
Info: Tickets begin at $30; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
3. “The Mousetrap”: Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery set in a new guesthouse filled with an array of curious guests. In the midst of a terrible blizzard a murder is committed and everyone is a suspect. Special New Year’s Eve performance followed by champagne and music.
Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner
When: 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 Sunday; through Jan 9
Info: $15 to $25; New Year’s Eve performance: $50; 703-854-1856; 1ststagetysons.org
4. “One Arm”: Georgetown University presents a staged reading and developmental workshop of Tennessee Williams’ play about a male prostitute arrested for murder. The play is adapted and directed by Moises Kaufman. Tickets are free but required.
Where: Gonda Theater, Davis Performing Arts Center, 3700 O St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: Reserve tickets at performingarts.georgetown.edu
5. “Black Nativity”: Theater Alliance presents Langston Hughes’ play, which tells the story of the Nativity through gospel music, verse and dance.
Where: H St. Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE
When: Through Jan. 2
Info: $25 to $35; 202-399-7993; theateralliance.com
