WHERE TO BE SCENE
Thursday, Nov. 30
5:30 – 8:00 PM, third annual Streetmarket, a curated holiday pop-up event at Streetsense, 3 Bethesda Metro No. 140, Bethesda. Featuring local retailers, complimentary small bites, beverages, shopping and an interactive photo booth. Free, info.
8:00 PM, The Real Americans at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Story inspired by 100 days traveling in a van through small-town America through the eyes of actor/journalist Dan Hoyle. $20 - $40, info.
6:00 – 9:00 PM, D.C.-area Travel Meet-up + Toys for Tots Collection at Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grille, 567 South 23rd St., Arlington. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots, ask for travel advice, meet other travelers or just come to share the holiday spirit! Register for the happy hour here.
Friday, Dec. 1
7:30 – 9:30 PM, Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s 29th annual production of The Nutcracker at Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. Enjoy the full-length traditional staging featuring student and professional dancers, stunning costumes and scenery. $19, info.
Noon – 11:59 PM, Winterfest 2017 Launch at Wunder Garten, First and L streets NE. Guests will enjoy live music while munching on fare from one of Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants while sipping hot cocoa and tastings of winter beers, mulled wine and spiked hot chocolate. Continues through Dec. 17. Free entry, info.
3:00 – 10:00 PM, The Long Conversation: Solving the Future at Arts & Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW. A one-of-a-kind event in one of the most beautiful buildings on the National Mall. Free, must RSVP.
4:00 – 8:00 PM, Pop-up Ice Lounge at Park at CityCenter, 825 10th St. NW. Enjoy a life-size, modern ice igloo made of 36,000 pounds of ice blocks. Free, info.
8:00 – 11:59 PM, The Capital Club's 26th Annual Santa Soiree at City Tavern Club, 3206 M St. NW. Includes live music from Masterpiece, premium open bar featuring Tito's Vodka; attire: Elfish Black Tie. $100, info.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Noon – 2:00 PM, Cook for a Cause at Declaration, 804 V St. NW. Learn how to make your own crudo and homemade pizza with Food Network Chopped Champion and Corporate Executive Chef Demetrio Zavala. $35, benefits Martha’s Table, info.
1:00 – 3:00 PM, Free Holiday Doggie Photos at Compass, 1313 14th St. NW. Free doggie photos with donations to the Humane Rescue Alliance, info.
11:00 AM, Brief Assembly Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Union Market, 1309 Fifth St NE. Continues through Sunday. Savvy shoppers will have the chance to peruse an array of items perfect for gifting from more than 20 local and national brands. Continues Thursday-Sunday until Christmas Eve. Free, info.
2:00 – 8:00 PM, Ice Skating Rink at The Fairmont, 2401 M St. NW. The hotel’s interior courtyard will be transformed into a winter wonderland, including toasty fire pits and a 900-square-foot ice skating rink under the watchful eye of Santa Claus. $5, per hour of skating with skates, info.
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, annual JRA Day Craft Artist Exhibition and Sale, a one-day-only showcase for artists who are members of the James Renwick Alliance at The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, 7931 Connecticut Ave. Buy jewelry, but also ceramics, fiber, glass, wood and more. Free, info.
Sunday, Dec. 3
3:30 – 5:30 PM, a wonderful take on the Nutcracker, Clara’s Christmas at Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. Choreographed by Robert and Robin Conrad Sturm, The Asaph Dance Ensemble’s ballet is the story of how a young girl, Clara, discovers the true joy and hope of Christmas. $20 - $30, info.
1:00 PM, Light Up The Season hosts its first annual community fundraising event to benefit Children’s National Health System at the Four Seasons, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Items for purchase and activities for all ages, including cookie decorating, ornament making and a visit from Santa. $50, info.
Monday, Dec. 4
6:00 – 9:00 PM, Washingtonian’s Belvedere Bartender Battle at The Gryphon, 1337 Connecticut Ave. NW. Enjoy cocktails, light bites and the final round between three DMV bartenders in a “Chopped”-style mixology competition. Free, info.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
8:00 PM, The Real Americans at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Story inspired by 100 days traveling in a van through small-town America through the eyes of actor/journalist Dan Hoyle. $20 - $40, info.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Winternational’s sixth annual Embassy Showcase at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Enjoy visual art, food, handcrafts as well as travel and tourism exhibits, and shopping. Free, info.
5:00 – 11:00 PM, Founders Brewing Co. 20th Anniversary Celebration at City Tap House Penn Quarter, 901 Ninth St. NW. Giveaways, and food and drink specials. Enjoy 20 featured drafts from the brewery including their sought-after Canadian Breakfast Stout as well as swag item giveaways. Free, info.
5:30 – 8:00 PM, Christmas Open House: Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW. Tour the DAR Museum, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and music from carolers. You can even visit with Santa! Free, info.
6:00 – 8:00 PM, Sierra Club DC's Holiday Party & Silent Auction at Smith Public Trust, 3514 12th St. NE. Celebrate a year of making a difference in supporting grass-roots action for healthy and sustainable Metro DC. $25, info.
6:30 – 9:30 PM, 2017 La Soirée Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Fundraiser at Embassy of Canada, 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Food, drink, music, tree lighting, DJ and dancing with appearances by David MacNaughton, Canada's Ambassador to the U.S., the Honorable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia, United Way NCA board and leadership, invited officials from the District and Congress. $50, info.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
7:30 PM, Hip-Hop Nutcracker at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. This new take on a classic relocates the narrative from imperial Russia to present-day New York, making the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy new again. $28 to $58, info.
