WASHINGTON POST: At this time of year, there are more things to do in the D.C. area than there are names on Santa’s “nice” list. Every night brings choices: Do you want to groove to holiday tunes or join a singalong? Should you head to a walk-through light display or go watch the Sugar Plum Fairy pirouette? And where are you going to find the perfect gift for your mom — or yourself?
We’ve combed through hundreds of offerings to compile this list of dozens of suggested holiday happenings, curating it to highlight a variety of activities and locations. We’ll be the first to admit we couldn’t squeeze in all of our favorite annual events. But don’t worry: This is far from the final word. We’ll have even more suggestions online, as well as in our weekly Things to Do guides, throughout the holiday season.
‘A Christmas Carol’ and cabarets
‘A Christmas Carol’ at Ford’s Theatre
It’s almost impossible to imagine the holidays without the booming baritone of Craig Wallace, a juggernaut of the D.C. theater scene best known in early days for his Shakespearean work. Since 2016, he’s performed as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in Ford’s Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” a traditional version of the story set in Victorian London. The popular show, which has been a holiday fixture at Ford’s for more than four decades, runs through the end of December, with a sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 10. Plus, unlike some other productions, this one includes actual caroling. Select days through Dec. 31. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. fords.org. $33-$139.
‘A Christmas Carol’ at Olney Theatre Center
This classic telling of Charles Dickens’s ghost story is maybe the most traditional of the bunch — it’s performed the way Dickens himself recited the story on his world tour, as a solo show. About 99 percent of the text is drawn from the original novella, and Paul Morella plays 51 separate characters. In a show now celebrating 14 seasons, here’s what’s new this year: design elements like dry ice, shadows and fog, plus richer lighting design. It’s a “pop-up book come to life,” Morella writes. Select days through Dec. 31 with performances at 3 and 7:45 p.m. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Rd., Olney. olneytheatre.org. $40-$55.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s ‘The Holiday Show’
The sure-to-sell-out annual extravaganza from the Gay Men’s Chorus is back this year with the return of old audience favorites (both holiday-related and not), dancers, fun costumes and lots of sparkles, plus an appearance from Santa. The full chorus is featured alongside the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Make sure to get tickets early. Dec. 2 and 9 at 8 p.m., Dec. 9 at 3 p.m., Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. gmcw.org. $25-$65.
Big Freedia’s Christmas in Central City Tour at 9:30 Club
“International bounce diva” (her words) Big Freedia has worked with artists from Beyoncé to Drake, but this season, she’s trading international pop stardom for something a little more Hallmark — if Hallmark soundtracks included tracks like “Make It Jingle” (“Lips are red/ Pockets are green/ ‘Tis the season to be queen”). Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. 9:30.com. $26.
‘The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show’ at Capital One Hall
Christmas’s favorite drag queens Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme return for an all-new edition of their holiday show at the Tysons Corner theater. The spectacle includes annual favorites alongside comedy skits and new songs (which, in previous years, featured a Christmas pageant and the “Nativity Twist”). The show contains mature themes and language, so leave the little ones at home for this one. Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons. capitalonehall.com. $50-$353.
‘A John Waters Christmas’ at the Birchmere
The provocative filmmaker’s Christmas comedy tour is this year subtitled “Let’s Blow It Up!,” which is fitting based on topics of promised bits: “yuletide diseases with booster shots that actually get you high,” “kindergarten detention drag shows in Florida” and “gift certificates to the Dark Web for your parents.” Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. birchmere.com. $60.
More on the best of D.C.
Concerts: Choral and classical
Nightly caroling at Willard InterContinental
Now in its 22nd year, Willard InterContinental’s caroling program plays host to dozens of performers nightly through most of December. It’s a great opportunity to catch snippets of holiday concerts from members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington or the City Singers you may have missed. There are also performances from community groups, youth ensembles and schools, and new-to-Willard performers like an Austrian traditionalchoir called the Alpine Singers. Decked out in Christmas decor and watched over by a massive tree, the hotel’s lobby is transformed into a stage — and a bar. The Moët & Chandon pop-up, which has champagne, seasonal drinks and zero-proof options, is meant to help meet outsize demand during the holiday season, when hotel guests and locals alike pop in and out for performances. Dec. 1-23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 6 to 8 p.m. on weekends. Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. washington.intercontinental.com. Free.
Epiphany Choir Christmas Concert at Church of the Epiphany
Sneak out for a long lunch to watch the Epiphany Choir’s annual Christmas concert, which this year includes “Rejoice in the Lamb” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The 50-minute concert on a Tuesday is a festive midday pick-me-up for those who work downtown. Dec. 12 from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. epiphanydc.org. Free.
The Washington Chorus’s ‘A Candlelight Christmas’
The Washington Chorus is joined by National Capital Brass and Percussion, side-by-side high school choirs, and organist Paul Byssainthe Jr. for several candlelight performances of “A Candlelight Christmas,” a medley with hints of traditional holiday tunes. A performance at Strathmore is followed by four performances at the Kennedy Center. Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. strathmore.org. $15-$79. Dec. 16 at 3 p.m., Dec. 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. kennedy-center.org. $15-$99.
Cathedral Choral Society’s ‘Joy of Christmas’ at Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral’s resident choir presents two performances of “Joy of Christmas,” which starts with “Once in Royal David’s City” and builds into a sweeping epic of horns, bells and dozens of voices. To skip the ticket cost, register for the live stream for pay-what-you-wish. Dec. 16 at 2 and 6 p.m., Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedralchoralsociety.org. $42-$95.
Washington National Cathedral Christmas Organ Recital
Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren present on Christmas a program of festive music. Come in person for free or play the live stream as you finish opening presents. Dec. 25 at 1:30 p.m. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedral.org. Free.
Jazz concerts
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ with the Eric Byrd Trio
The Eric Byrd Trio is bringing to life the jazz-infused soundtrack of the 1965 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” special with several sets of performances, including two near D.C. Catch the performance at the Hamilton Live over dinner (or a late lunch) and drinks. Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Hamilton Live, 600 14th St. NW. live.thehamilton.com. $15-$40.
NPR’s ‘A Jazz Piano Christmas’ at the Kennedy Center
Three Cuban pianists are in the spotlight at this year’s piano holiday celebration by NPR. Hear jazz-infused renditions of holiday classics by Melvis Santa, Alfredo Rodriguez and Hilario Durán at the Kennedy Center in an annual concert that’s usually sold out by the time it rolls around. (Read: Grab your tickets now.) Dec. 2 at 7 and 9 p.m. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW.kennedy-center.org. $59-$79.
Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra: ‘A Bohemian Christmas’ at Atlas
Hear the 17-piece big band Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra play cool classics by Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington and more. Now in its 12th year, the crew is headed by saxophonist and educator Brad Linde. Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. $30.
Duke Ellington’s ‘Nutcracker’ with Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra at Blues Alley
This time of year, Blues Alley, the long-standing Georgetown supper club, puts on almost exclusively jazzed-up Christmas shows, but none is as popular as Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra’s performance of the “Nutcracker” Suite. Felten’s swing group has been a holiday staple since long before he recorded its 2019 Blues Alley show — which may be why the both early evening performances are already sold out (tickets for two late shows are still available). In Duke Ellington’s 1960 recomposition of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet, songs go from “Dance of the Reed-Pipes” to “Toot Toot Tootie Toot” and “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” to “Sugar Rum Cherry” and the like. Dec. 19 and 20 at 9 p.m. Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. bluesalley.com. $40.
‘All-Star Christmas EVE Jazz Jam’ at Millennium Stage
Most years, when much of Washington comes to a standstill, the Kennedy Center’s Jazz Jam provides a festive escape from home (or the extended family) on Christmas Day. But this year, for the first time, it’s hosted on Christmas Eve. The gist stays the same: Chuck (vibraphone) and Robert (piano) Redd lead a team of musicians, including Lenny Robinson (drummer), James King (bass) and several vocalists in a free afternoon of seasonal favorites. Dec. 24 at noon. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. kennedy-center.org. Free; a limited number of advance tickets will be available Dec. 6, then every Wednesday two weeks before the performance.
Pop concerts
National Symphony Orchestra’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert at the Anthem
See the National Symphony Orchestra perform in a venue besides the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall at its holiday pops show, which features favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells” and “I Saw Three Ships,” along with music from “The Nutcracker” and “Babes in Toyland.” The performance is conducted by Steven Reineke, music director of the New York Pops.Guests should don their ugliest knitwear, and note that entering the Kennedy Center’s Ugly Sweater Contest could score a free ticket. Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. kennedy-center.org. $25-$40.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ at Strathmore
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Films With Orchestra series — in which the orchestra plays along to the film score of a movie screening — has featured “The Wizard of Oz” and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” but this performance brings a more festive flair with the 2000 holiday classic starring Jim Carrey. Expect holiday decor and music in the Strathmore lobby, plus a selfie station and a Grinch cutout. Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. strathmore.org. $23-$85.
Merry TubaChristmas at the Kennedy Center (and beyond!)
The booming, buzzy explosion of 250 tuba, euphonium and sousaphone players busting out “Jingle Bells” at the Kennedy Center has long marked a holiday tradition started 50 years ago in New York meant to shine a light on the orchestra’s less-featured bass-cleffers. This free event, open to beginners and experts alike and held in the Concert Hall, is also conducted annually in cities around the world — including Annapolis (Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.), Alexandria (Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.) and Leesburg (Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.). Tickets for the Kennedy Center show are available on Nov. 22 and must be picked up from the box office by 5:45 the day of the performance. Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. kennedy-center.org. Free.
Handel’s ‘Messiah’
‘Messiah Sing-Along’ at the Kennedy Center
There are numerous chances to hear George Frideric Handel’s oratorio in churches and concert halls throughout the holiday season, but fewer opportunities to actually belt out “hallelujah!” with the chorus. Since 1971, the Kennedy Center has hosted a public singalong of Messiah, which has grown into one of the performing arts center’s most popular annual events. Held in the Concert Hall — the Kennedy Center’s largest performance space — this year’s “Messiah” features Nancia DAlimonte conducting the Washington National Opera Orchestra and a chorus of 150, including members of the College Park Chorale, Congressional Chorus, Fairfax Choral Society and Rockville Chorus, not to mention what the Kennedy Center calls “a very enthusiastic audience.” Tickets are very much in demand, and the Kennedy Center allows audience members to reserve up to four tickets beginning Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. and continuing on a rolling basis. On the day of the concert, guests can pick up tickets at the box office at 4 p.m.; any tickets not claimed will be given to a standby line, beginning at 5:45 p.m. (Get there early if you’re hoping to score seats.) Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. kennedy-center.org. Free.
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra at the Hylton Performing Arts Center
The Woodbridge-based Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, which is dedicated to performing free or low-cost classical concerts, is joined by the Gainesville Community Choir at George Mason University’s Hylton Performing Arts Center for a night of “Messiah” and seasonal favorites. Pro tip: Print a copy of the vocal score of the “Hallelujah” chorus from the venue’s website. Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas. hyltoncenter.org. $15-$20; free for ages 17 and younger.
Washington National Cathedral
When it comes to “Messiah,” no other concert venue in Washington offers an atmosphere like Washington National Cathedral. The Cathedral Chorus and its Baroque Orchestra join forces for four performances, including an abbreviated family-friendly version. Concerts are also streamed through the cathedral’s website on a “pay what you wish” basis. Dec. 8-10; family performance Dec. 9 at noon. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedral.org. $59-$104; $35-$55 for family edition.
National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center
Conductor Laurence Equilbey leads the National Symphony Orchestra, the University of Maryland Concert Choir and guest soloists in the NSO’s annual performance. Dec. 14-17. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. kennedy-center.org. $19-$99.
National Philharmonic
The National Philharmonic is a resident at Strathmore, but that’s not the only place it’s performing “Messiah” this December. First, there are two performances at Strathmore, featuring the NatPhil Orchestra and Chorale with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society in what the National Philharmonic calls a “new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering” of “Messiah,” with soloists moving around in front of the musicians. This is followed by a similar staging at the Capital One Hall in Tysons a few days later. Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. strathmore.org. $19-$109; free for ages 17 and younger. Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons. capitalonehall.com. $19.20-$103; free for ages 17 and younger.
Hanukkah celebrations
DCJCC Hanukkah Market
Makers and artists are bringing pottery, jewelry and other giftable items to the DCJCC for its annual holiday bazaar, an all-ages event featuring live music, food vendors, a hot chocolate bar, and classes in making olive oil cakes and arranging dried flowers. Nov. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW.
