13 minute read
Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner
kids&family
Holidays at the Botanic Garden
This year, the US Botanic Garden, at the foot of the Capitol, offers an outdoor holiday display, running through Jan. 2 (closed on Christmas day). The display includes festive decorations, trains, evergreens, and lights in the outdoor gardens. G-gauge model trains will run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in the gated outdoor gardens. The trains will circulate through agricultural displays from across the United States and around the world, all made from plant parts. These farm scenes will range from orange groves, cranberry bogs, and wheat fi elds in the US to grape vineyards in Australia, coffee farms in Uganda and olive orchards in Spain. No tickets required. The trains may not run during inclement weather. usbg.gov/holiday.
Photo: Nick Eckert
Waterskiing Santa on the Potomac
Waterskiing Santa appears along the Old Town Alexandria waterfront on Friday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. (pre-show at 12:45 p.m.). Santa’s helpers come out early to ensure it’s safe for Santa (considering the Grinch or Jack Frost may be around). waterskiingsanta.com.
Join the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count
A family holiday tradition for many, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society, with over 100 years of citizen science involvement. It’s an early-winter bird census, where thousands of volunteers across the US, Canada and many countries in the Western Hemisphere, go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds. To participate, you need to join an existing CBC circle by contacting the compiler in advance of the count day. All Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, inclusive dates, each season. Read more and sign up at audubon.org/content/ join-christmas-bird-count.
NORAD Tracks Santa
NORAD tracks everything that fl ies in and around North America in defense of our country. However, on Dec. 24, they have the special mission of also tracking Santa. NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child accidentally dialed the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, believing she was calling Santa Claus after seeing a promotion in a local newspaper. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, the commander on duty that night, was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the youngster that CONAD would guarantee Santa a safe journey from the North Pole. Thus, a tradition was born that rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website receives nearly fi fteen million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers receive more than 130,000 calls (phone number appears on the website on Dec. 24) to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline. This year, children are also able to track Santa through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. noradsanta.org.
BELOW: Marine Staff Sgts. Hugh Wood and Randall Ayers, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, take calls at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operati ons Center. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
National Cathedral Family Christmas Service
On Thursday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m., the Nativity story comes to life in the glorious nave of the National Cathedral. Gather loved ones of all ages for a joyful service of carols and prayers featuring a menagerie of live animals to welcome the Holy Family. Free passes are required to attend in person. cathedral.org.
“A Christmas Carol” at The Little Theatre of Alexandria
A Family Christmas at the KC
On Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 24 at 11 a.m., bring the kids to the Kennedy Center for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them. They’ll take you on a merry tour of holiday sing-alongs and Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph. This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages five, up. $20 to $45. kennedy-center.org.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is one of the most vibrant holiday celebrations in town. This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats. The Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is at the Atlas, 1333 H St. NE, from Dec. 9 to 30. Get tickets and updates at stepafrika.org.
Christmas Movies at The Miracle Theatre
See some of the great Christmas movies on the big screen. Here’s this year’s lineup: The Polar Express, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. and Dec. 12, 2 p.m.; Elf, Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.; It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. and Dec. 18, 4 p.m.; White Christmas, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. All tickets, $6. The Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE. themiracletheatre.com. Through Dec. 18, LTA rings in the holiday season with a return of the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim. A Christmas Carol is a must for the entire family. The Little Theatre of Alexandria is at 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA. thelittletheatre.com.
Cinderella at Synetic Theater
Just in time for the holidays, Cinderella joins Synetic’s family series repertoire. Led by an all-female team of Syneticons, this innovative take on the classic fairytale is a perfect fit for audiences of all ages. $15 to $30. Cinderella is on stage at Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Crystal City, on select days through Dec. 26, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. synetictheater.org.
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Ice Skating
Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE, is open for public skating through the end of 2021 on Sundays, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 2 p.m. Adult admission is $5; kids, $4. Skate rental is $3. fdia.org.
Dia de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) at GALA
On Sunday, Jan. 2, 1:30 p.m., join GALA for this annual tradition, the celebrated Three Kings celebration which brings Latin-American tradition to the streets of DC with local music and dance groups, and free gifts for all children. Attendance is capped at 200 and allows only one adult per every three children in the group/family. Tickets are $2 per person. All patrons ages five and up
Discovery Theater’s “Season of Light” Show On-Demand
See the beloved holiday favorite that bridges communities and cultures the world over— virtually! An adapted version of this enchanting, signature Discovery Theater show will be available for digital viewing this year. Celebrate the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice—right from your home or classroom. Recommended for ages five to 12. Available for school/groups, Dec. 6 to 23; families, Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. Following the show, students can discover more with a pre-recorded activi-
ty, led by Teaching Artist, Jessica Andrews. $25 for groups; $12 for families. discoverytheater.org/seasonsoflight.
Photo: Alice Rose
See the Trains at the National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree is lit every day, through Jan. 1, from approximately 4:30 p.m. to midnight as part of the America Celebrates display at President’s Park (White House). Ahead of this holiday season, the National Park Service planted a new National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The new tree, a 27-foot white fir from Middleburg, Pa. was donated by Hill View Christmas Tree Farm and will be the first white fir to serve as the National Christmas Tree. You can visit the tree, surrounding model trains and decorations any time throughout the season. thenationaltree.org.
Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Ice and Lights is a walk-thru holiday light show that features ice skating, an interactive orb fi eld, a 100 ft. tunnel arch, a walk-thru tree, photo ops, food concessions and beautiful light displays throughout. It is open daily, Nov. 19 to Jan. 2, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; and ice skating only from Jan. 8 to Feb. 27, weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Village admission is $9 per person (under two, free) and $22 which includes admission and skating. The Winter Village at Cameron Run is at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA. novaparks.com/ events/ice-lights.
are required to show proof of vaccination or recent COVID test. galatheatre.org/post/threekingsday.
The MusicianShip Virtual Music Classes
DPR has partnered with The Musicianship to bring kids, six to 12, free virtual music classes taught by the masters of music education in DC. The Musicianship Virtual General Music Classes will use a mix of digital tools to provide engaging and inspiring group music lessons. Experience is not necessary for participating children. These classes will focus on music appreciation, music history, introduction to musical concepts and theory, creativity, and expres-
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sion. Additional enrollment documents will be required prior to class attendance. All you need to do is sign your child up, log on, and listen to the teachings of vetted music educators from the DMV. Sign up at musicianshipvirtualclass.splashthat.com.
On Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m., the Basilica of the National Shrine and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart invite the faithful to participate in the annual Children’s Christmas Mass in the Great Upper Church. Students from the Stone Ridge school will provide the music ministry, and a special presentation of the Bambinelli will take place. The National Shrine is at 400 Michigan Ave. NE. nationalshrine.org.
Corduroy at Imagination Stage
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her mother to buy Corduroy for her. Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. ASLinterpreted performance is Jan. 2 at 1:30 p.m.
Sensory-friendly performance is Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Corduroy, on stage at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Dec. 11 to Jan. 23, is best for ages three to nine. imaginationstage.org.
Adventure Theater’s Winterfest
Through Jan. 2, get three shows for the price of one. Adventure Theater’s Winterfest brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Snowflakes, frost, and fantasy
Washington Harbour Ice Rink Opens for Season
Washington Harbour Ice Rink, in Georgetown at 3000 K St. NW, has opened for public skating on Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. $10 for adults; $9 for kids, seniors and military; $7, skate rental. thewashingtonharbour.com/iceskating-rink.
Meet American Girl Evette Peters
New American Girl doll, Evette, loves vintage clothes and protecting nature, including the Anacostia River near her home. Her story, The River and Me, was written by author and Anacostia High School alumna, Sharon Dennis Wyeth. Ms. Wyeth is an African American writer with a multigenerational mixed-race legacy–the descendant of enslaved West Africans, free people of color, European colonists and indentured servants. Born and raised in Washington, DC, she is the author of numerous award-winning books for children and young adults. She received an A.B. with honors in a combined discipline of sociology, psychology and anthropology from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Find the Evette Peters doll at americangirl.com for $110 for doll and book. The closest American Girl retail outlet is at 8090 Tysons Corner Center, McLean. americangirl.com. abound in Uri & Ora Light the Menorah by Robyn Shrater Seemann, Connection by Diego Maramba and Michelle Bowen, and Cranky Penguin by Keegan Patterson. General admission is $20.50. Adventure is at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. adventuretheatre-mtc.org.
The Puppet Company’s Winter Shows
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins: Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Hanukkah Goblins is on select days from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3. $15 per person (under two, free). Puppet Company, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. thepuppetco.org.
The Nutcracker--On select days through Jan 2, for the 33rd year, The Puppet Co. brings to life Tchaikovsky’s musical adaptation of the tale by E. T. A. Ho man. Larger than lifesize costume characters and marionettes delight Clara-Marie, and the audience, on a magical journey through the “Land of the Sugarplum Fairy.” $15 per person (under two, free). thepuppetco.org.
Annapolis Jolly Express Cruise
On Dec. 3, 4, 10, 17 and 18, at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 p.m., hop aboard Miss Anne, all decked out for the Holidays and for a Spa Creek “sleigh ride” on the Jolly Express. Miss Anne will be adorned with reindeer spirit for an intimate cruise including hot cocoa, holiday music, and good cheer. Blankets will be available to keep you warm, or you are welcome to bring your own. Enjoy the cruise with “Captain Santa” at the helm. $25 for adults; $13 for kids, 11 and under. watermarkjourney. com/events/jolly-express-cruise. ◆
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