8 minute read
Notebook • Kathleen Donner
In a frozen silver forest high in the mountains, a lonely boy builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound. But what will happen when the ice begins to melt? Told through dazzling movement, dance, and acrobatics, Synetic’s magical take on beloved folktale Snegurochka is a story of hope, friendship, and the power of dreams. $25 to $40. Snow Maiden is at Synetic eater, 1800 So. Bell St., Arlington (Crystal City), from Dec. 1 to 23. synetictheater.org.
Maryam Najafzada for Synetic Theater’s Snow Maiden 2022. Photo: Johnny Shryock
kids&family
Photo: R Nowitz for ACVA
Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Concert
On Saturday, Dec. 3, (rain or shine), 11 a.m., this family-oriented parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets and concludes at Old Town’s Market Square with a massed band concert at 1 p.m. campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend.
Fort Dupont Ice Arena Public Skating
Fort Dupont Ice Arena two-hour skating sessions are on Sundays, 2:30 p.m.; Fridays, noon and Saturdays, 1 p.m. Extra sessions on Friday, Nov. 25, 2:15 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 23, 3 p.m. Adults skate for $5; kids and seniors for $4. Skate rental is $3. e arena is at 3779 Ely Place SE. fdia.org.
Girls on the Run Fall Community 5k
e Girls on the Run Fall Community 5k is on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Anacostia Park, 894 Howard Rd. SE. Arrival and pre-race festivities start at 7 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m. Registration will be open until the day be-fore the 5k at noon and then re-open the day of the event for families, friends and community runners. $35. gotrdc.org/5k. At Girls on the Run Washington DC, teaching critical life skills is the cornerstone of their researchbased programs. Meeting in small teams, trained volunteer coaches inspire girls of all abilities to strengthen con- dence and other important life skills through dynamic, interactive les-sons and physical activity.
Zoolights Returns
Zoolights invites you to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment. Zoolights returns this year on Nov. 25 to 27; Dec. 2 to 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 23, and 26 to 30; 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission; parking is $30. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. nationalzoo.si.edu.
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Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light
Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebrations the world over. is signature Discovery eater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Rama-dan, Santa Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradi-tion of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges commu-nities and cultures. Seasons of Light is at Discovery eater Monday to Friday, from Dec. 5 to 16, at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., with an additional 1 p.m. performance on Dec. 9 and 16. It is recommended for ages ve to ten. $9 for adults: $8 for kids; $3 for kids under two. Tickets on sale now. is show always sells out. Discovery eater’s Ripley Center is at 1100 Je erson Dr. SW (on the National Mall). discoverytheater.org.
Saturday Morning Live! Returns Fun takes center stage at the National eatre for Saturday Morning Live! Kids are invited to the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music—all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder. It’s free. It’s fun. On Saturday, Nov. 12, see e Harambee Experience by Baba Ras D. Harambee is a multicultural experience children enjoy while building their competency for diversity and familiarity with language immersions. Baba Ras D shares songs in Kiswahili and Espanol. Shows are best enjoyed by kids ages three to six, but anyone is welcome to join in on the fun. Tickets are free, but they request that you register in advance. Walk-up tickets are subject to availability. Masks are optional, but highly recommended. e National eatre is at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. nationaltheatre.org/ saturday-morning-live.
Handel’s Messiah Family Concert at the National Cathedral On Saturday, Dec. 3, at noon, join Washington National Cathedral for Handel’s beloved “Messiah,” and experience this Christmas classic in a space as Handel would have intended. is concert is an abbreviated
performance of “Messiah” highlights, perfect for busy families with young children. Experience the best of “Messiah” with the whole family. Tickets are $20, up. cathedral.org.
Big Objects, Big Stories at the NMAAHC On Thursday, Nov. 17, “I Go To Prepare A Place For You (Harriet Tubman Quilt) by Bisa Butler” talks take place at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 19, “Red Cadillac Eldorado owned by Chuck Berry” talks at 1:30. 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. There are 15 minute docentled tours for each object. Both tours are free and walk-in. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the building. Sameday timed-entry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. nmaahc. si.edu/visit/plan-your-visit.
Storytime at Union Market On Tuesdays, through Nov. 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., enjoy Family Storytime focusing on ages birth to five on the Rooftop at Union Market. Bring a blanket or towel to sit on as everyone enjoys songs, fingerplays, and books during this weekly event for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. This program is led by Northeast Library staff from DC Public Library. unionmarketdc.com.
Storytime at the NGA Storytime at the NGA is on Friday, Dec. 2, 10 to 11 a.m. The Storytime group will gather at the East Building entrance. The featured children’s book will be read in both English and Spanish. Together they’ll read a book
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed. In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Mo Willem’s beloved picture book explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, from Nov. 16 to Jan. 8. Tickets, $12, up. Recommended for age four to ten. imaginationstage.org.
Photo: Courtesy of Step Afrika!
Step Afrika!’s Holiday Step Show Family Fun Pack
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tra-dition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom—Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear—along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family. Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW, Dec. 9 to 18. Tickets are $56 to $95. Arena Stage also offers their Family Fun Pack for this show—four seats for $130. arenastage.org.
aloud, move, and play. They welcome all ages, especially their youngest visitors and nursing mothers. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. For groups of ten or more or to request accommodations, contact family@nga.gov.
Calling Young Playwrights: Submit Your Script Mosaic Theater is hosting their third annual High School Playwriting Contest for ninth through twelve grade students at public and charter schools in the Washington, DC metro area including, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Northern Virginia. Winning playwrights will receive a cash prize and have their plays read and directed by professional theater artists at the Petworth Branch of the DC Public Library during the live presentation and readings on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. Submit your play by Nov. 28 for consideration. mosaictheater.org/playwriting-contest.
Joy of Christmas Concert at the National Cathedral On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas sea-son, music of the holidays past and present will warm your spirit. The Cathedral Choral Society’s annual Joy of Christmas is a Washington tradition. Tickets are $25, up. Parking in garage is $10 flatrate in cash. Washington National Cathedral is at 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cathedral. org. u
