FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR
FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington BY ERICA TROPP
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Zoolights
GO WILD
Logan Circle Holiday House Tour
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This treasured Logan Circle tradition is in its 37th year, as always allowing viewers to explore historic and modern homes in the trendy neighborhood.Ticket-holders have the opportunity to get an upclose view of these fascinating buildings’ architecture, interior design and artwork, along with the chance to attend the annual Wassail Party at the Studio Theatre.The tour is self-paced and participants are given a map of the houses they may enter.The afternoon is sure to bring out holiday spirit with carolers roaming the streets spreading cheer! Proceeds from the tour support the Logan Circle Community Association’s mission to improve the quality of life for the residents and businesses in the area. Starting point is Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW, Dec. 6, 1-5 p.m., $30, www.logancircle.org.
Holiday Festival of Trains
CHUGGING OVER TO ELLICOTT CITY Children and adults alike will be captivated by the B&O Railroad Museum’s yearly ritual, a celebration of toy trains and model railroading. For two months, America’s oldest railroad station will feature a multi-level, 360-degree LEGO railroad layout with interactive lights, motors and sounds, created by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO Train Club. Push buttons along the edges of the presentation allow LEGO-lovers to be the conductors of this magical holiday exhibition. B&O Railroad Museum at Ellicott City Station, Nov. 27-Jan. 24 Wednesday- Sunday, closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan, 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $8 adults, $6 children, $7 seniors, www.borail.org. 20
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DECEMBER ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP’S
THIRD ANNUAL ‘EWG EATS’
Sen. Barbara Boxer will be honored with the inaugural Environmental Working Group EWG Courage Award at this gala, which celebrates determination to shape environmental health policy, reduce toxic exposures and provide consumers with information to protect themselves and their families. The ceremony will include a cocktail hour, seasonal cuisine dinner, a keynote speech by best-selling author, wellness activist and cancer thriver Kris Carr, plus a special musical performance by Harper Simon. Carnegie Library; 6 p.m.; festive attire; $250 general, $500 preferred; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Julia Cohen, 202-939-9133, jcohen@ewg.org.
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KENNEDY CENTER HONORS The Eagles, Carole King, George Lucas, Rita Moreno, Seiji Ozawa and Cicely Tyson will be honored at the 38th annual Kennedy Center Honors for their outstanding contributions to American music, film and theater.The honorees will be hosted by the President and First Lady before watching performances in their honor from some of today’s top artists at this star-studded gala. The Kennedy Center Opera House; 7 p.m.; invitation only; contact honors@ kennedy-center.org.
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NUTCRACKER TEA PARTY Ballet lovers of all ages can socialize with Nutcracker dancers at the Washington Ballet’s annual tea party, while subsequently helping raise funds for the organization’s artistic and educational programs.The party commences following the matinee performance of the ballet, inclusive of a buffet of sweets and treats and, of course, tea. The Willard Intercontinental Hotel; 3 p.m.; festive attire; $295; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Elissa Staley, 202-362-3606 ext. 123.
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CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY HOLIDAY CONCERT AND GALA Singapore Amb. Ashok Mirpuri and Gouri Mirpuri will serve as honorary patrons of the 35th annual holiday concert, followed by dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Joined by the Singapore Youth Choir Ensemble Singers, the chorus is sure to enchant with an assortment of seasonal classics and sing-alongs. The Kennedy Center; 7 p.m.; black tie; $675, $800 or $1,000; sponsorships start at $8,000; contact Patricia Kramer, 202-244-3669, pkramer@choralarts.org.
JANUARY
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RUSSIAN BALL
Guests will enjoy cocktails, a three-course meal, an open bar, musical entertainment and dancing at this elegant ball, under the patronage of Prince and Princess Dimitri Romanov. This year, the occasion is held in memory of Prince Dimitri Obolensky, who died in April. Private club in downtown Washington, D.C.; 6:30 p.m.; black or white-tie or national costume; $240; sponsorships start at $240; contact 202-367-6516, therussianball@gmail.com. WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com
ZO O L I G H TS P H OTO CO U RT E SY FL I C KR U S E R F O N Z
Free your zoo-magination this season with dazzling light shows at the National Zoo. A cherished tradition, the month-long festival includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, opportunities for holiday shopping, snow tubing, animal exhibits, the annual GinGrr-Bread Habitat Competition and much more. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights are sure to heat up even the coldest of winter nights. Fun-loving passengers can take a ride on the wild side on the solar-powered Conservation Carousel; for just $3 per ride, people of all ages can hop on their choice of 58 animal statuettes, including endangered species like the giant pandas, cheetahs and Komodo dragons. 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW, Nov. 27-Jan. 2, closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31, 5-9 p.m., free, nationalzoo.si.edu.