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Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus rode into town on a fire
truck last year when he visited Barracks Row!.
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Santa To Visit Barracks Row
Santa Claus announced an early tour of world cities on Dec. 12 to check with children about what they want him to bring for Christmas. Santa will be working with Homeland Security and air traffic controllers to make sure they are ready for his global take offs and landings on Christmas Eve. Santa will be at a display of his workshop on Dec. 12 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the corner of Eighth and G streets SE, hosted by Barracks Row Main Street. The Fire Department located on Eighth Street SE will take Santa to the workshop in their fire truck since he will be without his sleigh and reindeer.
A photographer will take pictures of children as they make their final requests of Santa, and parents will be able to download these shots from the Barracks Row website. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a Toys for Tots collection box at the workshop. For more information call Barracks Row Main Street, 202-544-3188, or visit www.barracksrow.org.
Motown Memories Holiday Ice Show at FDIA
Kids On Ice presents “Motown Memories Holiday Ice Show,” Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m., at Fort Dupont Ice Arena, and the public is invited to this annual holiday skating exhibition that will feature performances by top Washington-area figure skaters, including regional and national competitors; the DC EDGE Synchronized Skating Teams; and Kids On Ice Learn To Skate students. Public skate follows the show, so please plan to stay for the afternoon. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person; all proceeds benefit the Kids On Ice program. Public skate will be held from 3-4 p.m. Cost to skate is $4/12 and under and senior citizens; $5/ages 13 and over; $3/skate rental. 3779 Ely Place SE. 202-584-5007, www.fdia.org.
School Information Night
School Information Night, the annual open house organized by Moms on the Hill (MoTH) will be held Dec. 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the basement of St. Peter’s church. Tables will be set up with information from parochial, charter, public and private schools as well as child care centers, playgroups, cooperative groups, family childcare providers and preschools that all serve the Capitol Hill area. St. Peter's is located on corner of Second and C streets SE. The closest Metro stop is Capitol South on the Blue and Orange lines. If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail Linsey Silver at volunteer@hillschoolinfonight.org and indicate if you can help with outreach, promotion, logistics, setup or another area.
Capitol Christmas Tree
The lights on the Capitol Christmas Tree will be lit during a ceremony held Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. This year's tree is an 85-foot blue spruce from the White Mountains of Arizona – this is the first time Arizona has given the annual Christmas tree to the US Capitol. Arizonans handcrafted over 10,000 ornaments to adorn both the Capitol Christmas Tree and the 80 smaller companion trees that the state is providing for Federal agencies in the nation’s capital. Many of those ornaments were made by students, whose names were then entered into a drawing for a trip to Washington, DC, to help light the tree. The tree is lit daily from dusk to 11 p.m., through Jan. 1. Free, no tickets required. www.capitolchristmastree2009.org.
‘Windows: Looking out, Looking in’
VSA arts and the US Department of Education present “Windows: Looking out, Looking in,” an international children’s art exhibition on display at the Department of Education Lyndon Baines Johnson Education Building through the month of December. The exhibit is open to the public. The artwork selected for the exhibit was created by students from around the world who participated in ArtLink, VSA arts’ international classroom exchange program. Students were asked to think about a view through a window and illustrate what a person would see. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Education Building is located at 400 Maryland Ave. SW. For more information about the exhibition, please call 202-628-2800 or visit http://iew.state.gov.
Capitol Hill Family Square Dancing at Eastern Market
The Capitol Hill Dance Society holds monthly Saturday afternoon family square dances in the North Hall at Eastern Market – this month’s dance is Dec. 12, from 3-4:30 p.m. These “North Hall Dances” are an opportunity for parents, children, neighbors and friends to join together in an activity perfect for all ages. The dances are supported by a generous grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Future dances will take place: Jan. 23, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17 and May 22. Check this space for times. The family dance will feature live music by the Capitol Hillbillies, under the direction of fiddler Joel Bailes. An experienced caller will demonstrate all the movements in the dances. The target age is 4 to 104, but everyone else is welcome, too. No experience is necessary, just come out and dance. $5/person; $20/family maximum; free/under 5. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Parker Jayne at 202-549-0744.
Holiday Concert and Sing at the Atlas
Join the Capital City Symphony, American Youth Chorus and the Congressional Chorus for the Atlas Performing Arts Center's Annual Holiday Sing on Dec. 13 – an H Street holiday tradition! Performances are at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Note: a certain jolly old elf will make an appearance at the 3:30 p.m. performance.) Tickets are free but must be reserved. Please call the box office to reserve seats. 202-399-7993. 1333 H St. NE. www.atlasarts.org.
Boogie Babes at Sova Espresso
Grab your little one and boogie on down to Sova Espresso to see Mr. KnickKnack, Groovy Nate, Mr. Skip and Oh Susannah! The Boogie Babes show schedule for this month is as follows: Dec. 4, Oh Susannah!; Dec. 7, Mr. KnickKnack; Dec. 17, Groovy Nate; Dec. 21, Mr. Skip. All shows start at 10:30 a.m. Sova Espresso is located at 1359 H St. NE. $5/child (cash only, pay at the door). Check website for updates: www.boogiebabes.com.
'Whiz Kids' Documentary Screening
“Whiz Kids,” a coming-of-age documentary about three 16-year-old scientists who vie to compete in the nation's oldest, most prestigious science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search, will be screened Dec. 9, 7 p.m., at the National Academy of Sciences. The students featured in the film – Ana Cisneros, a first-generation Ecuadorian-American; Kelydra Welcker, daughter of a former DuPont chemist from West Virginia; and Pakistani-born Harmain Khan – will be at the screening. Free, but registration and a photo ID are required for admittance. 2100 C St. NW. For more information, visit www.nasonline.org.
CHAW Spring Registration is Open
Stop by the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop or log on to www.chaw.org for tons of creative, fun options for the whole family! 545 Seventh St. SE. 202-547-6839.
Developmental Screening for Children
As a program of the District of Columbia Public Schools, Early Stages identifies possible developmental delays in children ages 3-5 years old and recommends appropriate services to address those delays. Early Stages' services are available free of charge, whether the child goes to public school, private school or has not yet entered the school system. Early Stages' outreach team is also available to appear before groups to discuss early intervention and developmental delays. For more information, visit the Early Stages website at www.earlystagesdc.org; call Early Stages at 202-698-8037; or contact Sam McCormally, child find field coordinator for Ward 6 at samuel.mccormally@dc.gov or 202-480-0895.
A Christmas Carol
Visit Ford's Theatre and begin an annual holiday tradition with a Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” now through Jan. 3. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. This production is appropriate for ages 5 and up. $30-$62. 511 10th St. NW. 202-347-4833, www.fords.org.
Gingerbread House Workshop
In this special hands-on children’s workshop, children become history detectives as they tour the historic mansion to explore the architecture of Tudor Place and how the holidays were celebrated in Washington. After the tour, children will design and build their own edible (gingerbread) house to take home. Advance registration is required. Dec. 5, 22, 23, 29, 30 & 31; 10:30-noon or 1:30-3 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Adult chaperones free; children $10-$12. 1644 31st St. NW. 202-965-0400, www.tudorplace.org.
ZooLights Shine at the Zoo
ZooLights, the National Zoo’s annual winter celebration, shines with thousands of environmentally friendly lights and animated exhibits from Dec. 4-13 (Friday through Sunday nights) and Dec. 18-Jan. 2 (every night except Dec. 24, 25 and 31), 6-8:30 p.m. These larger-than-life displays feature many of the zoo’s most popular animals; fun activities and live entertainment will entertain the whole family. Every evening, friends from Pepco will educate visitors about simple practices they can adopt in their households to save energy. And last but not least, visitors have the chance to see lots of animals. The Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, and Kids' Farm will be open every night. Tickets, $5-$8. 202-397-7328, www.fonz.org.
Nutcracker Performances
Catch performances of “The Nutcracker” throughout the month of December. The Washington Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” by Septime Webre, Dec. 3-5 at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, 202-4-THEARC, www.thearcdc.org; and Dec. 10-27 at the Warner Theatre, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-783-4000, www.warnertheatre.com. Tickets start at $27.
Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker – 10th Anniversary
An annual Capitol Hill tradition since 2000, Momentum Dance Theatre’s Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker brings its lively mix of holiday sparkle, Latin rhythms, jazz and hip hop to local stages. More than 25 area children, most of whom are Capitol Hill residents, join Momentum’s professional company in a contemporary retelling of the Nutcracker story. Five out of six lead children in this year's show attend Stuart Hobson Middle School – Liana King, Mariah Fraker, Rudi Schreiber, Sophia Johnson and Sheina Crystal. Public performances: Dec. 12, 3 & 8 p.m. and Dec. 13, 3 p.m., at Stuart Hobson Middle School 410 E St. NE. $18/adults in advance; $20/adults at the door; $15/youth (10 years & over), seniors (65 & over), students (with ID); $10/children (under 10). Dec. 19, 3 & 8 p.m.; Dec. 20, 3 p.m. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, Md. Tickets and information for all shows: 202-785-0035, www.momentumdancetheatre.com.
Tree Trimming Party and Holiday Bazaar
Southeast Washington's THEARC will hold its fourth annual Community Tree Trimming party and Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 30 from 5-9 p.m. in the lobby, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. The hallways will be filled with caroling, ornament making, storytelling and refreshments. Proceeds from the bazaar support THEARC community. The event is free and open to the public. Additional information is available at www.thearcdc.org or by calling 202-889-5901.
39th Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Over 100 Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march through the streets of Old Town Alexandria, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., beginning at the corner of Wilkes and South Saint Asaph streets and ending at King and Royal streets. The festivities are not limited to the parade – other events throughout the weekend include a holiday market Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; children’s gingerbread tea Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-noon; and a heather and greens sale Dec. 5, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-548-0111, or visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com for more information.
Seasons of Light
Learn the history and customs of Ramadan, Devali, Hanukkah, Sankta Lucia, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas/Christmas, and a First Nations tradition of Winter Solstice during Discovery Theater's most popular performance of the year – Seasons of Light – Dec. 1-22, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. (1 p.m. shows on Dec. 9, 11, 16 & 18; noon on Dec. 12) at the Ripley Center. The Dec. 12 show is a family special show with holiday cookie tasting following the performance. Purchase tickets in advance. $4-$10. 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-357-3030 www.discoverytheater.org.
The Family Room Schedule for December
The Family Room, located at 411 Eighth St. SE, has the following schedule for December. The calendar is subject to change, so please call to confirm dates. Visit the website for detailed class descriptions.
- Friday night movie: “Toy Story,” Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
- Extra special Story Time with Mr. Tony on Dec. 6, 3:30 p.m. Free for members or with paid admission.
- Friday night movie: “Toy Story 2,” Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.
- Friday night movie: “The Christmas Story,” Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.
- Spanish story time, Tuesdays, 2:30-2:45 p.m.; French for 3’s, 4’s and 5’s, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:15 p.m.; Spanish for 3’s, 4’s and 5’s, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:15 p.m. French story time, Thursdays, 2-2:15 p.m.
- Music for infants, Tuesdays, noon-12:30 p.m.; music for 1’s and 2’s, Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m.
- Hypnobirthing with Alana Rose: New session starts Nov. 30 and continues through Jan. 11 (no class on Dec 28).
Please call 202-640-2855 for the most up-to-date information. Check out www.thefamilyroomdc.com for pricing and more details.
National Literacy Society of the Deaf Week
Northeast Stars Montessori will celebrate National Literacy Society of the Deaf Week by hosting its annual Scholastics Book Fair on Dec. 10, 5-6:30 p.m., at the school. Come out and enjoy a light snack and books. Titles offered will be appropriate for readers in preschool through elementary school. All books will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the book fair will go towards expanding the school’s classroom libraries. Northeast Stars Montessori is located at 1325 Maryland Ave. NE. Contact Ms. Basir at nestars@verizon.net or 202-399-2208.
DC Neighborhood Library Schedule
Northeast Library
Toddler times, ages 2-5, Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 22, 29, 11:15 a.m.; Storytime, ages 3-7, Dec. 7 & 14, 4 p.m. and Dec. 19 & 26, 10:30 a.m.; Sign-language class, Dec. 2, 9 & 16, 4-5 p.m.; Music and movement, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m.; Trading-card game play, ages 12-19, Dec. 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Holiday peppermint tea, Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m.; Chess club, Dec. 14, ages 12-19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Gaming night, ages 12-19, Dec. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Origami Club, ages 12-19, Dec. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Crafty teens, ages 12-19, Dec. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-3320, www.dclibrary.org.
Southeast Library
Preschool story time Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Infant/toddler story time for ages 3 and under, Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Tales for 2’s and 3’s Fridays, 10-10:30 a.m. 403 Seventh St. SE. 202-698-3377, www.dclibrary.org.
Southwest Library
Story time fun with the librarian for toddlers, Tue and Thu, 10:30 a.m. 900 Wesley Place SW. 202-724-4752, www.dclibrary.org.
Children’s Programs at NCM
The National Children’s Museum will host the following activities for children in December at the National Harbor’s Launch Zone (unless otherwise noted).
- Wee Wonders' Winter Wonderland: Dec. 1, 8, 15; 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Children (ages 2-3) discover what happens in winter including winter weather, ice and snow, and how different animals adapt to the changing season. Parents and caregivers can explore winter alongside their child with activities that typically include stories, games, art, music, experiments, drama, and movement. $10/child. Pre-registration and advance payment required by the Friday prior to the event. Call 202-675-4120 or e-mail RSVP@ncm.museum to register.
- 'Tis the Season: Saturdays through December. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Children can participate in a variety of holiday arts and crafts, which will include assorted decoration and card making. Activities will vary each week and some may be repeated. Free.
- Cryogenics Science Show: Dec. 5, 12, 19; 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. Children will explore really cold temperatures in a 30-minute demonstration and learn about the properties of dry ice and liquid nitrogen and watch as these super-cold substances transform everyday objects. Free. Takes place in the Gaylord National Resort Atrium, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md.
- Ginger Bread House Making Workshop. Dec. 6, 13 & 20; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join the National Children’s Museum at Gaylord National Resort where children can make gingerbread houses to take home. Transform pieces of golden gingerbread, creamy icing, and colorful candies into a magical, holiday cottage. $25/hotel guests; $30/local residents. Space is limited, but there is no preregistration for the workshop. The workshop takes place at Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md.
NCM is located at 112 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 301-686-0225, www.ncm.museum.
Joy of Motion Dance Center’s Youth Dance Ensemble Comes to the Atlas
The Youth Dance Ensemble program (YDE) is Joy of Motion Dance Center’s elite program for the developing young dancer, consisting of a senior and junior level dance companies for ninth to 12th grades and preparatory levels for first through eighth grades. Admission is by audition only. This pre-collegiate program, with core classes in ballet, jazz and modern, provides an experience that inspires excellence in dance, education and life. In addition to core classes, the YDE program incorporates supplemental study in multiple dance forms, dance history, improvisation and composition, and repertory, as well as artist residencies and numerous performance opportunities to create a unique, rewarding and enriching learning experience. The YDE program has been based at the JOMDC Bethesda location since 2000 and is expanding to the Atlas location in January 2010 with classes for preparatory levels.
Audition: Youth Dance Ensemble Program, Dec. 20: third to fifth grades - 1-2 p.m.; sixth to eighth grades - 2-3 p.m. No audition required for Level 1 (grades one to two) – registration is now open. JOMDC Atlas, 1333 H St. NE; 202-399-6763, youthdanceensemble@joyofmotion.org
Higher Achievement Receives 2009 Coming Up Taller Award
Higher Achievement, a Washington, DC, nonprofit organization that provides middle school children from underserved areas year-round academic enrichment programs and preparation for top high school placement, was nationally recognized as one of 15 youth arts and humanities programs to receive the 2009 Coming Up Taller Award. Youth and adult representatives of the program were in attendance during a White House ceremony on Nov. 4, where they accepted the award from Michelle Obama. The Coming Up Taller Awards honor programs that offer exceptional learning experiences in the arts and the humanities and that have a tangible effect on the lives of young people. Founded in 1975, Higher Achievement operates achievement centers that serve hundreds of students each year in Washington, DC, and Alexandria, Va., and in 2009, Higher Achievement opened two Baltimore Achievement Centers at full capacity. For more information, visit Higher Achievement at www.higherachievement.org and Coming Up Taller at www.cominguptaller.org. Higher Achievement has an office on Capitol Hill at 317 Eighth St. SE. Call 202-544-3633. |
