Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School’s Wreath Sale
Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School will be having their annual wreath sale at Eastern Market on Dec. 1 & 2 and Dec. 8 & 9 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Come out and purchase your Christmas wreaths, $20 each,  to support a pre-school program for 3-year-olds taught by the well-known Ms. Frances! If you can't make it to Eastern Market on those dates, any of the parents who have children that are attending Ms. Frances this year will be happy to sell you a wreath. The wreaths are 26 inches and come with a big red bow. www.CHCNS.us.

Gospel Christmas Concert
A Gospel Choir Christmas concert featuring a traditional gospel church choir and liturgical dancers will be held Dec. 2, 5 p.m., at St. Martin’s Church. Kids are welcome. The concert is a fund-raising event to benefit St. Martin's Community Outreach Ministry. This year the ministry spent over $62,000 in direct assistance to folks in desperate need of the basics (rent, utilities, transportation, food and medicine). Tickets, available at the door, are $10/adults. The concert is free for children. 1908 North Capitol St. NW.

National Tree Lighting Dec. 6
Since 1923, the United States has held a tradition of lighting a National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania, to its present site on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House. In 1954, a "Pathway of Peace," 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia were planted surrounding the National Christmas Tree. Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in a protective plastic globe to shield it from the weather. Nationally known entertainers and a military band perform, and the president brings a message of peace to the nation and the world. This year’s tree lighting is Dec. 6, 5 p.m. at the Ellipse near The White House. Tickets are required for every attendee, including children. Contact the National Park Service for tickets, 202-208-4747, www.nps.gov.
The 2007 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature the legendary "King of Country Gospel" Porter Wagoner, the Academy of Country Music’s top female vocalist of 2006, Sara Evans, 14-year-old classical artist Holly Stell and 12-year-old singer/actor Julian Ivey (recent star of Broadway’s "The Lion King"). The United States Air Force Band and the St. Albans and National Cathedral Schools Choir will provide musical entertainment.

Live Nativity Dec. 8 at Lincoln Park
All are invited to experience the holidays to the fullest by taking a walk back in time to the nativity scene of the first century. Live animals, a manger scene, a choir, and hot chocolate will be a part of this wonderful event. National Community Church (the folks who throw the Easter Eggstravaganza) is sponsoring this free event at Lincoln Park, Dec. 8, 4-7 p.m. www.joel@theaterchurch.com.

Momentum Dance Theatre’s eighth annual Jazz, Hip Hop Nutcracker once again brings a sparkling alternative to the traditional Nutcracker to community theaters in the Washington area. The Jazz, Hip Hop Nutcracker will be presented Dec. 6 at 10:15 a.m. Shorter Schools Show (70 minutes) Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. At Stuart Hobson Middle School 410 E St. NE (near Union Station Metro), Tickets: Adults: $20 advance, $22 at the door; seniors/youth (including college students with ID): $15; children under 10: $10. Ticket information and sales at www.momentumdancetheatre.com or call 202-785-0035. Group rates available.

The Jazz, Hip Hop Nutcracker is an original dance theater production created and developed by Momentum featuring Duke Ellington’s musical version of the holiday classic. Momentum adds to the swinging jazz score a mix of musical and dance styles from hip hop to salsa and samba plus break-dance, house, dance and a script updating the story to reflect young urban sensibilities. The JHHN shows the power of art to transform and bring hope to young lives. The cast mirrors the diversity of the Washington area with 27 talented children and teens who participate through special classes at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. They join Momentum’s professional company, including break-dancers Michelle Clark and Dallas Greene. The range of ethnicities and body types in this coed cast insures that every child will be inspired by someone like him or herself on the stage. Although there are intermediate and advanced level youngsters, the JHHN makes room for even the young beginner dancer, while also showcasing a high technical level among its professional cast.

This year WETA television is producing a segment on the JHHN for its “Christmas in Washington.” WETA has been following four veteran child cast members: Mason Loots, Mariah Fraker and Cleo Krupa (Hill residents) and Angela Marsh-Coan. WETA producer Simon Epstein, also a Hill resident, has interviewed the children and is videotaping them rehearsing and performing. The Jazz, Hip Hop Nutcracker is conceived, directed and choreographed by Momentum’s Artistic Director Roberta Rothstein. Momentum Dance Theatre is Capitol Hill’s resident professional jazz, modern and hip hop company. This production is made possible in part by the generous support of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, Results the Gym and Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. This has always been performed on the Hill. From 2000-2003 JHHN was held at Hine Junior High, in 2004 at Stuart Hobson where it has been ever since. Many of the cast are Hill residents and/or go to school on the Hill. Momentum Dance Theatre has been based on the Hill since its founding in 1986. 202-785-0035. momentumdancetheatre@verizon.net.

Nutcracker Auditions
Children are needed for the American Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker in the Kennedy Center Opera House. Performances will be held Dec. 18-22, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 22 and 23, 1:30 p.m. Requirements: Dance experience needed for some roles. Boys and girls, approximate age range 7-12, height range 4 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 1 inch. Auditions will take place at the Kennedy Center Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m. For additional info and to register to audition please e-mail: supers@abt.org or call 212-477-3030 x 1078. Please check in 30 minutes prior to audition at the opera house stage door. (Inside the Hall of Nations).

Adopt a Family for the Holidays
Capitol Hill Group Ministry runs an Adopt a Family program at Christmas linking a sponsor family with a family in need. Sponsor families purchase clothing and toys/books for each child in the house. They also give one present for the adults in the house and one household item. If you are interested in helping out please contact Lisa Goode at goode@chgm.net

Singing, Santa and Ice Sculpting Featured at Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
The Bethesda Urban Partnership will produce the annual Winter Wonderland festivities Dec. 7 and 8. The free events celebrate the holiday season with a wide variety of holiday entertainment and performances, a live ice sculpting presentation in Bethesda ’s Veterans Park and a visit from Santa Claus. Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland kicks off Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. with a free winter concert featuring professional choral groups at Imagination Stage, located at 4908 Auburn Ave. The celebrations continue Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m. in Veterans Park, located at the corner of Woodmont and Norfolk avenues. For more information on Winter Wonderland events in downtown Bethesda, please contact the Bethesda Urban Partnership at 301-215-6660 or visit www.bethesda.org.

Holiday Model Train
Watch Union Station's holiday model train until Jan. 6 wind its way through the mountains and fjords of Norway's landscape. The Toys for Tots Donation Drive also runs through Dec. 20. Drop off donations at the Old Town Trolley Desk in the Main Hall. 202-289-1908; www.unionstationdc.com. Daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Santa is coming to Capitol Hill!
Dec. 12 at Lincoln Park (between the two playgrounds) from 3- 5 p.m., grab your cameras, bundle up your little ones, and join Santa and his elves in getting an early start on Christmas! Sponsored by P&P Construction.

Holiday Magic on Ice
Don’t miss the Holiday Magic on Ice Dec. 16 featuring top Washington-area figure skaters, including regional and national singles and pairs competitors. The show is presented in partnership with Olympic and World figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger, founder, Grassroots to Champions. The event to be held at Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 1:30-2:20 p.m. Admission is free. Special guest appearance by Santa and SlapShot, the Washington Capitals Mascot. Surprises and more. Public skate after the performance from 2:30-4:20 p.m. Cost to skate is $3 for children 12 years old and under; $4 for adults; $3 for senior citizens; $2 to rent skates. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Place SE. For more information call 202-584-5007 ext. 11 or ddavis@fdia.org. Directions at www.fdia.org. Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was chartered in 1996 to manage and revitalize the Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Southeast Washington, DC. Owned by the National Park Service and operated by Friends of Fort Dupont, the arena is the only public indoor ice rink in the city of Washington. In addition to providing public skating sessions and serving as a practice rink for school hockey teams, Fort Dupont provides a free skating program, “Kids On Ice,” to children within the community.

Visit with Santa Georgetown
Children can tell Santa all their wishes and get their picture taken at the Georgetown Park Mall each Fri-Sun thru Dec.16; 3222 M St. NW. Call or log on for specific times. 202-342-8190; www.shopsatgeorgetownpark.com.

"Christmas Carol 1941”
In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Washington, DC, prepares to celebrate Christmas. The Schroen family keeps the holiday spirit alive in spite of shortages, a housing crunch, and a son who wants to enlist despite his mother's fears. Featuring everything from a high-energy USO dance to White House fireside chats, this fresh take on Dickens' classic tale by James Magruder (Broadway's “Triumph of Love”) breathes new life into a beloved story. Ages: 5 and up. At the Arena Stage daily until Dec. 30. Time: Tue-Wed, 7:30 p.m.; Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Cost: Single tickets $62-$76; Target Family Fun Pack (four seats, four non-alcoholic drinks, and four snacks) $100. 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202-488-3300, www.arenastage.org.

The Nutcracker – Puppet Style
Tchaikovsky's musical adaptation of the E.T.A. Hoffman story is brought to life by the magic of larger-than-life-size costume characters and marionettes. Purchase tickets well in advance. 301-320-6668; www.thepuppetco.org. $8; Ages: 5 and up. Each Wed-Sun through Dec. 30. 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. 301-320-6668, www.thepuppetco.org.

Holiday Quilt Postcard Art at the Anacostia Museum
A low-sew/no-sew project for the holidays! Daughters of Dorcas & Sons quilter Maria Goodwin shows a quick way to add that personal touch to create your own special post card art—suitable for delivery through the mail or by hand. Recommended for age 13 to adult. Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m. For required reservations, call 202-633-4844. 1901 Fort Place SE. www.anacostia.si.edu.

ZooLights
In its first holiday light display, the zoo shines with thousands of environmentally- friendly lights and animated exhibits featuring many of the zoo's most popular animals. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, such as making crafts and bird feeders, roasting marshmallows, watching ice sculpting demonstrations, and listening to choral groups and storytellers. Visit the website for the daily schedule of events. 202-397-7328; www.fonz.org/zoolights. 6-8:30 p.m. Members $6 ($20 for family of four); Non-members $10; Children (under 2) free.

Midnight Clear at the Botanical Gardens
The annual walk-through train display returns, alongside hundreds of seasonal blooming plants throughout the conservatory. The Garden Court features National Mall landmark buildings, memorials and monuments in miniature – all handcrafted from natural plant materials – plus a magnificent decorated tree, with another train display that includes a miniature Capitol Hill residential neighborhood. On several evenings in December the Garden stays open until 8 p.m. with live music providing additional holiday entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 & 27 until 8 p.m. Free, Daily –Jan 6. Maryland Avenue and First Street SW, 202-225-8333, www.usbg.gov.

Winter Festival of Arts
Take a slow, winding drive through the park, and see animated holiday displays made with more than a million twinkling lights, including Santa and his reindeer, a huge decorated tree, a train station and carousel, and more. Canned goods donations for local food banks are greatly appreciated. 301-699-2456. Daily-Jan. 1. 5-9:30 p.m. $5 per car or van; $10 for multi-visit passes for cars and vans (good for three visits); free Dec. 25. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md.

The Theater Alliance Holiday Auction
The Theater Alliance Holiday Auction is now OPEN and ready for your bids! The auction will run to Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. The Theater Alliance Holiday Auction is your chance to double the value of your holiday spending and double the impact of your generosity. Bid on special gifts for family, friends, and colleagues. Or maybe you'll find that perfect item you've been wanting for yourself! When you win, your holiday dollars not only purchase a very special present, but they help support Theater Alliance, critically acclaimed as "Washington's best small theater company." The holiday auction is a way that you can help Theater Alliance further its mission to present new or rarely produced work geared towards attracting diverse and alternative audiences to our Northeast DC community. Auction items range from a week's vacation at a beach house, to theater tickets, to valuable personal services and other items guaranteed to delight and surprise. Proceeds from this auction will support production and outreach costs, allowing us to continue the high-quality work at the H Street Playhouse we know you have come to love and expect from Theater Alliance. www.theateralliance.com.

Kwanzaa at the Anacostia
Umoja (Unity) Bring the entire family on this day of unity to learn the principles and symbols of Kwanzaa. After viewing a film about Kwanzaa participate in creating a table with all the appropriate symbols. Dec. 26, 10:30 a.m.

Kujichagulia (Self-determination) Join storyteller Shirleta Settles Nugent and hear stories of overcoming adversities through self-determination. Dec. 27, 10:30 a.m.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Families work together to create a wall-hanging celebrating their family. Bring in family photographs and other mementos to go on your poster. Pre-registration required for this workshop. Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Join entrepreneur Juanita Britton, owner of the Anacostia Art Gallery, in a discussion on making your dream come true. Learn about working with others in the community, making plans, working hard and keeping your eyes on the prize. For all events, call 202-633-4844 for required reservations. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m.

Brent Night at La Plaza
Announcing the return of Brent Night at La Plaza! Owner Henry Mendoza has agreed to continue Brent Night, donating 20 percent of the proceeds sold that evening to the Brent Elementary PTA! Go to La Plaza on Dec. 17 and enjoy some fajitas and other yummy fixins’ and help raise funds for Brent Elementary. It's easy, it's tasty and you don't have to clean the kitchen. La Plaza is located at 629 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, and it opens at 5 p.m. Stay tuned for more Brent La Plaza night dates in 2008.

Capitol Hill Family Skiers
A group has formed for families living on the Hill who want to get out and ski this winter. They’ll swap ways to make the most out of our DC winter – where to ski, where to get gear, who is going, and how they can meet up and enjoy all winter has to offer. They will do all kinds of skiing (downhill, cross country), as well as sledding, tubing, ice skating – and may even try curling as long as the kids are happy. Contact Gretchen Mikeska for an invitation or info: xcd047@gmail.com.

Tot Talk
Tot Talk Playgroup will be sponsoring creative play time for children ages 0-4 years on Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Join them as they go camping in the tent, ride the riding toys, create art projects, jump in the moon bounce and use their imaginations. Fee: $15/child/session. Please register in advance for one or all three sessions as spaces are limited. For more information or to register, contact director@tottalkpg.com or visit www.tottalkpg.com.

Volunteer With the WJFF and See Movies For Free
Do you like movies? Do you like seeing movies for free? Enjoy giving back to the Jewish Community? How can you accomplish all three? Sign up to be a volunteer at the Washington Jewish Film Festival today – for every shift you work, you get to see a film for free – come with your friends. For more information and to sign up, visit www.wjff.org/volunteer.cfm.

Capital City Symphony Concert
The Capital City Symphony’s annual Community Carol Sing returns to the Atlas Performing Arts Center Dec. 16. The Congressional Chorus will lead the audience in favorite holiday carols and seasonal songs, accompanied by Capital City Symphony musicians. The afternoon concert will feature a few performance pieces by the chorus and symphony, plus plenty of chances to join in the singing, including lots of kids’ favorites. There’s a rumor that Santa may appear at this performance! The evening concert will also be a mix of performance pieces and audience participation, concluding with a sing-along of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah (bring a score or borrow one from the Atlas). Dec. 16,  3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Free. However, space is limited, so advance reservations are recommended. Call the box office at 202-399-7993 to reserve your seats. You MUST check in at the box office 30 minutes prior to performance time or seats will be released to waiting list.

Time to Register the Family for CHAW’s Winter/Spring Sessions
Classes for practically the whole family can be found at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. The Youth Arts program is a series of classes in the visual and performing arts for students ages five and older. Classes meet Mon.-Thur. at 4 and 5 p.m. (with a one and a half hour class on Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m.). (Please note: All students must be at least 5 years old by Jan. 1, 2008, to enroll in the Youth Arts Program.) The Winter/Spring 2008 Session of classes will run for 21 weeks from Jan. 7-June 6. Registration is underway now. Adult workshops are offered in January and during the spring session. The next round of early childhood classes will begin with the Spring I Session on Feb. 4. A schedule of offerings will be made available online Dec. 3. Registration will open Jan. 7. Log on to www.chaw.org for more info and to register.

Thanks to All the Volunteers
The Sixth Annual MOTH Thanksgiving Basket Donation was another success this year with more than 50 bags of goodies donated to the Capitol Hill Group Ministry, which provides Thanksgiving dinners to those in our community who wouldn't get them otherwise. Thanks to Meg Shapiro for organizing this MOTH effort for the last six years and to everyone else who pitched in and volunteered time, gift certificates or food. For more info on the Capitol Hill Group Ministry: 202-544-0631, e-mail: info@chgm.net.