D.C. December Calendar of Unique and Charitable Events

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Sheryl Barnes

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Dear Friends, Joy of the Season!

December 2019 feels like a century ago, but here we are, rounding up 2020. We feel incredibly fortunate to remain healthy and safe, and likewise, that the same is true for those we know and love. Our wish for you all is that we can come together with you in January 2022 for our annual New Year’s Day fest, which we will sorely miss this year. Congratulations and thank you to my sellers and buyers this year, with many warm wishes for happiness and comfort in your new homes – I am so excited for you all!!

Enjoy the December events, big hugs and much love to all,

Sheryl and Harry

New York
San Francisco
Denver
Los Angeles
Miami
Park City
San Diego
Santa Barbara
Santa Fe
Scottsdale

December 1
DC Holiday Lights
DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors have joined together to bring you a spectacular holiday experience. Between December 1 and December 31, take a stroll down each of the participating corridors below to experience a dazzling array of lights and decor. Click the link for more info on each corridor.

December 2
Shakespeare Hour Live (Virtual)
In Shakespeare Icons, we will highlight the stories and careers of some of the brightest stars in American classical theatre, Broadway, and the performing arts at large. Des McAnuff, award-winning director and producer of classical and new works in the US, UK, and Canada, will kick off the series.

December 3
National Christmas Tree Lighting
This year, the National Christmas Tree Lighting will take place online, with holiday performances accompanying the ceremony. The show will be available to stream on-demand throughout the holiday season; the tree itself is lit from 4:30-10 p.m. each day.

December 4
The Nutcracker Reimagined
Frank Everett, senior vice president, Sotheby’s Jewelry, and Jonathan Stafford, artistic director, New York City Ballet, invite you to the virtual premiere of "The Nutcracker Reimagined," an original work created in collaboration with New York City Ballet soloist Peter Walker in celebration of The Festival of Wonder.

December 5
ZooLights Express
ZooLights will not be held on-site at the Zoo this year. Instead, the 24-foot ZooLights Express truck, festively decorated with light displays and featuring “Panda Claws,” will hit the road Nov. 27 to Dec. 19 and visit one Washington, D.C., ward each Friday and Saturday night from 6-8 p.m. Click the link for the ward schedule.

December 6
A Wider Circle
A Wider Circle, which provides basic needs to families transitioning from homelessness, domestic abuse or who are just without basic needs, are currently, in addition to their other needs, looking for infant/toddler/child clothing, toys, books, car seats, high chairs or any of the usual items taken for granted in raising children.

December 7
Hoptimist Holiday Market
Heurich House’s beloved Christkindlmarkt and DC Brau’s annual Brau Market have combined forces for an online extravaganza this holiday season. You can virtually browse through hundreds of creations by some of the best artisans in the region. The extensive selection includes craft beer, cocktail kits, handmade jewelry, coffee, baked goods, perfume, illustrated art and much, much more.

December 8
Miriam’s Kitchen
The pandemic has expanded the needs of our community. Your donation will help to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness from meals to housing. Give today and invest in a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.

December 9
Art and Wellness Guided Meditation
Join this free, 30-minute meditation led by local yoga teacher Aparna Sadananda via Zoom. Inspired by a calming artwork from the Phillips’ permanent collection, we will practice techniques for mindful looking and thinking that we can carry with us wherever we are.

December 10
Holiday Market at Victura Park at The REACH
Victura Park at The REACH has transformed into an outdoor holiday market with local artisans, craftspersons and an array of specialized vendors. Masks are required, hand sanitizer is available and space heaters will be placed throughout the park. Through Dec. 20.

December 11
Merry & Bright; Tudor Place Garden at Night
One of the city’s most historic destinations decks its gorgeous garden in holiday lights this December. Expect twinkling lawns, illuminated garden rooms and tunnels of light at Tudor Place. Hot chocolate and cider will be available for your stroll through the five-and-a-half-acre garden. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online; you will be granted access to the garden for one hour, along with one free beverage.

December 12
The Art of Doodling
This virtual workshop through the Phillips Collection will explore intuitive expression in the spirit of lyrical abstraction through doodling.

December 13
DC Central Kitchen
DC Central Kitchen is ramping up work to provide healthy meals across the city, and they need your support. DCCK is serving 11,000 breakfast and lunches to DC youth, increasing meal deliveries to local shelters and front-line nonprofits, distributing thousands of bags of local produce at high-need locations, providing meals to first responders and healthcare workers, and so much more.

December 14
Georgetown Glow
Nightly through Jan. 10, 2021. The annual display of 11 site-specific light installations includes artists from around the globe and close to home — including one with a trio of live dancers from Dance Place. Walking tours and photo safaris help connect the art to the historic neighborhood.

December 15
‘This is Who I Am’
Amir Nizar Zuabi debuts a new play, performed and broadcast live, through the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. ‘This Is Who I Am’ focuses on an estranged father and son, one in Ramallah and one in New York City. The two recreate a beloved family recipe and try to bridge the geographical and generational gap between them, one step and one ingredient at a time.

December 16
Step Afrika’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza every year. The 2020 edition of the family-friendly show, which combines clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance, will be a free, virtual experience.

December 17
Christopher Taylor; Library of Congress concert
It takes extraordinary skill as an orchestrator to condense an entire Beethoven symphony into a version for a solo instrument, but that is just what Franz Liszt accomplished in his piano transcriptions.

December 18
Downtown Holiday Market
The 16th Annual Downtown Holiday Market continues to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure and enhanced shopping experience in the heart of the District this year through Dec. 23.

December 19
Yoga from the Garden
WithLoveDC hosts online yoga free, courtesy of the U.S. Botanic Garden, where yogis can usually take advantage of a weekly class at the conservatory or outdoor gardens. Enjoy the one-hour meditation, but make sure you register ASAP, as this opportunity is only available to the first 500 participants.

December 20
‘The Virtual Hip Hop Nutcracker’
This imaginative performance, showcased virtually this year, will blend modern hip-hop choreography, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist to re-create The Nutcracker in truly original fashion. Adults will be wowed by the contemporary take on Tchaikovsky’s score while the kids revel in hip-hop beats.

December 21
SOME
SOME has been on the front lines of fighting homelessness, hunger, and poverty for 50 years. As our city battles the coronavirus, SOME remains dedicated to ensuring that DC's most vulnerable residents receive the care and services they need. If you are able, SOME has a COVID-19 homepage that includes items it currently needs.

December 22
Christmas with the Folger Consort: A Virtual Concert
The Folger Consort annually toasts the holidays with renditions of Yuletide favorites. This year enjoy the group’s performances in front of a fireplace at home. Christmas songs from English and American traditions, as well as festive carols and takes on pieces by J.S. Bach and Michael Praetorius, are on the docket.

December 23
The Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank works with over 450+ food assistance partners--like nonprofits, emergency shelters, senior programs, soup kitchens, etc.--to hand out over 30 million meals annually. There has never been a more critical moment for the community to come together and ensure no one is left behind.

December 24
Christmas at Dumbarton House
Join Dumbarton House to learn about the history and celebration of Christmas during the Federal period! Enjoy a recorded tour and at home craft or select a private, guided tour of Dumbarton House with a member of museum staff. All donations help sustain Dumbarton House and our mission of education and historic preservation!

December 25
A Christmas Carol: The Radio Play
Ford’s Theatre takes its annual and highly acclaimed performance of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ to the airwaves this year. WAMU 88.5 FM will broadcast the play on Christmas Day at 12 p.m., but you can access the one-hour performance, which features Craig Wallace as Scrooge, on the Ford’s Theatre website beginning Dec. 14.

December 26
Winter Glow
Head out to Mount Vernon for an enchanting evening of winter lights. See the estate illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Be sure to review Mount Vernon’s COVID-19 protocols before you visit.

December 27
Thrive DC
Each year 25%-40% of food produced is wasted, while one in seven DC households is struggling with hunger. It doesn’t have to be this way, and you can be a part of the solution. Learn more about how to donate food and leftovers during this difficult time.

December 28
Holiday Movies at The Wharf
Transit Pier at the Wharf hosts a 20-foot, outdoor LED screen specifically for screening holiday classics this December. You can have your own fire pit with seating for up to four people. Cantina Bambina will offer drinks and snacks and each seating will include a special stocking filled with offers and treats from vendors all over The Wharf. Movies will be showing Dec. 29, 30 and 31 as well!

December 29
U.S. Botanic Garden’s Online Concerts: Seasonal Music
In the continuation of a holiday tradition, the U.S. Botanic Garden is hosting its holiday concerts virtually this year. On Dec. 29, enjoy acoustic jazz renditions of seasonal songs by Veronneau, a decorated duo featuring vocals from Lynn Veronneau and her husband, guitarist Ken Avis.

December 30
Martha’s Table
The needs in our community are urgent. With your help, Martha’s Table is doubling down on its mission to support strong children, strong families and strong communities in DC. With a 400% increase in need for food, a donation will help the organization distribute over 8,000 bags of healthy groceries and 6,750 pre-packaged meals each week.

December 31
Crystalline
ARTECHOUSE closes out 2020 by focusing on Pantone’s Color of the Year: Classic Blue. This new exhibit, which runs through Jan. 3, 2021, dives into blue’s connection with earth, crystals and adventure through a wondrous castle. Expect a merging of the surreal and reality as you wander through the castle’s rooms, which will be filled with creative curiosities.