It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get in the holiday spirit with these festive, family friendly activities.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze come to DC this season
The Traditionalist
What: Family Brunches with Santa; A Washington holiday institution – the Sunday brunch buffet provides diners with various pastries, gourmet salads and fresh oysters against the backdrop of a monumental view. Tasty treats include French toast and made-to-order omelets. In between ordering, you can tell old St. Nick what you want for Christmas.
Where: Rooftop terrace at the Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, November 28, December 12 and December 19 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
How Much: $39.95 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-11. Call 202-416-8555 for reservations or reserve with open table.
ICE! Experience at Gaylord National Harbor
The Young at Heart
What: Ice! Experience; Chill out at this 15,000- square foot winter wonderland made entirely of ice. Dozens of artists traveled from China to create this one -of- a kind world with a “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” theme. Exhibits include “The Art of Seuss: A Retrospective” and “From Harbin to WHO-ville”, along with ice skating and Mrs. Claus’ craft corner.
Where: Gaylord National Harbor
When: Now until January 9, 2011
How Much: $24- $29 for adults, $13- $18 for children (ages 4 – 12). Call 301-965-4000 for tickets or order online.
Acrobats perform amazing feats at the Kennedy Center
The Quirk
What: Cirque Dreams Holidaze; Cirque Dreams brings its usual awe-inspiring magic to this breathtaking holiday production with familiar festive friends. These include gingerbread men, toy soldiers and penguins attempting all manner of daring feats.
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: December 7 to 12 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
How Much: $31 to $110; Group discounts available by calling 202-416-8400 or online tickets.
The Sugar Plum Fairy
What:The Nutcracker; No holiday would be complete without a production of “The Nutcracker Ballet”. The Metropolitan Ballet’s full-length staging (performed since 1989), remains faithful to the original. Performances showcase both students and professional dancers, making it the perfect family event.
Where: The Metropolitan Theatre (Rockville, Maryland)
When: December 3 to 5 and December 10 to 12; tickets available only at www.metropolitanballet.org
How much: $17 (groups of 10+), $18 (seniors), $20 (in advance), $22 (at the door)
The Environmentally Conscious
What: Seasons Greetings at Botanic Gardens; The annual holiday exhibit highlights the relationship between plants and how people use them to celebrate the season. The exhibit adds a bit of Washington flair, including famous buildings made from plant materials, as well as a garden railway with world landmarks from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America
Where: U.S. Botanic Gardens
When: Now until January 2, 2011
How Much: FREE! For more information call 202- 235- 8333.
Celebrate the season at the Washington National Cathedral
The Music Lover
What: National Cathedral Presents Handel’s Messiah; Handel’s masterpiece is performed in a magical cathedral setting with a Baroque- period orchestra and guest soloists accompanying the choirs conducted by Michael McCarthy.
Where: Washington National Cathedral
When: December 3 (7:30 p.m.), December 4 (4 p.m.), December 5 (4 p.m.)
How Much: $25 to $85, for more information call 202- 537- 6200 or order tickets online.
