The To-Do List – Holiday Countdown

uploaded to flickr.com by jspad

‘Tis the season to be busy…holiday shopping, decorations, parties with friends and families.  I know my weekends are busy during the month of December, but fortunately there are some breaks to catch my breath and actually enjoy the season.  Capitol Hill is filled with festive diversions this coming weekend—there are plenty of opportunities to jump start your Christmas cheer or perhaps take a break from the holiday rush.  Don’t forget to visit the many large trees illuminated with twinkling lights too; there’s one at Eastern Market, another at the U.S. Capitol, and a lovely one in the U.S. Botanic Garden.  You should also take a walk past Coldwell Banker on Pennsylvania Ave. SE to see the decorated windows. 

Thursday

This is the last weekend to catch Julius Caesar at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, presented by the Capital City Players.  The show begins at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $18, or $15 for students and seniors.  The show closes Saturday so you have a few chances to take in a performance.

Friday

The kids of the Capital Hill Arts Workshop are putting on a recital at 5:30 p.m. and all are welcome.  The students will present works in the visual and performing arts.  Free to attend.

If you are a fan of 1940s swing music, you can catch “Swingtime” at the Atlas Performing Arts Center at 8:00 p.m. (also Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon).  Tickets are $39 for adults, $20 for students.

The Pug (1234 H Street NE) hosts a monthly fundraiser benefiting a local or national organization and this Friday and Saturday 10% of the profits go to Watkins Elementary.  Why not stroll down the street for a drink or two after seeing a show at the Atlas?  The kids will thank you.

Saturday

If you’ve got a middle schooler in your brood, you may want to stop by Eastern High School for their Open House at noon on Saturday.  Tour the renovated school and meet the new incoming principal.

Santa arrives on Barracks Row on Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the corner of 8^th and G Streets SE.  Santa will be posing for free photos with willing kids and pets, and there will be complimentary snacks and hot cocoa to share.  Santa will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Crafty gifts can be found at the Atlas Holiday Market, which starts at 2:00 p.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.  Vendors selling gifts, baked goods and more will be on hand until 8:00 p.m. and again on Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Nothing says “Christmas” as much as a Nativity play, right? The National Community Church will be present a living nativity, complete with live animals, at Lincoln Park from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Choir music and free hot cocoa accompany this free event.

If you’re looking for a unique gift for that hard-to-shop-for someone, check out the Capitol Hill ART League’s annual show and sale opening reception on Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The show will be held at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7^th Street SE.  While you are at CHAW, stop by the Adult Student Show from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Works in 2-D and 3-D will be included, and the show is free.

If you haven’t had your fill of art yet, walk over to the Fridge (516 8^th Street SE) for GALA 2010, an art sale and auction that will benefit the Albert Cavus Classrooms at the Fridge.

Sunday

If you’re the type that enjoys a holiday sing-a-long, and Capitol Hill Baptist Church (525 A Street NE) is happy to host you at just such an event at 6:00 p.m.  Carols, scripture readings, and choral music will be included in the program.

Feel like having a few drinks for the benefit of some pound puppies?  Head to Molly Malone’s from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the K-9 Lifesavers benefit.  For $35 ($40 at the door) attendees can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, with proceeds benefiting K-9 Lifesavers—a local nonprofit that rescues puppies and dogs from high-kill shelters and brings them to DC to find them permanent homes.  You can RSVP here to reserve your spot!