Cultural Carols: Celebrate the Season in DC

Patreon Thank-You! 💌 

If you’re curious about signing up for the Patreon, you can always check it out here or through our linktree!

Event Highlight: Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 7^th )

On a Thursday night, we marched up the hill towards the historic Union Station. A place offering respite to weary travelers and transient passengers looking to take the Red Line Metro. In the lobby of the station, a massive Christmas tree was sitting in the middle of the hall while curious visitors took pictures. A stage was set up in front of the tree along with a seating area for people that wished to listen.

The 27^th Annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place at Union Station. Held in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Union Station, the Washington Performing Arts presented several festive music acts from artists including D.C.-based harpist Kim Sator and country to pop band Brent & Co. Perhaps the most stunning performance of the night was the Norwegian singer Lisa Stokke, the voice of Elsa in the Norwegian dub of the Disney movies Frozen and Frozen II.

After the performances, the Norwegian Christmas Tree was turned on with a gorgeous array of lights illuminating the hall. A surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their elf entourage was there as well. We managed to meet the current Norwegian Ambassador to the United States, Anniken Krutnes which was a true honor. What an amazing night!

Looking Ahead!

1. Elena Martín at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain (Monday, December 18^th, 6:30PM - 9PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for the screening of ‘Júlia ist’ followed by a Q&A with Spanish filmmaker Elena Martín.

   • Host Organization: SPAIN Arts and Culture

2. MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays (Wednesday, December 20^th, 12PM - 2PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Drop in any time and take home your creations: super size snowflakes, sustainable gift wrap, greeting cards, and more!

   • Host Organization: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

3. Third Thursday Event (Thursday, December 21^st, 5PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Visit America's first modern art museum for free during our extended hours on the Third Thursday of every month.

   • Host Organization: The Phillips Collection

4. December Art Walk at the Korean Cultural Center DC (Thursday, December 21^st, 6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Mark the calendar for "Gallery Night Viewing at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, DC" on December 21!

   • Host Organization: Korean Cultural Center DC

5. Champagne Gatsby Soiree with Live Band, Swing Dance Lessons, and Dancing (Friday, December 22^nd, 7PM - 10PM) ($28.52 - $39.19)

   • Description: You are cordially invited to the Ven at Embassy Row, for a delightful Gatsby Soiree with dancing to live music inspired by the Gatsby era.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

6. The Magic Flute Film (Saturday, December 23^rd, 2PM - 3:45PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: For Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s version of The Magic Flute, one of the most celebrated opera-to-film adaptations of all time (produced originally for Swedish television), he constructed a replica of Stockholm’s Drottningholm Court Theater — an 18th-century landmark with its original lighting and special effects equipment still in working order.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

7. Christmas Eve Night Hunt & Sweets (Sunday, December 24^th, 4PM - 7PM) ($55.20)

   • Description: We've decked the halls and filled The O with season's greetings & holiday cheer -- to create amazing memories for all.

   • Host Organization: The Mansion on O Street 

International Events List (December 11^th - December 17^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, December 11^th until Sunday, December 17^th .

Monday, December 11^th , 2023

1. National Landing Menorah Lighting - Met Park at Amazon HQ2 (5:30PM - 6:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious Latkes, hot cocoa, donuts and more!

   • Host Organization: Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington

2. Sing! An Irish Christmas Performance (7:30PM - 9:30PM) ($79 - $109)

   • Description: Join Ireland's own Keith and Kristyn Getty for their annual tour of Sing! An Irish Christmas.

   • Host Organization: The Museum of the Bible

Tuesday, December 12^th , 2023

1. Tuesday Talk—Pleasing Truths: Power and Portraits in the American Home (12PM - 1PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Closing on December 31, the exhibit, “Pleasing Truths: Power and Portraits in the American Home”, features over 50 portraits from the DAR Museum's collection, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

   • Host Organization: DAR Museum

2. Film Screening: "La Bûche" | Gastronomy & Movies at the French Embassy (7PM - 9PM) ($6.27 - $11.54)

   • Description: Join us at the French Embassy for a deliciously festive evening of gastronomy, film, and holiday cheer as we screen "La Bûche"!

   • Host Organization: Villa Albertine Washington DC

3. Sing! An Irish Christmas Performance (7:30PM - 9:30PM) ($79 - $109)

   • Description: Join Ireland's own Keith and Kristyn Getty for their annual tour of Sing! An Irish Christmas.

   • Host Organization: The Museum of the Bible

Wednesday, December 13^th , 2023

1. MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays (12PM - 2PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Drop in any time and take home your creations: super size snowflakes, sustainable gift wrap, greeting cards, and more

   • Host Organization: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

2. Korea Policy Forum: Linking the European and Asian Theaters? (2PM - 3:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The summit meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin last September, coupled with the subsequent deepening cooperation between the two nations, carries significant ramifications for the geopolitical landscape in both Northeast Asia and Europe.

   • Host Organization: GW Institute for Korean Studies

3. Exclusive Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting at the French Embassy (5PM - 8PM) ($135)

   • Description: We are so excited to announce a fabulous evening of Champagne and French Sparkling wine at the Embassy of France!

   • Host Organization: French-American Chamber of Commerce

4. Spanish Young Music Talents: Tomás Ocaña in Washington, DC (6:30PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Spanish clarinetist and composer, Tomás Ocaña, will give a solo recital with works composed by himself, Isaac Albéniz and Carl M. von Weber.

   • Host Organization: SPAIN Arts and Culture

5. Winter Wreath Building with Cocktails (6:30PM - 8:30PM) ($81.13)

   • Description: This workshop will be led by Jungle & Loom. Each participant will create a Winter Wreath and receive a cocktail from La Jambe.

   • Host Organization: Jungle & Loom at Union Market

Thursday, December 14^th , 2023

1. Cultural Leadership Breakfast: Christopher Eanes and Steven Fox (8AM - 9:30AM) ($41.54)

   • Description: At the Dec. 14 breakfast, Eanes and Fox will talk about how they collaboratively manage the Cathedral Choral Society, program its performances and work to deepen the engagement of today’s audiences with choral music.

   • Host Organization: Sand Fiddler Marketing

2. The Climate Crisis and Gender: Regional, National & Local Approaches (10AM - 11:15AM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Exploring what action is required to strengthen approaches to address the gendered dimensions and impact of climate insecurity.

   • Host Organization: The Stimson Center

3. Holiday Celebration at the Library of Congress (4:30PM - 5:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Celebrate the season with musical performances, festive refreshments, story time with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and view the Library’s Hanukkah Menorah and the lighting of one of the city’s most beautiful Christmas trees. 

   • Host Organization: Library of Congress

4. Holiday Carolers at Hotel Washington (5PM - 6PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Hark! The heralds of the season bring tidings of joy to the Hotel Washington. Step into a world of enchantment with Holiday Carolers

   • Host Organization: Hotel Washington

5. Musical Thinking Gallery Talk (5:30PM - 6:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Go in-depth with Saisha Grayson, curator of time-based media at SAAM, as she discusses the years-long curatorial process behind Musical Thinking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian Associates

6. EmbassYPN DC | Young Professionals; Networking Social (6PM - 9:30PM) ($0 - $47.19)

   • Description: Join us for our monthly Meetup Networking social for professionals from every background who are interested in meeting like-minded people with similar or different cultural and professional backgrounds.

   • Host Organization: Embassy Young Professional Network (YPN)

7. J-Film | Just Remembering (6:30PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Spanning a period of 6 years, director MATSUGI Daigo uses fragments of time to depict the lives of a young couple in Tokyo.

   • Host Organization: Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC)

Friday, December 15^th , 2023

1. British Christmas Luncheon With The Ambassador (12PM - 3PM) ($229.29+)

   • Description: On the occasion of the British American Business Association's 27th Annual Christmas Luncheon, you are invited to a special opportunity to join them at the Fairmont Hotel for a Holiday luncheon.

   • Host Organization: Mer Events

2. Winter Open Doors at the Spanish Former Ambassador’s Residence (5:30PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The historic Beaux-Arts mansion, once home to Spanish Ambassadors, welcomes visitors once again to explore its current exhibitions.

   • Host Organization: SPAIN Arts and Culture

3. Making Holiday Magic: Films That Made Christmas, 1892-1947 (6PM - 8PM) ($26.68)

   • Description: Join us for a magical evening at the DAR Museum as we explore the history of Christmas films from 1892 to 1947!

   • Host Organization: DAR Museum

4. SHORTidotes 2.0 Film Lecture (6PM - 8PM) ($5 - $10)

   • Description: SHORTidotes 2.0 will feature a selection of experimental, fictional and nonfictional short films by Latin American, Afro/Latinx DC area-based filmmakers on the theme of end-of-the-year holiday celebrations curated by Salym Fayad.

   • Host Organization: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

5. DC Casineros: Cuban Social (Friday, December 15^th , 7PM - Saturday, December 16^th , 1AM) ($10 - $20)

   • Description: The Cuban Dance Social is back!  DC Casineros hosts an evening for diverse international dance communities in the DMV to come together and celebrate.

   • Host Organization: Dance Place

6. I Will Dance With Those Oak Trees Performance (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Set in a carpet store at this time, I will dance with those oak trees as long as takes us on a poetic voyage into the life of three Kurdish women, inspired by the poetry of Kajal Ahmad and the characters Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and Ninsun from the world’s most ancient epic poem: Gilgamesh .

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

7. Ukrainian Music, Dinner, & Dance Soiree with Live Music by Gerdan (6:30PM - 9:30PM) ($71.21 - $81.88)

   • Description: An elegant evening of Ukrainian culture, music, dinner, and dance with Live Music by Gerdan featuring Grammy winning Dr. Andrei Pidkivka

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

Saturday, December 16^th , 2023

1. MPU DC: Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery (8AM - 11:30AM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join +More Perfect Union at Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America

   • Host Organization: +More Perfect Union (MPU) Washington, D.C. Brickyard

2. Takoma Cocoa Crawl (1PM - 4PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Enjoy cocoa at area restaurants and cafes during the Takoma Cocoa Crawl!

   • Host Organization: Takoma BID

3. Umoja Market 2023 (10AM - 6PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The Umoja Market is a time for community to come together and celebrate the holidays.

   • Host Organization: Anacostia Arts Center

4. Winter Open Doors at the Spanish Former Ambassador’s Residence (10:30AM - 1:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Explore the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, and immerse yourself the current exhibitions!

   • Host Organization: SPAIN Arts and Culture

5. Walking Tour: Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Capitol Hill (12:30PM - 2:15PM) ($21.26 - $22.85)

   • Description: Learn about Frederick Douglass as a resident of the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington and his activism as a Washingtonian.

   • Host Organization: Lost History Associates

6. The Film Poems of Maryam Tafakory (2PM - 3:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for a post-screening discussion with media artist Maryam Tafakory, in person.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

7. Atlas Presents: Keng Siong Sim – Peace for Ukraine (7PM - 9PM) ($22)

   • Description: Why are we not able to name any Ukrainian composers despite the existence of high-quality music? Pianist Keng Siong Sim tells stories and plays works of Mykola Lysenko, Sergei Bortkiewicz, Vasyl Barvinsky, and more.

   • Host Organization: Atlas Performing Arts Center

8. Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI) is a talent development program for dedicated student musicians in grades 8–12 from communities that have been historically excluded from classical music and want to pursue music study in college.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Sunday, December 17^th , 2023

1. Winter Open Doors at the Spanish Former Ambassador’s Residence (10:30AM - 1:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The historic Beaux-Arts mansion, once home to Spanish Ambassadors, welcomes visitors once again to explore its current exhibitions.

   • Host Organization: SPAIN Arts and Culture

2. Sunday Funday: Museums and Ice Skating (1:30PM - 5:30PM) (FREE)

   • Description: Spend your Sunday with Native Tourists as we explore contemporary art at the Hirshhorn Museum and skate on the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden.

   • Host Organization: Native Tourist DC

3. Ever Deadly Film Screening (2PM - 3:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Throughout her ground-breaking career, Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq has always had an intimate relationship with the Nuna—the Land—a living, breathing organism present in her improvised performances.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

4. Gabriel Cabezas and Jordan Dodson Performance (4PM - 6PM) ($19.50 - $30)

   • Description: This highly anticipated event will showcase a dynamic collaboration between two exceptional international soloists as put forward by the Washington Arts Ensemble: cellist Gabriel Cabezas and classical guitarist Jordan Dodson.

   • Host Organization: Atlas Performing Arts Center

5. A Christmas Candlelight Service (6:30PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This candlelight service highlights congregational Christmas carols, special performances, scripture readings, prayers and more as we celebrate the Light of the World.

   • Host Organization: Private organization.

6. Alicia in Wonderland Annual Christmas Event (4:30PM - 8:30PM) ($25)

   • Description: Join us for a whimsical adventure down the rabbit hole at our Annual Christmas Event inspired by the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland!

   • Host Organization: Private organization.

Rate Issue No.43!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reply to the email that you receive as part of the newsletter being sent out. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Follow, Like, and Share!