Embassy Éclat: Winter Holidays in DC

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Event Highlight: JICC Film Night: Just Remembering (December 14^th )

It was a crowded night at the Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC). We came straight from a holiday party at work to see the J-Film called Just Remembering. A bittersweet romance, the film follows the love story of retired dancer Teruo (played by Ikematsu Sosuke) and taxi driver Yo (played by Ito Sairi). Over time, the pair have their ups and downs with any relationship going through conflict and drama. It is reflective of how time can change our relationships and what the act of remembering means to us.

Director Matsui Daigo used fragments of time to depict the lives of a young couple in Tokyo. The film goes back in time starting with the present and explores the events of the past giving context into the difficulties of the relationship between Teruo and Yo. At the end of the film screening, a special guest made an appearance with Toshiki Hirose taking the stage. He portrayed one of the friends of Teruo in the film and even delivered a message to the JICC audience from Director Daigo himself!

We also had an opportunity to explore the JICC’s current gallery called Go for Broke: Japanese-American Soldiers Fighting on Two Fronts. 80 years ago, Americans of Japanese ancestry volunteered for military service in the U.S. Army and became part of the famed all-Japanese American 100^th Infantry Battalion and 442^nd Regimental Combat Team. We explored the history of these units through the various pictures and displayed objects in the gallery. Thank you to the JICC for both the movie night and the art exhibit.

Looking Ahead!

1. Christmas Day Chinese Food Mixer and Blockbuster Movie (Monday, December 25^th, 5PM - 11:30PM) ($48)

   • Description: No Christmas Day plans? Then, we cordially invite you to a special evening with new friends for Chinese food, a brand-new movie, and optional dancing afterward at a local lounge/club (no additional cover).

   • Host Organization: Things To Do DC

2. Holiday Family Crafting Program (Wednesday, December 27^th, 10:30AM - 3:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join the Library of Congress for a crafting activity to celebrate the holiday season and the New Year.  Create a variety of seasonal crafts inspired by the Library's holiday collections.

   • Host Organization: Library of Congress

3. Live! at the Library (Thursday, December 28^th, 5PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building is open for extended hours every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour snacks and drinks available for purchase in the Great Hall while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs.

   • Host Organization: Library of Congress

4. Farafina Kan Lives: The Rise of a New Era (Friday, December 29^th, 6PM - 10:30PM) ($55.20)

   • Description: Farafina Kan Lives is a one-of-a-kind gathering celebrating the vibrant rhythms and melodies of West Africa.

   • Host Organization: The Adinkra Group

5. Kwanzaa & Watch Night: Visions of Freedom (Saturday, December 30^th, 11AM - 3PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Discover how Afrofuturism creates a link between Watch Night and Kwanzaa, two cultural holidays that encourage African Americans to envision their own freedom. 

   • Host Organization: National Museum of African-American History and Culture

6. Diva Film Screening (Saturday, December 30^th, 2PM - 4PM)

   • Description: Adapted from the novel by Daniel Odier, Diva centers soprano Cynthia Humphreys, played by Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez, and her obsessed young fan Jules in his relentless quest to capture a recording of his beloved opera singer’s voice.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

7. Spy Tour of Georgetown (Sunday, December 31^st, 10AM - 11:30AM) ($41.10)

   • Description: If you enjoy real-life spy stories, covert operations, and international intrigue, this tour is for you. Learn spy mindset as you explore the hidden history of Georgetown.

   • Host Organization: SpyGuide

International Events List (December 18^th - December 24^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, December 18^th until Sunday, December 24^th .

Monday, December 18^th , 2023

1. Holiday Confections with Chef Bill Yosses: Cream Puffs (5PM - 7PM) ($115.06)

   • Description: Learn a sweet new recipe for the holidays from Chef Bill Yosses, former White House Executive Pastry Chef, educator and cookbook author!

   • Host Organization: Hamilton Hotel

2. O Night Divine! Performance (7PM - 8:30PM) ($15 - $94)

   • Description: Let the radiant voices of Choral Arts transport you home for the holidays with warm nostalgic carols and the spirited sounds of a full orchestra.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

3. Elena Martín at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain (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

4. Winter Wreath Building with Wine Tasting (6:30PM - 8:30PM) ($81.13)

   • Description: This workshop will be led by Jungle & Loom. Each participant will create a Winter Wreath and participate in a wine tasking with Vitis Wine.

   • Host Organization: Judge & Loom at Union Market

Tuesday, December 19^th , 2023

1. Tufting Workshop: Holiday Edition- 10x10 rug w/ Tuft'n Up DC (6:30PM - 9PM) ($86.79)

   • Description: Learn the art of tufting and create your very own 10x10 rug with the guidance of Tuft'n Up DC.

   • Host Organization: Tuft’n Up DC

2. A Christmas Brass Spectacular! (7:30PM - 9PM) ($60 - $70)

   • Description: The Capitol Bones All-Brass Big Band has created the ultimate show of favorite holiday music, performing original and new arrangements from “A Stan Kenton Christmas,” Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite,” and Vince Guarldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Wednesday, December 20^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. In-Person Class: Make Your Own Sushi (6:30PM - 8:30PM) ($64.80)

   • Description: Come and learn how to spread, layer, tuck and roll your way to sushi heaven. In this fun, hands-on social cooking class, you’ll learn all the skills needed to make sushi-rolls at home.

   • Host Organization: CocuSocial

3.  A Candlelight Christmas Performance (7PM - 8:30PM) ($15 - $99)

   • Description: Ring in the holiday season (literally!) at The Washington Chorus' "A Candlelight Christmas!" Featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests to help you celebrate the season, this concert is among the DC region's most beloved holiday traditions—so don't miss this heartwarming seasonal delight!

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Thursday, December 21^st , 2023

1. Third Thursday (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: Dupont Circle BID

2. Third Thursday in December at the Korean Cultural Center DC (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 (KCCDC)

3.  Beltway Brass Quintet (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The Beltway Brass Quintet is a project group led by Zachary Smith of the nationally acclaimed Dixie Power Trio. The members of the quintet reside in the Washington, D.C. area, and their repertoire is unusual in its emphasis on 20th century jazz harmonies and stylings.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

4. Live! at the Library: Café Concert with Seán Heely (6:15PM - 7:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Enjoy a spectacular performance by Seán Heely - a U.S National Scottish Fiddle Champion and an award-winning Irish fiddler, singer and harpist in the folk and Gaelic traditions of Scotland and Ireland. 

   • Host Organization: Library of Congress (LOC)

5. Live! at the Library (5PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building is open for extended hours every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

   • Host Organization: Library of Congress

6. Live! at the Library: National Film Registry Holiday Screening (6:30PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Enjoy a classic holiday movie in the Library’s historic Coolidge Auditorium, and see one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the city. The 2023 National Film Registry selections will be announced on Dec. 13; selections are based upon their historical, cultural or aesthetic significance.

   • Host Organization: Library of Congress

Friday, December 22^nd , 2023

1. Art Bites Gallery Talk (12:15PM - 12:45PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Learn the stories behind these objects and how each one tells us about an ever-changing culture in the United States. Kelly-Christina Grant, the Terra Foundation Predoctoral Fellow in American Art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, discusses Loïs Mailou Jones’ Les Fétiches.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian American Art Museum

2. Special Christmas Season Tour of Lafayette Square DC! (12:30PM - 2:30PM) ($27.45)

   • Description: Come join us on this special, Friday before Christmas afternoon walking tour of America’s most park, Lafayette Square.

   • Host Organization: Private organization

3. Team Pasta-Making Challenge - Team Building Activity by Classpop! (4PM - 6PM) ($75.48)

   • Description: Fun, invigorating cooking competitions held right at your office with a Classpop! chef. Enjoy top-notch food, camaraderie and some in-office relaxation.

   • Host Organization: Classpop!

4. Dan and Claudia Zanes Holiday Sing Along (6PM - 7PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This Holiday Sing Along with Grammy Award® winner Dan Zanes and his musical wife, Claudia Zanes, is a multicultural all-ages wintertime celebration.

   • Host Organization: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

5. Champagne Gatsby Soiree with Live Band, Swing Dance Lessons, and Dancing (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. December Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport by Samit Basu (7PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Book Description: From international bestseller Samit Basu, The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport is an exuberant new sci-fi adventure with heart that reads like a mash-up of “Aladdin” and Murderbot—with gloriously chaotic results

   • Host Organization: Old Town Books

Saturday, December 23^rd , 2023

1. International Chocolate Holiday Tour of Embassy Row (12PM - 2PM) ($45.85)

   • Description: Like Santa Claus – Travel the world – in under two hours! Today, we’ll explore one of the most culturally fascinating areas of Washington, D.C. – “Embassy Row”.

   • Host Organization: Things To Do DC

2. The Magic Flute Film (2PM - 3:45PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Swedish director Ingmar Bergman launched his career in the theater and continued an interest in stage production throughout his life. Watch his version of The Magic Flute, one of the most celebrated opera-to-film adaptations of all time.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

3. Modern Nutcracker Ballet - Christmas Legend (3PM - 4:30PM) ($39.19 - $108.55)

   • Description: Once upon a time - more than magic was about to happen the night before Christmas. This show presents themes of human compassion, love, and friendships while spinning a well-known holiday tale and putting out fun, cool vibes

   • Host Organization: Aru Dell'Arte

4. Home for the Holidays Concert (5PM - 6:15PM) ($23.18)

   • Description: Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us at the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, USA. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with joy, laughter, and heartwarming music

   • Host Organization: Private organization

5. Nutcracker Ballet - Christmas Legend (7PM - 8:30PM) ($39.19 - $108.55)

   • Description: Once upon a time - more than magic was about to happen the night before Christmas. This show presents themes of human compassion, love, and friendships while spinning a well-known holiday tale and putting out fun, cool vibes

   • Host Organization: Aru Dell'Arte

Sunday, December 24^th , 2023

1. Christmas Eve Night Hunt & Sweets (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

2. Feast of Seven Fishes Celebration (5PM - 8PM) ($95)

   • Description: Join us for an Italian Christmas Eve tradition! Savor a four-course meal crafted by Chef Nicholas Stefanelli with an array of traditional fish dishes

   • Host Organization: Officina at The Wharf

3. The Feast of Seven Fishes (6PM - 11PM) ($195)

   • Description: Celebrate Vigilia di Natale, Christmas Eve, with a southern Italian tradition. Indulge in five courses highlighting the sea’s bounty featuring black spaghetti with succulent crab, dry-aged cod, and other seafood delicacies. Allow us to treat you and your loved ones to an unforgettable feast.

   • Host Organization: Masseria

Rate Issue No.44!

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