Happy New Year to all! We had a busy winter break; traveled back to my hometown of St. Louis to celebrate the holidays and were fortunate enough to take our kids on their first ski trip to Seven Springs Mountain Resort with family. It was a great two weeks of family time, full of making memories and was great to regroup and be together.

Thank you for being a reader of Beltway Bambinos. It’s hard to believe we are celebrating our fifth year. We love finding ways for you to experience the city with your Bambinos and love hearing about your experiences. We have some exciting things planned for 2019 so stay tuned! Be sure to share and like our various social media pages to receive even more updates that don’t get shared as blog posts- Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. 

We may be experiencing a partial government shutdown but some places have been funded or are private so they remain open. Here is a list which was updated 1/3/19.

National Building Museum
United States Botanic Garden
Kreeger Museum 
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden
Newseum
The Phillips Collection
Washington National Cathedral

Have you entered to win 2 tickets to see School of Rock at National Theatre? There’s still time; winner will be announced on Saturday. The show will be at National Theatre, January 16-27, 2019.

Saturday

9:45am-12:45pm: Summer Camp Sampler at Imagination Stage 
The annual Summer Camp Sampler is a great way to get a taste of what camps are like at Imagination Stage before registering! Children and parents can try out a variety of camp titles and theatrical disciplines in 20-45 minute segments, as well as speak with the Education staff about our program offerings. Additionally, the Digital Media Studio will be open for those interested in Imagination Stage’s filmmaking program. While this event is geared toward families with children Age 3.5 – Grade 9, please note that Imagination Stage Summer Camps have options for ages 3.5-18.

10:00am-2:00pm: Family Crafternoon at National Building Museum
Capture the warm glow of light to break the winter cold by constructing and decorating a paper lantern to take home. The program runs from 10 am – 2 pm while supplies last. Free, drop-in. All ages.

10:00am AND 11:00am: Folger Shakespeare Library Family Program: Celebrate Twelfth Night
Shake Up Your Saturdays is a free program that takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Family members of all ages are welcome to join the fun! Get festive with Twelfth Night traditions this weekend. 10-11AM: Recommended Ages 4-7 and 11-12PM: Recommended Ages 7-11. Foulke Conference Room; Register to attend.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club Classes
For ages 3+.

10:30am: The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java
The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh! Experience the excitement of the children when they get to learn a magic trick at the end of show! For over 12 years, The Great Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows to more that 250 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh.

10:30am-12:30pm: Creativity Workshop at Phillips Collection
Let your creativity fly in our art-making stations—it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8. $18 for 1 adult and 1 child; $15 for 1 member and 1 child; $5 per additional person. Reservations required. Advance purchase recommended as this popular event tends to sell out.

11:00am AND 2:30pm AND 4:00pm: Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre

1:00pm-3:00pm: Michael’s MAKE break Kids Class
There’s snow chance of this little guy melting! Make a charming snowman with a pom pom hat to add to your winter décor. Buy the jar, and the supplies to decorate it will be provided.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: Cinderella at Imagination Stage 

Sunday

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio Sunday Morning Workshop: Rainbow Animals
Each two hour workshop includes a variety of art and sensory activities related to the day’s theme. Drop-off welcome. Please bring along a nut-free snack and something to drink!

11:00am AND 1:30pm: Cinderella at Imagination Stage 

11:00am AND 2:00pm: Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre

12:30pm AND 1:30pm: Art Jamz Graffiti Party
It is time to get messy like a street artist at the Kidz Graffiti Party and get 1 hour of studio time to paint the wall. The lounge will be open for accompanying parents and they’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artist. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall.

Trains are magical during the holidays! There is no better place to be a child than at the B&O Railroad Museum! All aboard the B&O’s Magical Holiday Express, a holiday spectacular celebration in the B&O Roundhouse devoted to trains of all sizes and shapes, holiday festivities, and a winter wonderland of family fun and activities. There is something to see and do every day at this annual holiday event! Walk through a 30-foot Christmas tree in the center of the B&O’s historic roundhouse and enjoy all new holiday themed weekends featuring some of your favorite guests. All Aboard!

Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show is the largest and longest-running model train and collectible toy show in the country and it’s at Dulles Expo Center this weekend.  The show is geared towards the general public and towards modelers and hobbyists, featuring hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more.  All aboard!

Georgetown Glow and Light Yards are two exhibits you won’t want to miss! 

Other holiday events (not highlighted below, because there are just SO many) can be found here:
Holiday shows, ballets & concerts

Ice skating, holiday light displays and outdoor fun

Holiday tea

Zoo Lights

Saturday

8:00am: Wreaths across America
Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, teach our children the value of freedom. Thank you for your interest and support of the wreath laying event at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 8:00 AM. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremony will take place at the McClellan Gate beginning at 8:30 a.m. General wreath placement will also begin at this time with the exception of those trucks in vicinity of the opening ceremony. They will begin wreath placements no later than 9 a.m. All are welcome. There is no requirement to register or sign-up in order to participate. We do not assign individuals or groups to any specific locations in which to place wreaths. You are free to participate at any section you like.

10:00am-3:00pm: Udvar-Hazy Center 15th Anniversary Celebration 
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center opened to public on December 15, 2003, and since then they have welcomed nearly 20 million people through the doors. Join to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Udvar-Hazy Center with a day packed full of everything you know and love about the museum. From talks with curators about your favorite artifacts to concerts, this event will highlight why the northern Virginia community has embraced the Udvar-Hazy Center as a must-visit destination. 

10:30am: HIRSHHORN KIDS Tour
Enjoy a playful child-led tour featuring kids’ favorite artworks. During the darkest month of the year, brighten up your weekends at the Hirshhorn! Makers of all ages are welcome to join us at MAKER MORNINGS: Illuminate as we explore the exhibition Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Pulse through hands-on activities.

10:30am-11:30am: Meet David and Mark Shannon
Hosted by the DC Public Library Georgetown Branch, brothers and author/illustrator team Mark and David Shannon will offer a reading of their book, The Acrobat and the Angel. This beautifully written and illustrated story will delight young audience members, who will also be able to engage with the Shannons and participate in other fun activities after the reading. This event will take place at the DC Public Library Georgetown Branch, located at 3260 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20007. Following the event, we encourage attendees to visit the Juggling the Middle Ages exhibition at Dumbarton Oaks, located just a block away at 1703 32nd Street NW.

12:00pm-5:00pm: Holidays at Rocklands Farm
Choose to decorate tasty holiday cookies or handmade wooden ornaments. Santa will be here! Come meet Saint Nick in person before he starts his long, annual worldwide journey 🙂 Live caroling starts at 3pm. $10 pre-purchase ticket includes all materials for either cookie OR ornament decorating and a cup of local hot cider.

2:00pm: 12th Annual Rocknoceros Holiday Singalong
As every family with youngsters in the DC area already knows, Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) is three guys: Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie, who make wildly popular, award-winning music for the whole family. Rocknoceros has since dominated the Washington, DC children’s music scene and gained significant national recognition as well.

4:00pm-6:00pm: DC Youth Orchestra presents Prelude to the Holidays at UDC
Join DCYOP’s premier ensemble, the Youth Orchestra, as they kick off the holiday season with a free concert of holiday favorites and Strauss! Repertoire includes preludes such as Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Overture and Strauss’s Fledermaus Overture, as well as A Christmas Festival and other works by Strauss. Come early to enjoy extra festivities! DCYOP faculty will host a musical instrument petting zoo in the lobby before the performance. Bring your younger children so that they can try out different musical instruments with the help of our teachers!

Sunday

10:00am-4:00pm: Takoma Park WinterFest
Holiday shipping with 40+ local artisans and vendors. Visit with Santa, enjoy music, performances, community crafting for charity, face painting, food and more.

10:00am: Nous Bloomons
The Alliance Francaise is very proud to continue its partnership with BloomBars, bringing back a weekly music program for children. Nous Bloomons is a celebration of French language and culture through song and dance, led by Achille Ango. Achille grew up in Cameroon (Central West Africa). After graduating from High School, he went to France where he lived for seven years studying and playing music. He has taught French to children, and played music with various bands in the Washington area for more than 20 years. He now teaches French in an immersion school using music as a vehicle. If you want to have fun, dance, jump and sing “à tue-tête”, join us at BloomBars! $7 suggested donation per child. $5 per adult.

10:00am-12:00pm AND 4:00pm-6:00pm: Sunday Workshop at Red Panda Art Studio: Gift making workshop
Each two hour workshop includes a variety of art and sensory activities related to the day’s theme. Drop-off welcome.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Your child’s favorite stories will come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. The Snowy Day is the theme!

As always, we post last minute events on Facebook and Instagram pages, so make sure you follow us!

Related Posts:

Holiday Gift Guide

Theatre for the Family

Searching for a unique and wholesome way to bond with your family this holiday season? The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum’s Annual Holiday Card Workshop may be just what you’re looking for! Perfect for visitors of all ages, this open-house event will be held from 10:00am–4:00pm on both Saturday, December 8th, 2018 and Sunday, December 9th, 2018. The museum provides a bountiful spread of patterned papers, postage and rubber stamps, gems and other 3-D embellishments, special cut-out scissors, washi tape, stickers, markers of every color, and more! Following their own creative instincts, kids can choose whichever supplies they would like to design one-of-a-kind greetings for any holiday, or even just a wintery “Hello!”

Sit back, relax and let Santa’s helpers serve you during this magical holiday experience;Tea with Santa at Dumbarton House. This event is held from 11:00am-1:00pm on both Saturday, December 8th, 2018 and Sunday, December 9th, 2018. Visit with Santa and hear a special holiday story. Families enjoy a delicious holiday tea complete with special holiday tea blends, hot apple cider, sandwiches and desserts. After taking tea, children decorate their own gingerbread cookies to take home. Tickets: general adults $30, General Kids $20, Member adults $25, Member kids $15

The Annual Sugarloaf Festival is at Dulles Expo Center Friday-Sunday. Shop Sugarloaf Crafts for the holidays! Join 350+ talented artisans December 7 -9 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. Find the most unique and special gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Every treasure has its own story, and our exhibitors love sharing the history of their creations. Meet face to face directly with master craftsmen and artists as you shop handcrafted gifts, jewelry, fashion, fine art, photography, home furnishings and decor, pottery, sculpture, and more to discover. Dozens of specialty food exhibitors vendors have tasty treats to sample and buy – a perfect stocking stuffer! Live art demonstrations and an interactive puppet theater keep the whole family entertained as you stroll aisles after aisle of the nation’s most talented artisans. 

(Photo: Light Yards)

Georgetown Glow and Light Yards are two exhibits you won’t want to miss! 

Other holiday events (not highlighted below, because there are just SO many) can be found here:
Holiday shows, ballets & concerts

Ice skating, holiday light displays and outdoor fun

Holiday tea

Zoo Lights

Friday

6:00pm-8:00pm: Nerf Night at Badlands
Badlands invites kids ages 7+ to join us the first Friday of every month for Nerf Night! Participants are encouraged to bring the tool of their choosing and protective eye wear- Badlands will provide the foam darts and the fun! Rentals are also available from the front desk for $5. Be sure to purchase your general admission ticket for the 6 PM – 8 PM time slot online ahead of time. We will have a pavilion available for parents and Happy Hour until close!
Plan Ahead for other Nerf Nights: Jan 4 & Feb 1

Saturday

10:00am-3:00pm: Holiday Family Day at National Air & Space Museum
Join a festive Holiday Family Day at the National Air and Space Museum. Take a look at the winter night sky for unique constellations you can only see during the winter solstice and learn how air and space technology make holiday travel, communication, and shopping possible.  The event will also feature hands-on activities, a scavenger hunt, and special performances. 

10:00am-10:45am: Junior Ranger Program: Scavenger Hunt
Join a ranger to solve riddles and explore treasures along the way. Find out what’s around at this time of year or where it might be if you don’t see it. You never know what we will find! Ages 5+

10:00am: Civil War Tour
Join Ranger Steve Phan of the Civil War Defenses of Washington for a tour of Fort Bunker Hill. Named after the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 in Boston, the fort had 13 guns mounted in the rectangular-shaped fort, which operated until the conclusion of hostilities in 1865.  The program will detail the fort’s construction, its involvement during the Battle of Fort Stevens, and the post-war transformation of the historic landscape in Northeast DC. Free.  Rain or shine.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, or see a show at the Puppet Co. and get tickets to see Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre.

11:00am-2:00pm: Santa Saturday at Glen Echo Park Aquarium: Visit with Santa, snap a picture, make a wish, and everyone gets a candy cane!

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy making various crafts. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Ages 1-5. Featured story: The Wheels on the Bus

4:00pm-7:00pm: 10th Annual Winter’s Eve at Glen Echo
Get into the holiday spirit while enjoying holiday crafts, story time, portrait shoots, hot cocoa, crafts, 

Sunday

(Photo: Jingle Argh The Way at Encore Stage & Studio)

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Your child’s favorite stories will come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Bear Snore On is the theme!

1:30pm: Cinderella at Imagination Stage

3:00pm: Jingle Argh The Way at Encore Stage & Studio

Plan Ahead: Jane Austen Birthday Tea on December 16th, 11am-1pm 

Related Posts:

Holiday Gift Guide

Theatre for the Family

Head up to Tenleytown and catch the remaining few days of WinterFest!

Holly TrolleyFest at The National Capital Trolley Museum. Holly TrolleyFest celebrates the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars Saturday & Sunday (and other weekends) from 12:30pm-4:30pm. 

Nationals Winterfest is coming home – to Nationals Park – for the holidays! The annual weekend-long festival is a celebration of baseball and the holidays with presents and Presidents. This year’s Nat-ivity scene includes both indoor and outdoor programs so fans can enjoy many of your favorite activities from last year along with several new additions only available at Nationals Park.

Other holiday events (not highlighted below, because there are just SO many) can be found here:
Holiday shows, ballets & concerts

Ice skating, holiday light displays and outdoor fun

Holiday tea

Zoo Lights

Saturday

Historic Dupont Circle Main Street presents the second annual holiday pop-up on Saturday, December 1^st from 12:00-5:00 p.m. to promote shopping in greater Dupont Circle.  This unique Holiday Pop-up event pairs artists and makers who co-locate in retail shops around Dupont Circle.  The pop-up will also include the Heurich House’s Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market, which starts Friday night at 4:00 p.m.) and the Art Rave market at 15^th and P Streets, NW.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or see a show at the Puppet Co.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy making various crafts. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Ages 1-5. Featured story: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

11:00am-3:00pm: Holiday Stamp at National Postal Museum
Come have hot cocoa and cookies, see stamp displays, collect your own canceled Holiday stamps and learn more about philately with members of Christmas Philatelic Club and Christmas Seal and Charity Stamp Society

11:30am-3:00pm: Holiday Ballet Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Celebrate the holidays with SAAM and The Washington Ballet. Acclaimed Artistic Director Julie Kent gives an introduction of how the ballet of the nation’s capital puts on their annual performance of The Nutcracker before dancers perform excerpts from the charming holiday classic. Enjoy making festive, wintry crafts such as waterless snow globes and snowflake ballerinas and explore the museum with a special scavenger hunt. Get your photo taken with a Washington Ballet dancer in their full Nutcracker costume and try a free Barre class with professional dancer Sarah Steele. Stay warm by enjoying the Courtyard Café’s hot chocolate bar and their winter food offerings.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Santa Fly-In at College Park Aviation Museum 
Watch Santa fly into historic College Park Airport with some help from a local pilot! Make holiday arts and crafts before having your picture taken with Santa. $5 includes museum admission

1:00pm-4:00pm: Deck the Halls: A Family Christmas
Kids and parents will enjoy an interactive open house with 1918-style Christmas decor. Join carolers, make a stocking ornament, send cheer to a servicemember and sample sweets popular in 1918. Bring new, men’s crew socks that So Others Can Keep Striding will distribute to the homeless. Cost is $3-$10. Plan ahead: On December 30 Tudor Place has a pre-New Year’s Eve for little ones ages 2-4 and parents/caregivers.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Holiday Boat Parade at the Wharf
Celebrate the holidays and see the beautifully decorated boats pass by. Get into the spirit as you decorate ornaments. Warm up by the fire pit and visit the lighted Christmas Tree. Go ice skating and sample winter drinks at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden. And bring the whole family to meet Santa and make memories during this annual DC tradition. Download the flyer here.

6:30pm-7:30pm: Chanukah Havdalah in Pajamas
Celebrate Chanukah AND Havdalah in your pajamas with a festive singalong Havdalah service led by Rabbi Uri Topolosky, followed by stories, de-light-ful activities, crafts and snacks.  Please bring a NEW pair of warm socks or gloves to be donated to people experiencing homelessness.  They can be adult or child-sized.  This program is a collaboration of PJ Library, Berman Hebrew Academy and Kehilat Pardes.  Good for all ages.

Sunday

10:30am-12:00pm: Make Room for Latkes
Chanukah is coming and with it, eight nights of family fun! Join PJ Library, the Edlavitch DCJCC, the Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital, Federation’s Jewish Food Experience and the interfaith program, Love and Religion, for hands-on Chanukah activities including crafts, cooking, singing, candle lighting, latkes, a mitzvah (good deed) project and take-home goodies.  It’s a perfect morning for Jewish and interfaith families with children ages 3 and older.

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Your child’s favorite stories will come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Roaring Rockets is the theme!

4:00pm-5:30pm: Tot Sized Taste of Chanukah
Join with Shaare Torah and PJ Library for an awesome fun afternoon learning and celebrating Hanukkah! This program is designed for children aged 0-6 and will feature crafts, treats and a special reading of Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by author Pamela Ehrenberg. Open to the full community! Registration is free but requested in advance.

Giveaways for you to enter: 

Port Discovery Children’s Museum
B&O’s Magical Holiday Express

Fancy Nancy premieres on Friday at Adventure Theatre and will be entertaining Bambinos through Jan. 6. 

ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas begins Nov. 16 and lasts through Jan. 1 ICE!—is a signature holiday attraction at The Gaylord & is back with a new theme. Watch Charlie Brown rediscover the meaning of Christmas as the beloved story unfolds through two million pounds of ice sculptures and displays. After all the fun Christmas activities and ICE, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and sweet treats at the Cocoa Shoppe. 

Saturday

9:30am: Atlas Arts for Young Audiences: The Hollow Stump
Seven very different animals seek shelter from the winter cold and snow in a large hollow stump. The cuddly, hand-crafted rod-puppets will enchant any child as the characteristics of each animal are revealed through a unique and descriptive poem and song.  When the animals let newcomers enter and the space inside the stump grows tighter, these songs interweave. Adapted from the popular tale, The Mitten, this tale celebrates community, as the animals learn to share one space. Best for ages: 3-9

10:00am-12:00pm: Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
The streets are being overrun with turkeys, dinosaurs, penguins, and reindeer!  No, the zoo hasn’t opened their gates – it is the  Annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade!  With marching bands, Bolivian dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and Santa, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the exciting parade traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season.  The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or see a show at the Puppet Co.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy making a Penguin craft. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.

10:00am-11:00am: First Studio at Kreeger Museum
Children are invited to use their imaginations as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each First Studio includes a gallery tour, a story, and a hands-on art-making experience. An adult companion is required and art-making attire is recommended. Workshop fee per child: $10  Adult companion: Free. Read about our experience a few years ago; we’ve been back many, many more times since then.

10:30am: Turkeypalooza at the Arts Barn
Back by popular demand, VF Dance Theater takes children on an exciting adventure that explores Thanksgiving. This interactive story encourages children to count, read, move, and solve problems. Known for their athleticism and comedy, VF Dance Theater engages young audiences with this unique holiday performance. Great for the entire family; recommended for ages 3 and up. Performance is followed by a craft.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Ages 1-5. Featured story: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

11:00am: American Pops Orchestra presents a Very Silly Vaudeville at Arena Stage

Sunday

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Your child’s favorite stories will come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story: Where it the Green Sheep?

11:30am: Atlas Arts for Young Audiences: The Hollow Stump
Seven very different animals seek shelter from the winter cold and snow in a large hollow stump. The cuddly, hand-crafted rod-puppets will enchant any child as the characteristics of each animal are revealed through a unique and descriptive poem and song.  When the animals let newcomers enter and the space inside the stump grows tighter, these songs interweave. Adapted from the popular tale, The Mitten, this tale celebrates community, as the animals learn to share one space. Best for ages: 3-9

12:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Festival at Right Proper Brookland
A festival of fall fun! There will be carnival games, a DIY candy apple station, bounce house and more! The cheese counter at #RightProperShaw will be onsite with some delicious eats, and we’ll be serving up fresh apple cider from Distillery Lane Ciderworks! $5 per adult or $10/family gets you unlimited access to all games, the bounce house and the DIY candy apple station! Stop by the brewery between noon and 4pm to get in on the fun!

12:30 & 1:30pm: Kidz Graffiti Party at ArtJamz
It is time to get messy like a street artist at our $10 Kidz Graffiti Party and get 1 Hour of studio time to paint the wall. The lounge will be open for accompanying parents and we’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artist. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall. 

3:30pm: Happy Tails Story Time at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library
Join for a fun story time with adorable dogs each month. Kick off this story time with a book, some songs and then it is your turn. Bring your own book, make up a story, or grab a book here in the library to read to a lovable doggie. Many thanks to the volunteers with People Animals Love (PAL) for bringing in their pets. Next date: Dec. 9. *Story time is subject to availability of dogs.

5:00-7:00pm: Marsha and the Positrons CD Release Show at Busboys & Poets
Album listening party with giveaways!

A few of my favorite posts have been published for 2018; Holiday shows, ballets and concerts, Ice skating, light displays and outdoor holiday fun, & Holiday tea. A few tree lighting celebrations happen this weekend, so be sure and check out the above posts to help plan your weekend.   

Anastasiais at the Kennedy Center this weekend. Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical Anastasia is on a journey to Washington at last! From the Tony Award®–winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s. Recommended for age 7 and up.

Saturday

10:00am-3:00pm: Family Day: I Can See My House from Here! at the George Washington University Museum
Washington looks quite grand, even from above. Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities designed to help you see D.C. from a bird’s eye perspective. Contribute to our three-dimensional map by building the city’s hospitals, schools, national monuments, and more from recycled materials. Practice your drawing skills in special workshops with local artist and historian Peter Waddell—and don’t leave without seeing Waddell’s finished bird’s eye view paintings of Washington D.C.

10:00am-1:00pm: Glen Echo: Saturday Art Explorers
Drop in for an art activity and play in the Candy Corner Studio for $5, no need to pre-register. Play on the playground afterwards, look around the Glen Echo Park Aquarium or see a show at the Puppet Co.

10:00am-12:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy making a Christmas tree. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.

10:30am-12:30pm: Artful Adventures at The Phillips Collection
Join us every Saturday for a family-friendly Artful Adventure. Guided by a professional art educator, explore one to two galleries through fun, hands-on activities. Geared for families with children ages 4 to 8.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Ages 1-5. Featured story: Sheep in a Jeep

11:00am-1:00pm AND 2:00pm-4:00pm: Family Workshop: Luminous Lights in the Arab World at Freer|Sackler
Visit the exhibition Engaging the Senses with teaching artist Ebtisam Abdulaziz and learn about the beautiful patterns and designs on Arab glasswork. Then, return to the studio to collaborate with family and friends on decorating your own glass lamps. For ages six to twelve and adult companions. Workshops and drop-in programs provide opportunities for kids and families to participate in hands-on art making and interactive experiences.

Sunday

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
Your child’s favorite stories will come to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story: Caps for Sale

12:00pm-4:00pm:Art Making at the National Gallery of Art
Visit the Education Studio (concourse level) to experiment with different art materials and techniques. Drop-in art making is a great way to try your hand at art making in an informal, relaxed environment. Art making activities are designed for all ages and abilities.