FRIDAY 14
Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment and learn 18th-century dance moves from costumed guides in the Greenhouse. $20-$35, 5:30 p.m., George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA.
Enjoy holiday greetings, carols and inspirational messages that highlight the true meaning of the holiday season. Attendees also get to join in for a moving candle lighting ceremony. FREE, 7 p.m., City Hall Courtyard, Downtown Frederick, MD.
Warm up your voices so you can sing along as the Alexandria Citizens Band entertains you under the baton of Mike Evans. They’ll play all your holiday favorites, plus perform a narrated version of the magical “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a Hanukkah Medley. Wear your holiday sweaters and Santa hats, and bring your family and friends. FREE, 7:30 p.m., Del Ray United Methodist Church, 100 East Windsor Ave., Alexandria, VA.
SATURDAY 15
Preschool Pioneers: Ocean Zones & Creatures
Get ready to dive deep into the ocean! Children will learn about the zones of the oceans and creatures that live in each zone. These workshops offer a variety of hands-on experiences that introduce young children to concepts in engaging ways and support their development. $43, 10 a.m., Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, 10th and Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Cathedral Choral Society: Joy of Christmas
This beloved annual concert includes Christmas favorites and a carol sing-along in one of the District’s most majestic settings. This year’s performance will include a new carol by composer Paul Moravec. $81.50, 2 p.m., Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Dance Place
Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at Dance Place’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration! Watch special performances by Coyaba Dance Theater and Coyaba Academy. $15-$30, 8 p.m., Dance Place, 3225 8th St., N.E., Washington, D.C.
SUNDAY 16
Second Annual Light Up the Season
Light Up the Season is a family-friendly community fundraising event to benefit Children’s National. This event highlights collaborations between Children’s National patients and notable area designers and artists from the D.C. area. Together, they will create holiday trees, mantelpieces, wreaths, menorahs and artwork all available for purchase. Activities for all ages include holiday cookie decorating, ornament making, musical performances and visits from Santa and Dr. Bear. $50-$250, Noon, Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C., 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Prince William Holiday Ice Show
Celebrate the fun of the holiday season at the PWIC annual Holiday Ice Show! Watch solo skaters and synchronized skating teams perform to holiday music and more. Enjoy cookie sales, raffle baskets and silent auctions, including ski lessons and lift tickets, winery and brewery gift certificates and more! Bring your jacket, hat and gloves and join in this holiday tradition! $5, 1 p.m., Prince William Ice Center, Woodbridge, VA.
