On Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Hall of Union Station, a consortium of partners, including the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce—Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Washington Performing Arts, Union Station, and exclusive media partner WHUR 96.3 FM, will present the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting to the people of Washington, D.C. This beloved holiday event, which attracted 5,000 guests in 2018, is presented free to the public and will feature performances by The String Queens, whose members have collaborated with artists such as Ledisi, Janelle Monáe, and Common, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir.
In one of Washington’s most popular holiday traditions, which began in 1997, Norway will present a Christmas tree to the people of Washington, D.C., in recognition of the strong friendship between Norway and the United States, and in gratitude for America’s assistance during and after World War II. The theme for this year’s tree is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These goals address the challenges we face as a global community and the 2030 target for achieving them. Specially designed ornaments and signage will represent the goals.
Complete Schedule of Events
Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting (6:00 p.m.)
Featuring The String Queens, the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The 30-foot tree is decorated with 20,000 lights and ornaments representing all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Norway’s ambassador to the United States, Kåre R. Aas, will light the tree with a special guest, Member of the Norwegian Parliament Linda Helleland.
Free, registration encouraged | Family-friendly
Location: Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Food Court on 3
Take part in holiday festivities provided by Tysons Corner Center, entertainment by Those Funny Little People (featured on America’s Got Talent), a balloon artist, holiday crafts, retailer activations from b8ta, LL Bean, Roots, and more, free breakfast and time with the Man in Red. The breakfast will be emceed by Tommy McFly and Kelly Collis from The Tommy Show. Event details and RSVP.
Cookies with Santa at The Graham Rooftop – Saturday, December 7 @ 11am to 2pm
Head to The Graham Georgetown’s tented Rooftop on December 7 for Cookies with Santa, an afternoon filled with sweeping sights and offerings with a twist for the entire family this holiday season. From 11am to 2pm, revel in festive decorations, cookie and ornament decorating, and photos with Santa himself. For $8, parents receive a ticket to the event and a complimentary seasonal adult beverage upon arrival. Kids attend for free. For more information or to book your spot, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cookies-with-santa-on-the-graham-rooftop-tickets-82023300901.
Holiday Storytime PJ Party
Thursday, December 12
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Level 1, Fashion Court
Join us in your PJs for a fun, holiday-themed event where we read through some holiday classics and enjoy hot chocolate, other sweet treats, and fun-filled activations with special entertainment provided by Dee Vinchey Entertainment and retailer activations. For more information, visit www.tysonscornercenter.com/
Winter Blast: A Family Day of Native Games
Saturday, Jan. 25, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
This free family-friendly event celebrates Indigenous games from the Arctic to Argentina. Visitors can meet Talibah Begay (Navajo) as she shares a traditional Navajo shoe guessing game. Leihua Stewart (Native Hawaiian) teaches traditional Hawaiian games. Participants can learn to play Bolivian games with Julia Garcia (Aymara). The day features hands-on activities and “make-and-takes.”
Crêpe Day: Celebrate La Chandeleur!
Saturday, February 1, 2020, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy crêpes, storytelling, art projects, and more amidst Hillwood’s spectacular gardens, magnificent mansion, and exquisite French treasures.
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Multimedia play: Hear Me Say My Name
Saturdays: Feb. 15, 22, and 29, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Rasmuson Theater
“I am not your mascot, and I don’t live in a tipi. See me for who I am, hear me say my name.” How do stereotypes of American Indians, prejudice, and identity shape the discussion of what it means to be a young person in our country today? This original multimedia play, created in collaboration with Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater, tackles America’s assumptions about American Indians and starts a conversation with audiences reclaiming rich history, challenges, hopes, and dreams. After the play, the audience is invited to explore the museum’s Americans exhibition to learn more.
This program is generously supported by the Rasmuson Foundation. Free; first-come, first-served seating. No registration is required.
Multimedia play: Hear Me Say My Name
Saturdays: Feb. 15, 22, and 29, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Rasmuson Theater
“I am not your mascot, and I don’t live in a tipi. See me for who I am, hear me say my name.” How do stereotypes of American Indians, prejudice, and identity shape the discussion of what it means to be a young person in our country today? This original multimedia play, created in collaboration with Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater, tackles America’s assumptions about American Indians and starts a conversation with audiences reclaiming rich history, challenges, hopes, and dreams. After the play, the audience is invited to explore the museum’s Americans exhibition to learn more.
This program is generously supported by the Rasmuson Foundation. Free; first-come, first-served seating. No registration is required.
Description: Get Snowed Inn with The Children’s Inn at NIH on Feb. 22, 2020. Join the perfect DC après-ski party and dance the night away with our live DJ or finish unwinding from the holiday rush by relaxing in our ski lodge setting, with friends old and new. What else? Enjoy unlimited drinks created by the area’s best mixologists, plus a wide range of appetizers and bites, bid on unique experiences offered through our silent auction, play games or create a small gift to lift the spirits of a child staying at The Children’s Inn. It’s great to get Snowed Inn!
Guatemalan National Day of Marimba
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Celebrate Guatemala’s National Day of Marimba with performances by local marimba groups.
Presented in collaboration with the Consulate of Guatemala.
