Thursday, December 16
The National Symphony Orchestra and Maryland Concert Choir are performing the holiday classic Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center through December 19. Tickets ($20 to $85) are available here.
VSA ARTiculate Gallery is hosting a holiday sale from 10 to 7. There’ll be cards, wrapping paper, ornaments, and art, and many pieces are discounted.
Friday, December 17
Today is the last day to view “Likeness” at the Honfleur Gallery (1241 Good Hope Rd., SE, 202-536-8994). Ten photographers paired up with street artists to create the same portrait with different interpretations, which are presented side by side. Free.
Indie-queen Liz Phair is performing at the 9:30 Club, with US Royalty opening. 8 PM. Tickets ($25) are available here.
For your daily dose of the holidays, check out “Celtic Christmas” at Old Town Hall in Fairfax, with the traditional Irish band Sior-Og, storytelling and Irish step-dancing. 8 pm. Free; RSVP here. Or try the Flower Hill String Band, who’s playing bluegrass music at Brookside Gardens. Your ticket also includes admission to the park’s “Garden of Lights.” 6:30; free. RSVP here.
If hot-pink is your favorite Christmas color, then Men in Tights: A Pink Nutcracker is the show for you. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, tells the story of Clarence, who dreams of being a prince. At George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium through December 19; tickets ($20 to $50) are available here.
Saturday, December 18
Spread holiday cheer with the Christmas Light Art Car Parade, hosted by Brightest Young Things and Flying Dog Ales. Following a welcoming reception with CakeLove cupcakes and cider at Jack’s Boathouse (7 PM), the procession of decorated cars heads to Politics and Prose for a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and a party at Comet Ping Pong at approximately 8:30. Free.
Alt-rock/reggae legends O.A.R are playing at Strathmore. The band is originally from Rockville, and proceeds from the show benefit several local charities. 8:30. Tickets ($69 to $125) are available here.
Dance Place is celebrating Kwanzaa with a performance by Coyaba Dance Theater, a local African-dance program. The show uses music and dance to demonstrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. There are also two performances December 19. Tickets ($22) are available here.
The Kinsey Sicks, a drag-capella beauty-shop quartet, brings its unique holiday show, “Oy Vey in a Manger,” to Theater J. With numbers like “Tis the Season to Drink Stoli,” everyone will be able to relate. Buy tickets ($30 to $60) here.
The Bliss dance party at U Street Music Hall combines the talents of Will Eastman, Obeyah, and David Sumner and the sounds of techno, punk, electronic, and more. Tickets ($10) are available here or at the door. 10 PM.
Sunday, December 19
Dig for the perfect gift with a rocker edge at the Black Cat’s twice-yearly garage sale, Rock N Shop. Shoppers have been known to turn up rare records as well as unique clothing and accessories. Opens at 8; no cover.
Ending its run this weekend is Snow White, Rose Red (And Fred), a musical update of the Grimm Brothers’ tale at the Kennedy Center. Tickets ($18) are available here. Local tradition A Broadway Christmas Carol incorporates parodies of popular showtunes. At Metro Stage; buy tickets ($45 to $50) here.
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