MONDAY, DECEMBER 7
DRINK: Take your happy hour cocktail with a side of holiday spirit. Formerly known as Mockingbird Hill, the sherry bar was recently taken over by “Santa’s Elves” and transformed into Miracle on 7th Street. Enjoy holiday-themed drinks, including deep a cut from Mean Girls (“Gretchen, Stop Trying to Make Fetch Happen”) while surrounded by festive decorations. Each night will host a different activity, and Monday is all about crafting gifts yourself that are thoughtful and cheap. Those elves must not be entirely loyal to Saint Nick, however: There’s also a “Hanukkah Hangout room” for those looking to partake in activities such as Manischewitz pong. 5 PM.
PLAY AND DISCUSSION: Before there was Bill Nye, Carl Sagan or Neil Degrasse Tyson, there was Richard Feynman. The Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist was easily the most popular scientist of his—best known for making physics understandable to “regular” folks, assisting in the development the atomic bomb, and being a thorn in the side of the rest of the Rogers Commission as he helped discover cause of the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster. Tonight, Tonic Theater Company is offering a free, staged reading of Moving Bodies, a drama about Feynman’ life and an after-show discussion with playwriter Arthur Giron and others. Free, 6:30 PM.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8
MAKE: Gingerbread houses are one of those quintessential holiday traditions that, with one false move, can easily turn into “Pinterest Fails.” Luckily, the Fairmont Washington’s executive pastry chef D’Oyen Christie will be hosting an adult gingerbread class to demystify the surprisingly difficult process of building a gingerbread house. The hotel will provide instructions and materials, as well as hors d’oeuvres and drinks to make the night even more festive. To reserve a space, call (202) 457-5020. $85, 6 PM.
MUSIC: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings bring their fun, timeless motown sound to the Lincoln Theatre. Led by Jones, a funk/soul singer since children who didn’t release her first album until turning 40, the group’s latest record It’s A Holiday Soul Party is sure to turn the room into literally that. $40, 6:30 PM.
EAT: Jonathan Bardzik is celebrating his new cookbook Seasons To Taste with a three-course meal and discussion at the Petworth Citizen & Reading Room. In addition, the DC-based writer and cook will be kicking off the night with a demonstration, during which he’ll show off techniques and recipes that will eventually become the first course of the night. $80, 6:45 PM.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9
ARTS AND CRAFTS: Capital Fringe and Miss Pixie’s will teach you how to frame a postcard. Led by artist Lisa Shirk, attendees will peruse Miss Pixie’s vintage postcard collection, and learn how to create a custom mat as well as frame it. It’s the perfect DIY gift for the quirky, creative person in your life. $5, 6 PM.
PERFORM: Whether it was through Xanga, a Myspace account or a locked journal nestled under the bed, we all expressed our youthful angst, the likes of which we now inevitably find cringe-worthy. At Town’s “Mortified,” brave souls will share journal entries, love letters, songs, and poems written by their teenaged selves. $15, 8 PM.
