THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
FILM The documentary Score: A Film Music Documentary brings Hollywood composers together to discuss their craft, from inspirations to challenges in creating legendary scores such as James Bond, Star Wars, and Titanic. After the screening at The Avalon, writer/director Matt Schrader will field a Q&A session about the process of making his film. $15, 7:30 PM.
MUSIC The Redskins are playing the Cowboys, but there’s time to squeeze in a little music before kickoff at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s monthly Luce Unplugged series. This month, ethereal duo NUEX will perform their dreamy songs and, prior to the performance, the staff of SAAM will discuss a work of art the band selected. Free, 5:30 PM.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
THEATRE Synetic Theater presents its new wordless production of Hansel & Gretel. The performance, which features an all African-American cast, follows the Grimm fairy tale into a magical realm far away from the siblings’ home. This holiday production is appropriate for fans of all ages—the young and young-at-heart. Through December 23. $20, 11 AM and 2 PM shows.
FILM Celebrate European film at the AFI’s 30th European Union Film Showcase. The selection of over 40 films includes international film festival award winners as well as many countries’ official Oscar submissions for Best Foreign Language Film. In addition, the festival features nine U.S. premieres, including Austrian actor Josef Hader’s directorial debut Wild Mouse (Wilde Maus) and Swedish director Jens Assur’s rural drama Ravens. Through December 20. $15 for single tickets or $200 for an all-access passport.
THEATRE Mosaic Theatre’s production of Draw the Circle is written and performed solely by Mashuq Deen, illustrating his story of coming out as transgender to his conservative Muslim family. Told from the point of view of Deen’s family and friends, the play delves into themes of traditional values, transition and unconditional love and runs at the Atlas. Through December 24. $35-$65 (December 1 is Pay-What-You-Can).
SHOPPING Holiday markets are popping up all over this month. Get a jump on your holiday shopping at two different markets this weekend. The Heurich House is hosting its fifth annual Christkindlmarkt, a German-style market featuring over forty local craftspeople from DC, Maryland and Virginia. Starting on Saturday, the Native Art Market at the National Museum of the American Indian will feature traditional and contemporary work by Native American artists, ranging from jewelry to handwoven baskets. Heurich House Christkindlmarket: Friday through Sunday, $10. Native Art Market: Saturday and Sunday, Free.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
MUSEUMS The Smithsonian is hosting its 2017 Holiday Festival at the National Museum of American History this weekend. Celebrate the season with kid-friendly activities, concerts, movie screenings and festive food. Saturday and Sunday. Free, 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
PARADE The District’s Holiday Boat Parade is a holiday tradition of illuminated boating on the Potomac River from Hains Point to the new docks at The Wharf. The parade kicks off at 7 PM, but visitors can participate in activities like holiday crafts and photos with Santa all throughout the Wharf starting at 4 PM. There will also be a fireworks show. Free to attend, 4 PM to 10 PM.
THEATRE Washington Improv Theater’s newest show, Citizen’s Watch, is a murder mystery inspired by the British television series Broadchurch. Unlike most improv, whose primary goal is comedy, this play focuses on the drama and suspense caused by the characters’ secrets. The play will be performed six times this month at The Source. Through December 29. $15.
CELEBRATE The sixth annual Krampusnacht DC is an inclusive holiday event and charity walk that kicks off at the Gallery O on H Street. The event benefits Santa’s Cause DC, a project of Family Matters of Greater Washington that benefits local foster children—and Krampusnacht attendees are encouraged to come in costume. 5 PM reception, 7:15 PM walk around H Street, 8:30 PM after party (21+). $15.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3
CHARITY The “Light Up the Season” fundraising event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown will benefit Children’s National Health System. This inaugural event will feature festive holiday trees decorated by local designers paired with Children’s National patients and everyone is welcome to decorate cookies and make ornaments. In addition to a visit from Santa, guests are encouraged to write holiday cards for Children’s National patients. $100, 1 to 4 PM.
BOOKS In her children’s book Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas, author Pamela Ehrenberg tells the story of a blended family (Indian and Jewish) that adapts multi-cultural traditions to celebrate the holidays. Ehrenberg will read from her book at East City Bookshop. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Free, 3 PM.
