If you are looking for something to do during Christmas Break, here’s a diverse selection of holiday-themed concerts that will take place during the next two weeks. Some of these performances are free but might be ticketed, and other performances require paid admission.
Dec. 19: Country Christmas Sing-Along Spectacular at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage (this event is livestreamed and in-person) A rowdy country sing-along hosted by Zara Bode. Free.
Dec. 20: The Zanes Holiday Show with Special Guests at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage (this event is livestreamed and in-person) A show inspired by the family gatherings of Grammy award-winning musician Dan Zanes and his wife Claudia Zanes that features several Christmas favorites as well as songs from all over the world. Free.
Dec. 21: Choir of the Basilica Christmas Concert 2024 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception This performance takes place in the Crypt Church at 6 PM. Free.
Dec. 20-22: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the National Theatre A performance that combines hip-hop dance and music with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Paid admission.
Dec. 24: All-Star Christmas Eve Jazz Jam at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage (tickets are currently sold out, but you can still watch the livestream) Led by local vibraphonist Chuck Redd, this annual concert features several of the area’s finest jazz musicians. Free.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day Organ Recital at the National Cathedral (this event is livestreamed and in-person) Cathedral Organist Thomas Sheehan and Organ Scholar Ariana Corbin perform several holiday-related pieces. Free.
Dec. 26: Chanukah Festival with music at The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum This event takes place outdoors, and features music, food, and Chanukah activities. Free.
Dec. 31: First Night Alexandria This family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, which features several local performers, takes place at a variety of venues in Old Town Alexandria, VA. There will be fireworks at 6 PM and midnight. Paid admission, with several tiers of access to the events.
Dec. 31: An Evening of Kuumba with Danielle Ponder (an online only replay of a performance from the FORWARD Conference in November) This Kwanzaa-related event is a replay of singer Danielle Ponder’s performance from the FORWARD Conference in November, and is hosted by the African American History and Culture Museum. Free.
