WASHINGTON — The minute one holiday is over, the next one is already being planned. So now that everyone is braving Black Friday deals and nursing post-Thanksgiving Day food comas, Christmas events are cropping up throughout the region. Check out a tree lighting ceremony or even chop down your pine this weekend. And if Christmas isn’t your thing, don’t worry. We have you covered.
Nothing screams holidays quite like a tree lighting ceremony. Friday night, Alexandria will unveil its very own pine at Market Square. There will be a message from the mayor, a visit from Santa, a performance of Santa’s Frosty Follies by the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center and caroling all starting at 7 p.m. With any luck, the new town crier will make an appearance.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company is offering a new twist on an old classic with its reimagined production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Set in 1930s Cuba on a sugar cane plantation, it tells the tale of mismatched love and noisy friends. Director Ethan McSweeny has been praised by The Washingtonian as “one of the hottest directors to come out of” D.C. The play opens Friday, Nov. 25, and runs through Jan. 1. Call 202.547.1122 for tickets or buy online.
Celebrate the end of Native American Heritage Month at the National Children’s Museum Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the array of native cultures through pictures and family-friendly activities, and come ready to build. The Penobscot people of Maine inspire the day’s big event: making your own canoe. Call 301- 686-0225 for more information.
It’s never too early to get in the spirit of Christmas. This year, cut down your very own white pine tree at Creekview Farm in Loudoun County. Simply stop by the tree shed on Saturday or Sunday, pick up some saws and gloves and then head out to find the perfect Christmas addition. Tree shaking and netting are free, as is a cup of apple cider while you wait. For more information, call 703-327-9230.
And don’t forget, the National Christmas Tree arrives in D.C. on Sunday. The lighting ceremony will take place Dec. 1.
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