It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… concerts, that is.
Christmas is, hands down, one of the most wondrous times of the year. As the weather turns brisk, twinkling lights shine bright against the blanket of snow that covers the city.
There are decorations on every corner and you can hear the constant jingle of Christmas carols no matter where you are – almost like magic!
The cherry on top is to enjoy the season with your friends and family as you attend one of many Christmas plays, concerts, and musicals in Washington, D.C.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Eve & Other Stories
- Capital One Arena | December 3rd | Website
Renowned rock band, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, comes to Washington, D.C. to celebrate 25 years of Christmas Eve & Other Stories this December. The rock opera is based on their debut studio album, which later became one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time in the U.S.
Attendees will get a chance to see the band perform some of their best hits live; keep your eyes and ears peeled for crowd favorites like ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, ‘A Mad Russian’s Christmas’, and ‘The First Noel’.
A Family Christmas
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | December 18th | Website
Perfect for children ages 5 and up, A Family Christmas is a one-hour concert hosted by the Choral Acts Chorus at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. If you haven’t gone before, this will surely become your favorite holiday sing-along of the year.
They’ll be performing all the familiar classics along with visits from Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the big man Kris Kringle himself.
The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker
- Warner Theatre | November 27th | Website
No matter your age, there’s something about The Nutcracker that makes you reminiscent of childhood traditions, winter wonderlands, and that warm fuzzy feeling that often comes along with the holidays.
Add to it the original period costumes, stunning set designs, and Tchaikovsky’s magical score, and you’ve got one of the best Christmas performances of the year. The charming Washington Ballet is sure to take you back to 1882 Georgetown for the few hours that you’ll be there – don’t miss it at Warner Theatre!
Joy of Christmas Concert
- Washington National Cathedral | December 11th | Website
One of the most popular musical traditions in Washington, D.C., the Joy of Christmas Concert hosted by the Washington National Cathedral is anticipated by people all year long. The Cathedral Choral Society brings you exciting new versions of old classics that you can sing along to.
If you only have time to attend one Christmas event in D.C. this year, make it this amazing cinematic production!
A Candlelight Christmas
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | December 22nd | Website
Two-time Grammy winners, The Washington Chorus, invites you to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for their annual ‘A Candlelight Christmas’. The festive concert welcomes the entire family, young and old, to witness this lively 75-minute holiday music experience.
Artistic Director, Eugene Rogers, guides The Washington Chorus in their lovely signature candlelight processional; be ready for the audience carol sing-along to join in on the fun!
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
- The Music Center at Strathmore | December 4th | Website
The American neoclassical, new-age, holiday, and progressive rock music group Mannheim Steamroller first debuted in 1974. Their adaptations of modern Christmas music brought them great success and they’ve been celebrating the holiday season with their fans for over 35 years.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas celebrates the traditional music of Christmas that we’ve all come to know and love. You’ll hear renditions of ‘Deck the Halls’, ‘I Saw Three Ships’, ‘We Three Kings’, and more.
Christmas Music Concert
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | December 20th | Website
The Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Youth Choir are accompanied by a full orchestra for this beloved Christmas Music Concert. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall comes alive with seasonal musical treats, so much so that even the grouchiest of attendees will find the holiday spirit.
You’ll see performances of all your favorite Christmas carols and classics, including masterpieces performed by soprano Esther Heideman.
Bach’s Epic Christmas Oratorio
- Music Center at Strathmore | December 11th | Website
The Washington Bach Consort presents ‘Bach’s Epic Christmas Oratorio’ at The Music Center at Strathmore this holiday season. This European Christmas tradition is the ultimate seasonal musical experience with its polished performances.
Musicians and soloists with the Washington Bach Consort will perform four of the six cantatas that comprise the composer’s magnificent ‘Weihnachts-Oratorium’.
A Jazz Piano Christmas
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | December 4th | Website
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and NPR come together for their annual sell-out event, A Jazz Piano Christmas. You’ll hear renditions of all of your favorite seasonal classics performed by some of the best jazz pianists in the industry.
This year, there are scheduled performances by Eric Reed, Patrice Rushen, and Gerald Clayton.
Christmas Candlelight Concert
- St. Bernard Catholic Church | December 18th | Website
The Christmas Candlelight Concert is perfect for couples who want to spend an intimate evening unwinding while getting in the Christmas spirit. This annual concert is a tradition that Washingtonians like to attend because of how cozy and devotional it is.
You’ll find yourself listening to masterpieces under the direction of Dr. Britt Cooper, who will be guiding the Summit Choral Society, the SCS Children’s Choir Program, and the Metropolitan Chorus. Sitting within the beautiful candle-lit St. Bernard Catholic Church and enjoy the traditional Christmas songs you know and love.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- National Theatre DC | November 23rd – December 5th | Website
Breaking records across the Broadway box office, this 2018 production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will be making its way to the National Theatre this holiday season.
Hailed as a delight for both kids and adults, the musical has magnificent sets and original costumes that were inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations. Get captured in this whimsical world as the Grinch tries to steal Christmas from Whoville.
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