Concert and performance pieces

There’s magic in the air. It’s the Jingle Bells ringing in your head, and the Silent Night serenely reminding you that Christmas is near. This season, celebrate with one of Washington’s free holiday concerts, or give the gift of a seat to see “The Nutcracker,” the cherished Christmas classic.

The elaborate “Nutcracker” ballet has become an American tradition and is loved by audiences of all ages. Savor little Marie’s delight as the wooden toy soldier transforms into her beloved Nutcracker Prince and battles the Mouse King, then whisks her away into a dream world of sugarplums, fairies and dancers representing festive sweets. Tchaikovsky’s legendary score teams with a magnificent set and dazzling costumes to bring this childhood fantasy to life.

{mosads}See Septime Webre’s “The Nutcracker” at the Warner Theatre Dec. 10-27. Featuring the Washington Ballet, this version incorporates American history with George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and England’s King George III as the Mouse King. 

Adventurous audiences may like a contemporary version, the “Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker,” playing Dec. 10-13 at the Stuart Hobson Middle School, and Dec. 19-20 at the Publick Playhouse.

Catch another timeless classic, Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Michael Wilson, at Ford’s Theatre until Jan. 3. Other holiday performances include the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” on Dec. 15-16 at the Patriot Center and Dec. 18-20 at the Verizon Center, and the Washington Revels winter solstice performance.  This is a lively Italian Renaissance-inspired celebration of the changing season, held in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University Dec. 11-13. Children can discover the history and customs of Christmas, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Chanukah and holidays from around the world at the “Seasons of Light” performance at the Smithsonian’s children’s theater until Dec. 22.

For that most wonderful time of the year, Washington is home to many annual holiday concerts. Spread the Christmas cheer with a ticket to hear the National Symphony Orchestra Pops’ “Happy Holidays” at the Kennedy Center Dec. 10-13.

Experience the power of Handel’s epic “Messiah” Dec. 17-20, hear the Washington Chorus Dec. 19-22, and ring in the New Year with a jazz performance by John Pizzarelli on Dec. 31, all at the Kennedy Center.

Salute our troops at the “Pershing’s Own” holiday concert, by the U.S. Army Orchestra, the Army Chorus and vocals from the Army Band Downrange Dec. 11-13. The concert is free, but tickets are required for entry.

Visit the National Cathedral on Dec. 12 and 13 for the “Joy of Christmas” concert, and then come back for the free organ concert on Christmas Day at 5:15 p.m. The Folger Shakespeare Library will host a German concert, the “Folger Consort,” Dec. 11-20.

The Williard hotel presents free concerts featuring local choral and musical ensembles nightly throughout December from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout December, the Botanic Garden hosts a free musical performance from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a variety of sounds, from choruses to acappella. Also free is a jazz ensemble at the University of the District of Colombia at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10. 

{mosads}Try out your own singing voice at free caroling and concert programs on afternoons throughout December at the National Gallery of Art. On Dec. 13, Anacostia is hosting Christmas caroling in the historic district. To participate, bring a canned good for the needy and meet at 5:45 p.m. at 2101 14th St. SE.

And finally, no holiday in the capital is complete without a visit to the National Christmas Tree in the White House Ellipse. Every weeknight at 6 p.m. and weekend at 4 p.m., hear a free nightly musical performance by volunteer choirs and see the Christmas display.

There is no reason to sit at home this season. So brave the cold and get into the spirit with your family and neighbors. For more details on these and many more events, please see The Washington Scene’s calendar.