WASHINGTON – There is no shortage of ways to prepare for Christmas. Whether it’s a market fair oozing with ornaments or an international take on how the holiday is celebrated abroad, the D.C. metro region is bursting with red and green cheer.
The seventh annual Downtown Holiday Market returns this weekend to F Street between Seventh and Ninth streets. The shopping village features unique bobbles for home decoration by more than 175 regional artists and crafters. Selections rotate daily, so check out the website for a full list of available trinkets, snacks and libations. The market runs daily until Dec. 23 from noon to 8 p.m.
Curious how the rest of the world celebrates the holiday? At George Washington’s Lisner Auditorium, The Christmas Revels 2011 features “Andalusian Treasures” from Jewish, Arabic and Spanish traditions in a “celebration rich with color and pageantry.” Tickets for matinee and evening performances are available online.
On Saturday night, the Grosvenor Auditorium will offer “An Irish Christmas in America” with Celtic dance, music and storytelling. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $23 for National Geographic Members and $25 for the general public. Call 202-857-7700 for more information.
The Hillwood Museum will be transformed into a Russian winter wonderland during the annual Russian Winter Festival. “Visitors will meet Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden and hear lively winter Russian folk music,” says the website. Tickets start at $5 for children and go up to $18 for the general public. Hillwood members and college students pay $10. Call 202-686-5807.
If you’re pressed for gift ideas, stop by the Cheap Art Sale in Mount Pleasant on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All pieces are priced $50 or less, and funds raised will go to support the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League. Thirteen local artists will showcase their work, which includes jewelry, paintings, photos and screen prints.
Not interested in the holidays? How about watching girls on rollerskates hip check each other? D.C.’s very own Rollergirls face off Saturday in two bouts. At 4 p.m., the Cherry Blossom Bombshells take on the DC DemonCats and at 5:45 p.m., the Majority Whips battle Scare Force One. Buy tickets online.
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