Every December, the Smithsonian hosts a two-day Christmas festival with special events in Washington, DC. The 2018 event will be held at the National Museum of American History on the National Mall and will feature family entertainment including a wide selection of holiday events. , exhibits, movie screenings and activities, as well as seasonal décor and festive food. Musical performances by the US Air Force Band Max Impact and the US Air Force Band Other highlights include chocolate sampling during a Mars Heritage Chocolate demonstration and more.
Dates and times: from December 1 to 2, 2018, from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Location
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC. The best way to get to the National Mall is to use the Metro. Stations closest to the mall include Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, L’Enfant Plaza, Federal Center SW, and Archives-Navy Memorial. Parking is very limited near the National Mall. For suggested parking spots, see a guide to parking near the National Mall.
See a map and directions to the National Mall.
Smithsonian Holiday Festival Highlights
- Live Music – USAF Band Max Impact – December 1, noon, 1 pm, 2 pm Flag Hall. USAF Band Notable Airmen Combo – Dec. 2, noon, 1 p.m. M. Each member is proud to represent all Airmen, whose selfless service and sacrifices ensure the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. Since its formation in 1941, this world-class organization has inspired billions of listeners through its thought-provoking music, engaging concerts, and masterful recordings and continues to positively impact the global community.
- Cooking Up History – December 2, 1-3 pm, Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West. Enjoy a demonstration of Midwestern foods and flavors with two different cooking demonstrations. First, learn about historically significant foods in a kid-friendly demo with famous cook and author, Tanya Steel. Tanya will discuss the recipes that appear in her book “Food Fight!” and will sign copies after the show is over. Later, “American Cake” author Anne Byrne will make various desserts popular in the Midwest. He will also sign copies of his book “American Cookie” after the show.
- Mars Chocolate Demonstrations : December 1, 10 am to 5 pm, Museum Main Store, 1 Center. The “From Bean to Bar” program includes a demonstration and a chocolate sample.
- Sounds of Faith Musical Performances – December 2, 2:15 pm Coulter Stage. A free special holiday installment of the Sounds of Faith music series. Local singer and songwriter Arianne Brown will perform traditional Hanukkah songs and share stories about the origins and traditions of the holiday. Then, enjoy a jazz and gospel rendition of Christmas classics by Afro Blue, Howard University’s jazz vocal ensemble. Hanukkah music recalls the traditional lighting of the menorah holiday commemorating the dedication of the Jewish temple in 165 BC. C. Arianne Brown is the Cantor, a Jewish musician trained to lead a congregation in sung prayer at the local Adas Israel synagogue. Fluent in Hebrew and Yiddish, Cantor Brown is also an expert Torah and Megilla reader, pianist, composer, and theater director.
Read more about the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC
