The creation of the Center arose from a desire to establish a National Cultural Center like those found in the great capitals of Europe. After the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, it was proposed to turn the planned National Cultural Center into a living memorial to the slain President. The Kennedy Center was built September 1971 in Washington DC. The Kennedy Center has had many great performers many of which who have been honored through the years, The 2021 Kennedy Center honorees opera star Justino Díaz, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, entertainer Bette Midler and Motown founder Berry Gordy. The Kennedy Center presents more than 2,000 performances a year, in over 12 genres and stages, including free events at 6 p.m. every day! It took an astounding 40 years of planning, campaigning, and fundraising to make the center happen, which is a lot of hard work and effort. The Kennedy center was renovated in 1997, and now has many more seats for everyone a total of 2,465! You may be curious about what the pricing here looks like typically, Ticket prices at Kennedy Center Opera House can vary, but typically, the price to go to an event there costs $156. Theater tickets at Kennedy Center Opera House tend to sell for $156 , though this can fluctuate based on the day of the week of the performance. The Kennedy Center serves as the official home for the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. It also plays host to a range of ticketed events including Broadway productions, dance performances, comedy shows and a range of concerts, which come from internationally known groups. Now that we have some back history of this incredible place filled with talent, lets dive into all the Christmas events that take place here. Please note there is a Vaccination and mask policy here, so be sure to read on their site for more information during the pandemic.
Christmas Events Kennedy Center
History of the Kennedy Center
Miami City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
A Christmas favorite as well as classic is The Nutcracker. A tale we all remember from when we were younger. The New York Times calls this presentation of the nutcracker “an exceptional troupe, by Balanchine standards, anywhere in the world”. This type of nutcracker has not been seen on a stage anywhere in over a decade. Bring your family and witness a winter wonderland complete with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, a Sugarplum Fairy, and a nutcracker who comes to life. This has almost 100 performers involved. Be sure not miss this event as it is a beautiful rendition of the age old nutcracker tale we have all known to love.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents Christmas Music
Stop by the center to enjoy some amazing festive Christmas music performed by the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus as well as a youth choir. You will see also on stage with them an entire orchestra. They combine your favorite holiday carols and seasonal classics with masterpieces performed by soprano Esther Heideman. Support the arts and go see the wonder of this incredible symphonic chorus.
NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas
This event normally sells out so be sure to grab your tickets early! Be able to sit and hear some of your favorite holidays music but in the form of jazz like you have never heard them before. This year, they will spotlight four-time Grammy nominee Gerald Clayton, jazz-R&B icon Patrice Rushen, and virtuoso Eric Reed, who “can play anything from gospel to the most modern jazz, from New Orleans second-line to the hardest hard-bop.” (The Washington Post). You do not want to miss this event. Very rare performance that you can have the honor of seeing first hand.
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
For the very first time, Gianandrea Noseda conducts the NSO in selections from the quintessential musical crown of the season: Handel’s Messiah. Experience the beauty of “Rejoice,” “For unto us a Child is born,” “Comfort Ye,” and more iconic music of Messiah’s Part I—coupled with Bach’s celebratory showpiece Magnificat. This is truly an amazing event, one you will not soon forget. If you have are not feeling too much Christmas sprit be sure to get your tickets, you will walk away ready to embrace the Christmas season.
Capitol Express Tours; Jingle all the way
Capitol Express Tours is here to help you get into the Christmas Sprit. Not only can they educate on all of the history at the Nation’s Capitol, they know all the hot spots in Washington DC that will get you into full on Christmas mode. Booking a guided tour is always a wise investment when you are visiting an unfamiliar city, this prevents any confusion or getting lost amongst a crowd. What better way to relax on a getaway than to have trusted locals take to all the historical spots, and to see all the amazing lights in the Mall. If you have not yet booked a guided tour, book today so you can have one of the best experiences ever while you are in Washington DC.