1. "The Nutcracker": The Joffrey Ballet performs this Kennedy Center tradition, an annual performance conceived and directed by Robert Joffrey and set to Tchaikovsky's famous score.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Info: $45 to $150; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. "Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art": It may seem like a pedestrian vessel, but the coiled basket's history as a tool used for processing rice stretches back hundreds of years on multiple continents. In this traveling exhibition, explore the basket's African origins through more than 200 objects from Africa and the United States.
Where: National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; through Sunday
Info: Free; 202-633-4600; africa.si.edu
3. "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America": Maritime trade established major cities, created connections between people and places and opened the continent. Visitors to this new permanent exhibition will explore life and work on the nation's waterways, discovering the stories of whaling crews, fishermen, shipbuilders, merchant mariners and passengers. From 18th-century sailing ships, 19th-century steamboats and fishing craft to today's mega containerships, the exhibition reveals America's important maritime connections.
Where: National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; americanhistory.si.edu
4. "Raising Him Alone": David Miller's work is more than just a book. It's a source of inspiration for the millions of single mothers who struggle daily with the challenges of raising healthy and productive boys to become responsible men. The book is based on hundreds of interviews, focus groups and discussions with single mothers who are raising boys.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V streets NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-387-7638; busboysandpoets.com
5. "Virginia Women in History 2010": An exhibit looking at 8 Virginia women with significant achievements since the 1700s.
Where: Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince Williams St., Manassas
When: Through Dec. 4
Info: Free; 703-368-1873; manassascity.org
Family
1. "Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!": It's holiday time in Room One and that means drama. Tattletale May keeps picking on Junie B., and things get even worse when Junie B. draws May's name for Secret Santa. She hatches a plan to give May a lump of coal, but will Junie B. have a last-minute change of heart and show her true holiday spirit?
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: See website for dates and times
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
2. "Snow White, Rose Red (and Fred)": A world premiere commissioned by the Kennedy Center, this show is written by Marcy Heisler with music by Zina Goldrich. It re-imagines the Brothers Grimm tale as a musical about two ill-behaved students who learn about teamwork. Ages 9 and older.
Where: Family Theater, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Nov. 26 to Dec. 19
Info: $18; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. "Gemstone Club: Turquoise": For budding geologists and gem lovers ages 7 to 11. Join for a month or a year of fun and collecting. Examine polished gems and uncut crystals. Learn about geology, mining, legends and literature for each gem. Take home each month's birthstone in a protective display box. Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesday
Info: $8; registration required at 703-228-4747; program 622820-J
4. "Jan Brett Storytime": For children ages 3 and older. Join a naturalist for some of the world's greatest winter stories
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Wednesday
Info: Free; registration required at 703-228-4747; program 622920-J
5. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer": Experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and friends, featuring everyone's favorite characters: Hermey the Elf, Sam the Snowman, the Misfit Toys, the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius, Santa, and (of course) Rudolph! Don't miss this holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Where: Adventure Theatre, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through Jan. 2, see website for dates and times
Info: $15; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre.org
Galleries
1. "Guillermo Kuitca: Everything, Paintings and Works on Paper, 1980-2008": The first show in series of Hirshhorn retrospectives devoted to Latin American artists arrives with this survey of Argentinian painter Guillermo Kutica -- his first in the U.S. since the 20th century. Kutica explores the subjects of memory, borders, migration and transience through his use of imagery derived from maps, blueprints, and seating charts.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through Jan. 16, 2011
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
2. "TruthBeauty: Pictoralism and the Photograph as Art, 1845-1945": Steiglitz, Steichen and Kasebier are among the many paradigm-subverting photographers featured in this collection of more than 120 works that helped to mature the young medium of photography from a technological curiosity to an art form with its own grammar and modes of expression.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through Jan. 9, 2011
Info: $12, $10 seniors and students, free for 18 and younger; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
3. "Vivat Rex!": This collection of rare prints, manuscripts and handwritten letters marks the 500th anniversary of the Accession of Henry VIII.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Through Dec. 30
Info: Free; 202-544-4600; folger.edu
4. "Thomas Muller: Neither Here Nor There": Sculpture is Los Angeles-based Thomas Muller's primary mode of expression, but the real medium he trades in is time. His works makes contemplation of mortality external and physical.
Where: Project 4 Gallery, 1353 U St. NW, third floor
When: CLOSING SATURDAY
Info: Free; 202-232-4340; project4gallery.com
5. "A True North Britain: The Furniture of John Shearer, 1790-1820": Craftsman John Shearer's bizarre handmade year-old furniture is inlaid with politically charged symbols, fascinating from the vantage point of two centuries.
Where: Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, 1776 D St. NW
When: Through February 26, 2011
Info: Free; dar.org/museum/default.cfm
Gatherings
1. "ICE!": This 15,000-square-foot attraction -- a unique, interactive indoor wonderland created entirely of ice -- is the crowning jewel of Christmas on the Potomac, a 50-day-long celebration of the holidays. "ICE!" is created by dozens of artisans who come to the D.C. area from Harbin, China, to craft this elaborate attraction out of nearly 2 million pounds of ice.
Where: Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor
When: Daily through Jan. 9; see website for dates and times
Info: Free to $29; gaylordhotels.com
2. "Escape to Black Friday": The day after Thanksgiving doesn't have to be spent in a shopping mall stampede. The Workhouse Arts Center hosts an art sale with food and drink tastings, and an evening performance by the Potomac Jazz Project.
Where: Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 703-495-0001; workhousearts.org
3. Laura Krauss Melmed: Eight Winter Nights: Share some Hanukkah treats with author Laura Krauss Melmed as she signs her newest book, Eight Winter Nights, A Family Hanukkah Book. Celebrate Hanukkah with joyful action rhymes, festive poems, and exuberant scenes of family life. From traditional holiday foods to the story of the Maccabees, Melmed and illustrator Elisabeth Schlossberg capture the warm sights, sounds, and tastes of this wintertime festival. Ages 3-7.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 10 a.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
4. Scavenger Hunt of the Smithsonian Museums:
It's time to hunt for the Moon Rock, the Ruby Slippers, Dinosaurs, and the Hope Diamond all in one day. Join other young professionals at this incredibly popular event, which takes place throughout several Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. Look for items, answer trivia and win big prizes!
Where: Meet at Ben and Jerry's at Old Post Office Pavilion, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; thingstododc.com
5. "Vantage Point: The Contemporary Native Art Collection": "Vantage Point" highlights the National Museum of the American Indian's young but vital collection of contemporary art, with significant works by 25 artists in media ranging from paintings, drawings, and photography to video projection and mixed-media installation. These complex and richly layered works speak to the concerns and experiences of Native people today, addressing memory, history, the significance of place for Native communities, and the continuing relevance of cultural traditions. The artists featured include Marie Watt (Seneca), James Lavadour (Walla Walla), Alan Michelson (Mohawk) and Truman Lowe (Ho-Chunk).
Where: Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through Aug. 7, 2011
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
Music
1. NSO Pops: Marvin Hamlisch conducts the orchestra in the music of Frank Loesser, including songs from "Guys and Dolls," "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and a wealth of other Broadway hits by the legendary composer.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 1:30 and 8 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. John Eaton: Washington's essential jazz pianist and raconteur swings back in time to give thanks to songs of the Roaring Twenties.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
3. The Seldom Scene & Dry Branch Fire Squad: The banjo-driven bluegrass musicians propel everyone within hearing range to their feet.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Info: $29.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
4. The Grandsons: Dance away your cares to the toe-tapping country swing of the band whose album, "Live at The Barns -- The Legendary Wolf Trap Recordings Vol. Two" won a Wammie for Best Roots Rock Recording in 2007.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $16; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
5. TACEA: The Taiwanese American Charity and Education Association presents violinist Keng-Yuen Tseng, pianist Sheng-Yuan Kuan and countertenor Peter Wen-Chih Lee performing works by Schumann, Bach, Schubert, Tosti, Brahms, Chausson and others.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 to $45; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
Outdoors
1. Come enjoy the brilliant colors of autumn in the National Arboretum: In bloom in November you'll find conifer foliage and cones, dogwoods in fruit, viburnums in fruit, ornamental grasses, fall foliage, fall blooming camellias, chrysanthemums, native witch-hazels.
Where: The United States National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-245-2726; usna.usda.gov
2. Visit the new "Top of the Town, Tenleytown Heritage Trail: Nineteen sidewalk signs combine storytelling with photography to celebrate a D.C. community that started as a tiny village centered around John Tennally's tavern, years before George Washington chose the site of the nation's capital. Among the trail's highlights are the city's official highest point at the Civil War-era, Fort Reno; the mostly African-American community that grew up around the fort; important educational institutions, including American University; and communications pioneers. Kermit the Frog got his start in a Tenleytown television studio, and numerous radio and TV stations still broadcast from the neighborhood.
Where: First sign at Wisconsin Avenue and Albemarle Street
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; culturaltourismdc.org
3. Hike Bob's Hill via Cat Rock: Seven miles round-trip, 4 hours, moderately difficult, well-maintained trail. This is a nice hike up fairly steep terrain to Cat Rock. After the view from the rocks, rejoin the yellow trail and continue on toward Bob's Hill. At the hill there are two viewpoints at the end of short side trails. The hike from Cat Rock to Bob's Hill is very moderate.
Where: Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, Md.
When: Sny day
Info: State Park Headquarters; 301-271-7574; localhikes.com
4. National Gardens: The weather may be cool but there are still many flowering plants to see in the National Gardens, like chrysanthemums, Pickerell Weed, American Beauty Berry and Swamp Sunflower.
Where: The National Gardens, United States Botanic Garden. 100 Maryland Ave. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
5. "Alexandria's Footsteps to the Past Walking Tours": Educate your dog while you educate yourself! Generations of knowledge are shared with visitors in historic Alexandria. History walking tours are offered day or night with varying times and lengths, and your well behaved pooch is welcome to join in the fun for no additional fee. Dogs must be under their owner's control and leashed at all times.
Where: 221 King St., Alexandria
When: 7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 7 and 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; through November
Info: $5 to $10; 703-683-3451; footsstepstothepast.com
Theatre
1. "Candide": Leonard Bernstein's musical masterpiece, based on Voltaire's 1759 satire, has been newly adapted by acclaimed director Mary Zimmerman. Follow Candide on a hilarious journey of countless misfortunes and obstacles challenging his relentlessly optimistic outlook on life and love. Enjoy some of the most memorable music ever written for Broadway, featuring songs like "Make Our Garden Grow" and "Glitter and be Gay."
Where: Sidney Harman Hall, 511 10th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 9; see website for dates and times
Info: $20 to $108; 202-547-1122; shakespeare-theatre.org
2. "Golden Boy": Keegan Theatre's production of Clifford Odets' classic, in which a young man sets aside his dream of becoming a violinist for the promise of a lucrative boxing career. As he skyrockets to boxing fame, he finds himself torn between the lure of big money and the distinct possibility of injuring his hands and permanently destroying his musical career.
Where: Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 19
Info: $30 to $35; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
3. "A Christmas Carol": Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Michael Baron returns to direct his original staging that captures the magic and joy of Dickens's classic. Acclaimed Washington stage actor Edward Gero returns to play Scrooge in this classic production. Appropriate for ages 5 and up
Where: Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 2; see website for times and dates
Info: $60 to $68.20; 202-397-7328; fords.org
4. "Annie": The heartwarming story of one girl's rise from rags to riches, the show is based on the Harold Gray comic strip, "Little Orphan Annie" and won a Tony Award for Best Musical.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Through Jan. 2; see website for dates and times
Info: $26 to $54; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
5. Festival Internacional Teatro Hispano: Every autumn, Teatro de la Luna sponsors this Internal Festival of Hispanic Theatre. This year's festival includes theatre works from Venezuela, Spain, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and the United States.
Where: Theatre Two, Gunston Art Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: Final productions: 8 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m., 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25 to $30; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
Ron's Pick of the Week
Various Artists: Psych Bites: Australian Acid Freak Rock -1967-1974 (Vol. 1) (Past & Present)
• Thanks to Puck Buddy Julia H., who informs us that our spat with Mrs. 
