Things to Do This Holiday Week

With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza overlapping, many of us have kids and family home for the holidays. 

This week before the New Year celebrations, here are some local events to get you out of the house.

Closer to Home

Virginia Ballet's Nutcracker
Dec. 27 at 2 & 7 p.m.
Dec. 28 at 2 & 7 p.m.
Dec. 29 at 2 & 7 p.m.

A holiday tradition since 1950, featuring over 100 students.
Tickets $20 - $30

Children's Storytime
Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers Springfield
Free

Twilight Tales

Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m.
Come in your pajamas with blanket and favorite stuffed animal to listen to stories before bedtime. Age 3-6 with adult.
Free, but please register in advance.

Polar Bear Reading Club

Tuesday, Dec. 27 - Saturday, Dec. 31
Read five books and get a prize from the treasure chest. Do it again and again. Birth to age 12. Free.

Pleeze and Squeeze

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10:30 a.m.
Come and pet a reptile, as well as learn about these fabulous creatures from Critter Caravans. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Pohick Regional Library.
All ages. Free. Tickets given out 30 minutes before the event, first come, first served.

Fun Flicks

Thursday, Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m.
Watch movies based on children's books.
All ages. Free. No registration.

In D.C.

ZooLights
Monday, Dec. 26 - Friday, Dec. 30
5 - 9 p.m.
The National Zoo
Admission is free.  Parking is $9 for FONZ members, $16 for nonmembers.

Season's Greetings at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Daily through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The conservatory is adorned with wreaths, garlands, living ornaments, seasonal plant displays and one of the largest indoor decorated trees in Washington. The Garden Railway features model trains and imaginative buildings created with plant materials.
Free.

U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory features live seasonal music in the Garden Court.
Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6 - 8 p.m., Hot Club of DC, gypsy jazz and swing
Thursday, Dec. 29, 6 - 8 p.m., 40 Thieves, Irish rock music
Free.

Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center
6 - 7 p.m.
Free

• Monday, Dec. 26 - Bob Perilla’s Big Hillbilly Bluegrass
• Tuesday, Dec. 27 - Project Natale, Holiday Jazz
• Wednesday, Dec. 28 - The Greater Mount Calvary Recording Choir
• Thursday, Dec. 29 - Holiday Vaudeville with the classic children’s puppet Lamb Chop
• Friday, Dec. 30 - Holiday Vaudeville with the classic children’s puppet Lamb Chop
• Saturday, Dec. 31 - A Celtic New Year

The Military Bowl
Wednesday, Dec. 28

1 - 4 p.m.
The Official Military Bowl Tailgate
Inside the D.C. Armory, adjacent to RFK Stadium
Each $25 ticket includes all-you-can-eat burgers, hot dogs and BBQ in addition to music and entertainment.

4:30 p.m.
2011 Military Bowl Matchup
Air Force Academy vs. University of Toledo
RFK Stadium
Tickets $25 - $90