CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 6
Christ Church, Georgetown (31st and O Streets, N.W.) continues its Choral Evensong series on Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. with the music of William Smith, Thomas Attwood Walmisley, and Paul Manz. Sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church, this series is free and open to the public as a gift to the community. For information call 202-333-6677.

DECEMBER 6
Celebrate the season at the 2nd Annual Merriment in Georgetown, DC's most anticipated holiday shopping and family event of the year in the heart of Georgetown. Usher in the holiday season with special sales and events at over 50 stores and restaurants, seasonal festivities, live entertainment, children's activities, and culinary treats. From candlelight caroling to complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, there's something for everyone! Join in the Merriment with special holiday performances by community choral groups, a special appearance by popular kids' rock band Milkshake and book signing with American Girl author Valerie Tripp. Enjoy traditional holiday beverages, free photos with Santa, and many more yuletide activities. Here's the full schedule:

Holiday Stage
3:00 — Noggin and PBS Kids’ acclaimed kids rock band Milkshake
3:15 — Santa arrives!
4:15 — Holy Trinity School and Church Choirs
5:00 — Special holiday performance
5:30 — Candlelight caroling with the National Philharmonic

Candlelight caroling will be followed by the 4th Annual Tree Lighting at the Washington Harbour and Boat Parade of Lights. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy:

* Complimentary Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
* Free photos with Santa
* Special book signing with American Girl Author, Valerie Tripp, creator of American Girl classics including tales of Kit, Molly, Felicity and Samantha. Valerie Tripp will be available to meet girls (and their dolls!), sign their books and answer questions. American Girl books will be offered at the event by Georgetown retailer Proper Topper, with 10% of all proceeds to benefit the Prevention of Blindness Society.
* Bring your favorite doll for "My Doll & Me" activities including hair braiding, jewelry making with Poppy, and crafts from various American Girl eras compliments of Family Magazine
* Stop by the Prevention of Blindness Society’s (POB) booth for vision screenings and enter to win one of four American Girl dolls, with all proceeds benefiting POB
* Visit the “My Doll & Me” café proudly sponsored by Family Magazine. Enjoy tea compliments of Honest Tea and decorate your very own cupcake with Georgetown Cupcake
* Historic games and arts & crafts with Dumbarton House and Tudor Place
* Hot chocolate, lattes and cider compliments of Dean & Deluca, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Vineyard Vines, and Saxby’s
* Meet & greets with Frosty, Rudolph and other holiday favorites
* Holiday sales and savings at over 50 stores and restaurants throughout Georgetown
* Holiday performances, strolling entertainment, and more!

And don't forget to go up Wisconsin Avenue, all the way to the 1600 block, where you will discover a Christmas bonanza of wonderful shops.....the kind of shops that have made Georgetown the shopping destination it is today. Unique, one of a kind, priceless!

DECEMBER 8
The 2009 Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 5:00 PM, on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol. The tree will be lit by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This will be a first for the state of Arizona to present the annual Christmas tree to the U.S. Capitol. This historic project is delivering not only a tree taller than a 7-story building, but nearly 10,000 handmade ornaments and 80 companion trees will be placed in offices throughout the Capitol Complex. The 65-foot Blue Spruce originates from the White Mountains of Arizona. Former Congressman and President of the United States Capitol Historical Society, Ronald Sarasin, will be on hand to present its 2009 “West Front and Tree” holiday ornament. Framed in a beautiful photo etched base with screen printed color detail, this softly colored snow scene is painted on a relief of the West Front of the Capitol building with a Christmas tree nestled in the forefront. The center medallion is crafted from marble from the East Front steps removed in the 1994-5 renovations, 3" diameter, and gift boxed with provenance card.