Smithsonian Associates Presents December Program Highlights

The December issue of the Smithsonian Associates’ program guide features a variety of educational and cultural programs, including seminars, lectures, studio arts classes, performances for adults and children and local and regional study tours. Highlights this month include:

Smithsonian Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light

Weekdays Dec. 1–Dec. 21; 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (with additional 1 p.m. performances Dec. 7, 12 and 19)

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

Joy, warmth and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebrations the world over. Back for its 17th season, this signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communities and cultures. This show is recommended for ages 5–10, kindergarten to fifth grade.

Christmas With the First Ladies: The Sweetest Traditions

Sunday, Dec. 3; 2 p.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

Participants spend an afternoon with professional decorator and author Coleen Christian Burke as she covers the traditions of White House holiday decorating. Based on her experience as a 2014 White House design partner, Burke explains how the seasonal transformation takes place and shares how modern first ladies from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama have lent their distinctive styles and creativity to guiding the seasonal themes.

Emerson String Quartet Concert

Sunday, Dec. 3; 6 p.m.

Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium

The 2017–18 season marks the Emerson String Quartet’s 38th year in residence at the Smithsonian. In this concert, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble performs masterworks by Beethoven and Shostakovich.

Centerpieces: Seasonal Workshop with Smithsonian Gardens

Monday, Dec. 11; 10 a.m.

Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

Participants begin this workshop, led by Smithsonian Gardens’ horticulturist Christine Price-Abelow, at the Smithsonian Castle to view the indoor holiday decorations before taking a wintry walk through its bedecked grounds. Then they retreat to the warmth of the Ripley Center to create their own one-of-a-kind seasonal centerpiece inspired by the gardens. Light holiday refreshments and all materials are provided.

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