When joking about Christmas in the District, a city ruled by politics, Jay Leno quipped, “The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C.. This wasn’t for any religious reasons; they couldn’t find three wise men and a virgin.”
While the Supreme Court justices aren’t likely to pull a Grinch anytime soon—the city’s morality aside—Leno reminds us why Georgetown’s Catholic identity comes in handy Dec. 1: University-funded Christmas festivities. Whether you are a holiday devotee or simply looking for an excuse to spike your cocoa with peppermint schnapps, here is the rundown on getting into the holiday spirit here at Georgetown.
While pictures with Santa are likely not on your agenda, Late-Night Breakfast with Santa can at least boast convenience. Thursday Nov. 29, 9 to 11 p.m. in Sellinger Lounge, this Interhall event kicks off the season by sticking to Buddy the elf’s “four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup.” In other words, pancakes, hot cocoa, coffee, and gingerbread cookies. Also close to home, Winter Hoyaland provides the chance to decorate the campus on Dec. 2, 12 to 6:00 p.m., with lights, wreaths, ribbon, and a supposedly 20-foot tree. While Georgetown’s tree in Dahlgren Quad may disappoint those accustomed to the Rockefeller Center’s monstrosity, the Tree Lighting always delights.
Beyond the lights and tinsel enveloping the Hilltop, there is no shortage of spirit downtown and in the greater DMV, if your enthusiasm takes you that far. Of course, the National Christmas Tree lighting at the White House (Dec. 6) and the National Menorah lighting at The Ellipse (Dec. 9) prove trustworthy classics. Less conventional but potentially more enjoyable than bearing the crowds on the mall, the Carroll Arts Center is hosting an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party Nov. 30, at 5 p.m. With awards such as “Ugliest Family, “Best Vest,” and yes, “Ugliest Couple,” this event is a winner, if for nothing more than inspiring your own tacky holiday sweater party.
As lightshows are another holiday staple, the Washington Waterfront Association and Old Dominion Boat Club are celebrating the 20th Parade of Lighted Boats on Saturday, Dec. 1. Starting from Alexandria and headed toward the Washington Channel, a cozy bonfire at 7th and Water Sts. SW will welcome spectators as the boats, and Santa, roll in around 6:30. Close by at the waterfront, the Christmas Bazaar at the House of Sweden provides a mix of carols, artisan gifts, and food from up North. Held on Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Bazaar is in perfect proximity to the new skating rink if Swedish Christmas disappoints.
Unique to D.C., the DAR Christmas Open House on Dec. 5 is another must-see, as this home to the Daughters of the American Revolution surveys historical holiday decorations and music throughout American History, each of the 10 rooms fitted to a different decade.
Yes, Christmas is a religious holiday at Georgetown. Hark the herald and hear your fellow Hoyas sing at the GU Concert Choir performance, Gloria, Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Davis Center, the Messiah Sing-Along at 4 p.m. also in the Davis Center, Tuesday Dec. 4, or check out Modern Musick: Music for Advent in the Jesuit Residence also on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
And finally, maybe Georgetown’s Advent Reconciliation Service, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m., can remedy Leno’s difficulty in finding three wise men and a virgin.
