Upcoming holiday concerts

Upcoming holiday concerts

The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas season. Along with the deals on Black Friday, Christmas music begins to linger in the background of the mall. Starting December 4th until New Years Eve, holiday concerts of all kinds will take place in Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Performances range from eccentric jazz inspired by Nat King Cole to classics performed by the National Symphony orchestra.

The infamous Jingle Ball attracts thousands of fans from the east coast to the Verizon center. Previous Jingle Ball performers include Enrique Iglesias, Kesha and Justin Bieber. This year, it falls on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. This years all-star performers include Miley Cyrus, Austin Mahone, Fall Out Boy and many others. Tickets range from $75 to $2195; general admission and selective seating tickets are still available on ticketmaster.

“I really want to go to Jingleball and see how Miley Cyrus performs; and I want to see Ariana Grande perform too,” senior Chelsea Barrett said.

Free musical performances are available all through December at the Willard Continental Hotel on Pennsylvania avenue. Between Dec. 5-26 from 6-8 p.m. the holiday exhibit at the Botanic Gardens will also be offering free festive musical performances.

In our neck of the woods, Wolf Trap will be inviting patrons to sing along with the United States Marine Band vocal group on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. Patrons will be encouraged to bring candles and admission is free.

George Mason will also be offering several holiday concerts throughout December. They will feature the Vienna Boys Choir, Mason Symphony Orchestra & Choruses and Holiday Pops. All performances will include iconic Christmas hits with a mix of festive classical pieces.

“My church has this Christmas related ballet performance every year and I always go with my sisters and my mom,” sophomore Kayana Murray said.

The annual National menorah lighting will be held on Nov. 27 at 4 p.m. on Constitution avenue. This free event will include Hanukkah speeches, music and activities for children, which will be led by Rabbi Levi Shemtov.

When the weather finally permits, the Sculpture Garden ice skating rink will be open to the public. General admission for adults is $8 along with a $3 skate rental. The Pavilion Cafe will also be open and selling fresh salads, soups and artisan pizza.

“Every year about two weeks before Christmas me and my family usually go ice skating in DC and spend the night walking around taking pictures with the Christmas trees and the light decorations,” senior Sherri Jones said.