13 of our favorite events in D.C. this week

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by washingtonydc

MONDAY, DEC. 4

KIDS’ MORNING OUT: Rise + Rhyme is a weekly storytelling and performance event for children ages 5 and under. It emphasizes instilling civic activism and creativity in children and features a rotating series of local performers. This month, catch acts such as The Great Zucchini and Frolic the Fox. (Busboys and Poets, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $5)

FESTIVE FOOD: Sufganiyots are round, jelly-filled doughnuts eaten around the world during Hanukkah. Learn to make your own deep-fried, powdered treats tonight at Moishe House. You’ll be putting Krispy Kreme to shame in no time. (Moishe House Columbia Heights, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE, registration required)

BOOK CLUB: Join Mexican poet, novelist, and environmentalist Homero Aridjis as he celebrates the launch of his latest books “Maria the Monarch” and “News of the Earth.” The children’s book and the collection of articles both reflect on the importance of preserving the environment. Come curious and hungry – there will be tapas served at the event, too. (National Press Club, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Michael Smerconish (Sixth & I, 8 p.m., $20 – $30), #AOTC Madam’s Magical Comedy Show (Madam’s Organ Blues Bar, 8:30 p.m., FREE), Holiday-ish 4 (Millennium Stage, 6 – 7 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Adam Fagen

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

STOCKED AND LOADED: Retire those ratty Target stocking and hang up something with a bit more flair: Union Market will host a make-your-own-holiday stocking pop-up tonight. Participants will design and create their own holiday stocking, but don’t worry – no sewing experience is required, and all materials are provided on-site. Drinks are, too. (Union Market, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $35 – $40)

CAROLS GALORE: Make spirits bright at the U.S. Botanic Garden’s holiday concert. The Capital Hearings will be performing acapella medleys that run the gamut from old-school to contemporary. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get there early. (U.S. Botanic Garden, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE)

WHEN IN ROME: Do it like the Romans did at Aperto restaurant’s Cena: An Ancient Roman Feast. A cena is the main Roman meal of the day, and the space will host a bountiful, extravagant gathering reminiscent of the B.C. era. Food historian Amy Riolo will be on-hand to explain each dish, as well as how the Roman festival of Saturnia shaped many modern holiday traditions. (Aperto, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $75)

FIND YOUR FLOW: This time of year can be hectic. Take a break with author Dr. Camille Preston as she discusses her new book “Create More Flow.” In a hyper-connected, always-on world, Preston advocates for finding one’s “flow,” the balance where attention is turned back to our bodies and wellness, therefore allowing engagement and creativity to soar. (Busboys and Poets, 6:30 – 8 p.m., $18)

MORE: Panel Discussion with Artists Anna U. Davis and Carolina Falkholt (House of Sweden, 6:30 – 9 p.m., FREE, registration required), Inter/Nationalism – Author Talk with Steven Salaita (The Potter’s House, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE), Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (Edlavitch DCJCC, 7:30 p.m.)

Photo by Josh Bassett

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

TREE LIGHTING: Help bring some much-needed holiday cheer to Congress at the U.S. Capitol’s Christmas Tree Lighting. The huge fir traveled thousands of miles from Montana to D.C., and its 70-foot frame is a sight to behold. Get ready: It’s even better with lights. (U.S. Capitol Building West Lawn, 5 – 5:30 p.m., FREE)

BOOTLEGGERS: On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, ending prohibition. Tonight, the Cato Institute will host a celebration in honor of its repeal. Join for a discussion about the way Prohibition still affects us today, as well as a reception with specialty Prohibition-era cocktails. (The Cato Institute, 6 – 7 p.m., FREE, registration required)

LOL: The Overacheivers Comedy Show is a monthly showcase at Drafthouse Comedy Theater hosted by Martin Amini. It features a new line-up every month, and the list is always impressive. This month, check out Rob HaZe of Comedy Central, Clark Jones of TruTv, Sydnee Washington of MTV, and Marie Faustin of The Unofficial Podcast. (Drafthouse Comedy Theater, 8 – 10:30 p.m., FREE, $5 for guaranteed seating)

MORE: Robert Earl Keen (Town Hall, 8 p.m., $35 – $49.50), Comedy Showcase Night (Brass Monkey, 8 – 10 p.m., FREE), Jay Brannan (Rock and Roll Hotel, 8 p.m., $15), The Suitcase Junket with Lauren Calve Duo (Gypsy Sally’s, 8 p.m., $10), Ice Skating with D.C. Reads (The Washington Harbor, 3 – 7 p.m., $12), La Soiree (Embassy of Canada, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., $50)

Photo by Ted Eytan

THURSDAY, DEC. 7

HANUKKAH HOUSE: Get ready for Hanukkah with Moishe House’s build-your-own Hanukkah house event. Construct the festive homes out of candy, and bring a team if you want, too – there will be a competition for the best and most creative constructions. Or just come and eat all the candy – that’s okay, too. (Moishe House Columbia Heights, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE, registration required)

NUTCRACKER 2.0: Get up close and personal with the Sugar Plum Fairy: ARTECHOUSE’s latest installation takes you into the world of holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” See your favorite characters come to life through the exhibit’s projection technology and augmented reality apps – you’ll feel like you’re living in the middle of the story. (Times vary, ARTECHOUSE, $8 – $15)

HISTORY HOUR: Join the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., for a docent-led tour through the National Building Museum’s exhibit “Architecture of an Asylum: St. Elizabeth’s 1852 – 2017.” As the federal government’s pioneering mental health hospital, the exhibit focuses on the history of mental health treatment within the U.S. Learn about St. Elizabeth’s past and the plans for its future redevelopments, too. (The National Building Museum, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, $15 – $20)

MORE: Music in Wartime: Pearl Harbor Commemoration (Washington National Cathedral, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., $25 – $65), Champagne Masterclass (Dio Wine Bar, 6 – 7 p.m., $50), Curry and Grits (Love + Solidarity Collective, 6 – 9 p.m., $15 – $20), Book Launch: A Children’s History of Portugal (Embassy of Portugal, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE, $10 for book), Story Odyssey (Busboys and Poets, 7:30 – 10 p.m., FREE)