Hosted by DC101’s Elliot in the Morning radio host, partygoers get to enjoy an open bar, a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, karaoke, live bands (Cowboy Mouth, Pat McGee Band, Gonzo’s Nose), dancing and a comedy club.

The Downtown Countdown    
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001  (map it)

Dates and Times – Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

Tickets – $109.00 and are available online or by phone at 202-397-SEAT. This event is 21 years old and over only.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Metro Center – Red, Blue and Orange line. The station is connected to the Hyatt.

Parking – Valet - $30.00, self-parking – $20.00

Images – champagne, party favors
_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

With multiple city/national themes, including London, Austria, Mexico City, Rio, San Juan, and even Amsterdam’s Red Light District (no, not what you might be thinking… actually it’s an R-rated comedy show), this New Year’s Eve party, complete with with 3,000 guests, features all kinds of fun music and activities, including:

• Open Bar and Buffet
• Nine Themed Party Areas
• Multiple Dance Floors , including DC’s Largest Ballroom
• Midnight Balloon Drop
• Live Orchestra, Swing Band, Salsa Band and Mariachis, plus DJs
• Salsa, Meringue, Ballroom and Swing Dance Lessons
• Late Night Comedy Show
• Caricaturists
• Karaoke

And if you are attending the party without a date, there’s also four minute dating sessions for singles. Plus, and here’s a great idea — to identify your relationship status, guests wear different colored bracelets, one color for single people, a different color for couples. 

I wonder how many people will start the night wearing a “couples” colored bracelet and ring in the New Year wearing a “single” bracelet, and visa versa.

Passport to the World Gala – Cities of Virtue and Vice
The Hilton Washington
Dupont Circle
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington DC, 20009  (map it)

Date and Time – December 31, 2008, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Tickets – Prices started at $99.00 but go up as the date gets closer.  Tickets are available online or by phone at 202-686-5990.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Dupont Circle – Red line, then a 5-block walk.

Parking – $15.00

Image – Flickr – champagne  _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Combining the Victorian charm, old world scenery and dazzling costumes of battling soldiers, pesky mice, snow-flake ballerinas, holiday party-goers and costumed dancers from around the globe, it’s sure to put anyone in to the holiday spirit.

I would recommend this performance over the Washington Ballet’s production of the same.

The Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker  
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Opera House
2700 F Street, NW
Washington DC. 20566 (map it)

Dates and Times – Thursday – Sunday, December 11-14, 2008.

Tickets – $47.00 – $150.00 and are available online.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom/George Washington University (23rd and I St.) – Blue and Orange lines, then a 3-block walk.

To avoid the walk from the Metro station, ride the free Kennedy Center shuttle that runs every 15 minutes Monday – Friday from 9:45 a.m.- Midnight, Saturdays 10:00 a.m.- Midnight, and from Noon – Midnight on Sundays.

Parking - limited parking is available at the Kennedy Center for $17.00.

Images – Giselle, Russian production of Giselle, both – public domain ________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Highlights of the evening include a traditional champagne reception, a scrumptious Austrian dessert buffet, and music for dancing by Con Brio!, one of Washington’s most regarded salon orchestras.  they will perform waltzes and ballroom music and even a polka or two.

The ball will open with a cotillion performance by students from the German School Washington, DC.

Christmas Ball 
Washington Golf and Country Club
3017 N. Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207 (map it)
703-524-4600

Dates and Times – Friday, December 12, 2008 7:00 p.m.

Tickets – $95.00, e-mail mbocek@verizon.net for reservations or more details

Attire – White tie (preferred), black tie or military mess dress

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Ballston MU – Orange line, then a 2-mile cab ride.

Parking – Free
________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Tickets went fast for the event, but the grounds will be open to public 24-hours through January 1, 2009.

Besides the National Christmas Tree, visit the Pathway of Peace, with decorated Christmas trees from each of the states and U.S. territories, along with the National Yuletide Log.

The grounds are illuminated each evening from dusk until 11:00 p.m.  Musical performances by volunteer groups, choirs and dancers are held each night on the Ellipse stage.  Evening performances on weeknights occur between 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., and from 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. on weekends.

Nation Christmas Tree and Walk of Peace
1600 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC‎  (map it)

Dates and Times – December 4, 2008 through January 1, 2009

Admission - FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Stations – Metro Center, Federal Triangle and McPherson Square, than a short walk to the Ellipse, or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Limited street parking is available, especially during the day and on weekends.

Image – from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti  _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

The "Volstead Act", which defined the rules of alcohol production and sales, also established what an “intoxicating” beverage actually was – any beverage with 0.5% of alcohol. The act did not however prohibit the purchase or use of liquor.

The law lasted 13 years and had numerous unintended consequences, including fueling the rise of organized crime.  During prohibition, alcohol consumption actually increased per capita, the exact opposite intent of the legislation.  Illegal speakeasies flourished across the country, with a reported 10,000 establishments operating in Chicago alone. 

But 75 years later, you can join the DC Craft Bartenders’ Guild and party like it’s 1933.

Join top Washington, DC mixologists and several beverage sponsors who will serve exciting cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, along with a 1930s style jazz band for dancing, all taking place at the historic City Tavern Club in Georgetown.

18th Amendment Repeal Day Cocktail Party
The City Tavern Club 
3206 M Street, NW
Washington, DC  (map it)

Date and Time – Friday, December 5, 2008, 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets – $90.00 per person and are available online (PayPal required). Cocktail attire required.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Foggy Bottom – Orange and Blue lines, then a 1¼ mile walk or cab ride or use the Georgetown Circulator, which stops just a couple blocks away.

Parking – Two paid parking lots are within a couple blocks, the closest is located at Potomac and M Streets, behind Dean and Deluca.

Images – barrels and lady with flask – both public domain, cocktail – Flickr
________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

This year kids will enjoy the 12 themed Christmas trees, one for each day of Christmas. Each professionally decorated with themes relating to George Washington, life at Mount Vernon, and the time when the Washington’s lived there.

And look for the live Christmas camel, just like George Washington had at Mt. Vernon during the Christmas season of 1787, two years before he became America’s first President.

Besides a gingerbread recreation of the Mount Vernon Estate created by a former White House pastry chef; watch historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century period dancing.

Tour the rarely-seen third floor of the Washington’s mansion and if you’re lucky, meet the always charming "Mrs. Washington" along the way.

Christmas at Mount Vernon 
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121  (map it)
703-780-2000

Dates and Times – November 28, 2008 through January 6, 2009, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily

Tickets – Adults – $13.00, Seniors – $12.00, children 6-11 – $6.00 with adult,  Kids under 6 with an adult are free.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Huntington – Yellow line, then catch the Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon or take a 6 mile cab ride.

Parking – Free parking is available.

Image – Flick _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Selected by Playboy as one of the top five parties for New Year’s Eve in the country, and with an estimated 1,600 guests, this party  attracts singles, couples and groups of friends alike.

While most New Year’s Eve parties simply offer a band and cocktails, the 007 Around The World party offers multiple country themes rooms, where you can pretend you are your favorite Bond character on a mission. 

Are you the suave “Bond…Jams Bond”? Or the evil Goldfinger or Dr. No? Perhaps you are one of Bond’s famous femme fatales? Or does the character of the always charming Miss Moneypenny suit you better?  Whoever you select, you’ll be issued a “license to party”.

Need to brush up on your James Bond knowledge?
Take the James Bond Trivia Quiz at the end of the post.

The party boasts:

• Celebrity Lookalikes (Sean Connery & Pierce Brosnan)
• Mock Casino Gambling
• Martinis “shaken not stirred” from Ice bar
• Midnight Champagne Toast
• Themed Cocktails and Champagne
• International Buffet and Dessert Stations
• Golden Girls Living Statues
• Samba Dance Performances
• A carnival-like atmosphere with a strolling magician, stilt walkers, fortune tellers, tarot card readers, juggler, and a steel drum player

Tickets include party favors – hats, tiaras and noisemakers, or bring your own.

Besides an 18-piece big band orchestra, select from DJs spinning in 4 internationally themed rooms – featuring musical styles from around the globe, including:

• Euro and Russian hits
• Bollywood and Middle Eastern
• Hip Hop
• Salsa, Merengue, Calypso and Reggae
• Rock & Roll from 1970 through 2000

Click here for prior event photos.

New Years Eve James Bond 007 Around The World party
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
5000 Seminary Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22311 (map it)

Date and Time – Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 8:30 p.m.

Tickets – $139 – $179 depending on when purchased and are available online.  Special discounted room rates are also offered.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Van Dorn – Blue line, then a 3-mile cab ride.

Parking – Paid event self parking is available. 

James Bond Trivia Quiz

Q1 – Can you name all six (or seven) actors played James Bond?

Q2 – When Bond drinks champagne, what’s his favorite? And at what temperature should it be served at?

Q3 – What was the first James Bond film?

Q4 – What does SPECTRE stand for?

Q5 – Which actor, prior to portraying James Bond, was a Navy sailor, a chorus singer, a milkman, and worked at a funeral home?

FOR THE ANSWERS – CLICK MORE —>

James Bond Trivia Quiz Answers

Q1 – Can you name all six (or seven) actors played James Bond?
A – Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnon, Daniel Craig.  David Niven might be added to the list if you count the 1967 parody spoof Casino Royale.

Q2 – When Bond drinks champagne, what’s his favorite? And at what temperature should it be served at?
A – Dom Perignon 1953, at 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q3 – What was the first James Bond film?
A – Dr. No

Q4 – What does SPECTRE stand for?
A – Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion

Q5 – Which Bond actor, prior to portraying Bond was Navy sailor, a chorus singer, was a milkman, and worked at a funeral home?
A – Sean Connery
_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Sculpture Garden Ice-Skating Rink
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Constitution Avenue, NW at 7th Street NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-289-3360

Dates and Times – November 15 through mid-March, 2009

• Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday -10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The rink is Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission - The fee covers two-hours of skating.  Adults – $7.00, Seniors, students with ID and kids under 13 – $6.00. Sessions begin on the hour.

In the evening, use the Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrance at 9th Street entrance. 

Skate Rentals – $3.00 with ID and rental lockers are just 50¢ with a $5.00 required deposit.

The National Gallery of Art is open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Images – mom & daughter, at night 
_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Throughout the week of November 15-22, 2008, Washington, DC will celebrate the art of photography, with a gathering of the best in the DC photographic community, with series of exhibits, lectures, competitions, and celebration of all things photographic.

FotoWeek DC brings together photographic talent and a collection of images ranging from artistic to business, political to editorial. Events include:

• Exhibitions at over 60 galleries and public spaces around DC
• Juried exhibitions of some of Washington, DC’s most gifted photographers
• Lectures and book signings by well-known photographers
• Talks from representatives who manage institutional and museum photo collections 
• Workshops and lectures for both the new and expert photographer
• Personal portfolio reviews by professional photographers

One highlight will be the world premiere giant outdoor high-definition (HD) digital image slide show, presented in a large multi-story format, of selected photos from some of Washington DC’s most popular institutions, including the Newseum, American Art Museum, National Museum of American History, Corcoran Gallery of Art and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The slide presentation will run at the following locations (all between 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. unless noted):

• National Museum of the American Indian — 10/13-15
• FotoWeek DC Central – 3337 M Street, NW –10/14-15
• Smithsonian Photography Initiative – 3333 M Street, NW – 10/14–22
• Newseum – 10/14/16
• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum – 10/14-16
• Corcoran Gallery of Art – 10/14-15
• American Art Museum – Kogod Courtyard 10/18-19 (5-7 p.m.), 10/20 (5-8 p.m.)
• Museum of American History – 10/20-22

FotoWeek DC
Various locations around Washington, DC

Dates and Times – November 10-22, 2008. Check the events calendar for events and details.

Admission – Registration is required for all free events. Register online or at the site. Some events, workshops require paid tickets.

Images – all public domain – D-Day, Hindenburg, Aldrin on the Moon _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler