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Happy Chinese New Year!
Over the past few weeks, we have received inquiries about Chinese New Year and its traditions. As the Chinese New Year 2020 quickly approaches, here are some fascinating details about this annual celebration. Chinese New Year, also known as “Spring Festival” or “Lunar New Year,” is one of the most prominent and widely celebrated occasions in China. The new year usually occurs in late January or early February, as there is no set date based on the lunar calendar. The next Chinese New Year, known as “The Year of the Rat,” will begin on Jan. 25, 2020. The public holiday lasts from Jan. 24-30. Below you will find a collection of Chinese New Year traditions and myths to help you better understand this momentous celebration. Greetings In Chinese, “Happy new year!” translates to “Xin nian kuai le!” Another popular greeting is “Gong xi fa cai,” which translates to “Congratulations and be prosperous.” Red Envelopes In honor of Chinese New Year, many elders will gift small amounts of money to children in red envelopes, a symbol of the passing of fortune to the younger generations. Co-workers, friends and other relatives will also partake in this practice as a sign of good will to start the new year. With the increasing popularity of WeChat, many contacts will use the app to exchange these monetary gifts. Some even set up groups in WeChat in which members “fight” over the money. This is known as “qiang hong bao,” or “snatching red pockets” in English. To learn more about the app and how you can promote your business to Chinese travelers, check out our WeChat page. What’s Your Zodiac? Your Chinese Zodiac animal sign, known as your “Ben ming nian” in Chinese, is determined by your birth year. The Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, making 12 signs in total, meaning yours should come once every 12 years. Check the chart below to see if 2020 lines up with your sign! According to Chinese astrology, if your sign lines up with the year in question, you have offended Tai Sui, the God of Age. Tai Sui can bring misfortune throughout the year … but do not fret! If you align with the Year of the Rat, make sure to wear red, which is believed to drive away bad luck and evil spirits. Happy Chinese New Year: Don’t Cut Your Hair! A new hairstyle to start off a new year makes plenty of sense. Well, in China, most hair salons are closed throughout the Chinese New Year holiday. Why? Haircuts during the first lunar month of the year are believed to place a curse on maternal uncles. So, if you’d like to make sure that uncle has a great year, wait until Longtaitou Festival for a haircut or trim. Longtaitou translates to “the dragon lifts its head” and it falls on the second day of the second month of the lunar year. The dragon is believed to be the king of all creatures and ancestor of all humans in Chinese mythology and getting a hair cut during this awakening is believed to bring good luck for the rest of the year. Celebrate Chinese New Year in DC The nation's capital is rich with Chinese culture and there are numerous ways to celebrate the new lunar year. Over on washington.org, we’ve detailed events and activities that can help you ring in the Year of the Rat just right. And with that, we wish all of you a prosperous new year! Contact Us The Destination DC Welcome China Program is the bridge between you and the other side of the world. Contact ang@washington.org if you are interested in learning how you can capitalize on DC’s robust market of Chinese visitors.
History & Renewal on DC's H Street NE Corridor
Washington, DC’s H Street NE corridor was built in 1849. Streetcars followed 23 years later, creating a successful business center and encouraging development in the neighborhood. They ran up and down the street for exactly 100 years until buses replaced them in 1949. Throughout the early and mid-1900s, the area was one of the city’s commercial hubs, known for its art and dining scene, much like it is now. It was even lined with department stores, including DC’s first Sears. The landscape changed after World War II The 1968 riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. further devastated the neighborhood. Damaged, burned buildings were left behind, and many people affected took their businesses to the suburbs. This resulted in an H Street that was no longer one of the highest-grossing retail districts in DC. According to H Street Main Street, the following two decades (1970s and 1980s) were periods when disinvestment exposed the area to a variety of nefarious activities. Change began to happen again in the 1990s due to renewed interest in central city living. Growth comes to the Neighborhood H Street has seen a resurgence in development, with revitalization goals including enhancing neighborhood retail, building on cultural assets, and creating a dynamic destination. Walk around now and you’ll see enough restaurants and bars to rival Dupont Circle, U Street and Adams Morgan. It’s about a 15-minute walk to H Street’s midpoint from the Union Station Metro, and offerings such as Capital Bikeshare and the DC Streetcar have made the neighborhood easier to get to. The neighborhood is now a dynamic one-and-a-half mile stretch known for its nightlife, restaurants, pop-ups, festivals and communal atmosphere. Now that you know the history, discover all the things to see and do on H Street NE.
Holiday-Themed Theater Performances & Shows in Washington, DC, 2024
A Christmas Carol – Nov. 21 – Dec. 31 Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters. Tickets Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Elf™ in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 Even if you watched a hundred times over, there's a new way to enjoy the beloved Christmas classic Elf this holiday season. At the Kennedy Center, you can see the film's timeless score come to life with live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. Tickets 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29 DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District. Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Mariah Carey's Christmas Time – Dec. 1 If you love to belt out "All I Want for Christmas is You," don't miss the chance to do so with the queen of Christmas herself and thousands of other fans at Capital One Arena. Crowned the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, Mariah Carey will visit 20 cities across the country. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 A Swingin' Little Christmas! Starring Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery – Dec. 4 Billed as "one part cabaret, one part comedy, and a dash of Christmas kitsch," A Swingin’ Little Christmas capitalizes on the holiday nostalgia of holiday specials. This raucous show features Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch (Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kate Flannery (The Office) and Tim Davis (Glee's vocal arranger) alongside the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Travel back to the 1950s and 60s with joyful tunes and lots of laughs. 8 p.m. | Tickets Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert – Dec. 4 For an unmatched night of orchestral holiday tunes and outrageous Christmas attire at one of the coolest music venues in DC, hit up the Anthem. "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells," the Nutcracker favorites and more await you and your ugliest sweater. 8 p.m. | Tickets 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024 An Irish Carol – Dec. 4-31 The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older. Tickets Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show – Dec. 5 See the longest-running group in American music perform at one of the most magical venues in the area: Wolf Trap. Not only have the Blind Boys of Alabama been gracing the world with soulful sounds since the Civil Rights era – they recently won the 2024 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For one night only, the group will bring their most festive hits to life in an awe-inspiring holiday experience. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories – Dec. 5 As much as we love the Nutcracker, those looking for a more contemporary dance spectacle will fall in love with Dissonance Dance Theatre's Winter Stories. Choreographed to music from Vivaldi to Billie Eilish, storylines are inspired by the "everyday feelings" we experience in the cold and around the holidays. The Ngoma School will perform new works by Principal Choreographer Shawn Short. 5 p.m. | Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas – Dec. 7 Every year, National Public Radio (NPR) and the Kennedy Center join forces to bring outstanding jazz pianists together to perform their favorite Christmas classics for one night only. The holiday tradition has become a favorite in the District, so make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance. This year's concert features Grammy Award-winning pianist Kris Davis, 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition winner Jahari Stampley and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 7, 14 & 15 Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas.” Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 KEM: Home for the Holidays – Dec. 11-12 The platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter joins the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening jam-packed with jazz and holiday hits. The setlist will include numbers from his album, "What Christmas Means," plus other seasonal favorites and can't-miss KEM vocal masterpieces. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 13-22 DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance. Furry friends from the animal kingdom and a dance party hosted by DJ Nutcracker are also on the docket. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca 2024 – Dec. 14 Drawing from the vibrant, festive traditions of Spain and Puerto Rico, join Atlas Theatre Co. for a night of music, song (villancicos) and flamenco dancing. Members of the Furia Flamenca Dance Company will swirl across the stage to flamenco guitar (Maestro Torcuato Zamora, Juan L. Romero and Guillermo Juan Christie) and suave vocals (Margarita Osorio and Jorge Porta). Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 14, 15, 21 & 22 With more than 130 voices working in tandem with brass, organ and percussion to create wonderful renditions of Christmas classics, the Washington Chorus is a wonder to behold. This 75-minute holiday music experience will offer thrilling special guests and a traditional candlelight processional that is an annual highlight. Tickets The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – Dec. 19-22 This holiday epic, which explores the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, is performed at the Kennedy Center each year. The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by standout singers and will be conducted by Baroque authority Masaaki Suzuki at the beautifully decorated Concert Hall to tell Handel’s riveting tale through song. Tickets The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Christmas Day Organ Recital – Dec. 25 Enliven your Christmas afternoon with a trip to the National Cathedral as house organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren perform a program of festive music. The free performance does not require tickets to attend. A livestream will also be available. Free Admission Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Holidays in the White House: First Family Traditions
Holidays at the White House are a family affair…with thousands of guests. Each December, the president and their family deck the White House’s halls and opens the doors for dozens of parties and public tours. It’s a big job to prepare the country’s most famous residence for a month of celebrations. In fact, it takes about 400 staff members and volunteers to decorate the public rooms. From numerous Christmas trees to a 300-pound white chocolate replica of the White House, the First Lady and her staff devote much of December to decorating and entertaining guests from all across the country. Over the years, White House holidays have evolved from an intimate family affair in the private quarters to the national celebration that it is today. But through it all, some heart-warming traditions have developed and endured. See how the holidays have changed over the years, then compare them to your own family’s traditions. 1834, An indoor snowball fight: Washington, DC doesn’t always get a white Christmas, but President Andrew Jackson made sure to remedy that with an elaborate Christmas party he threw for his children and grandchildren. It included games, dancing, a grand dinner and culminated in an indoor “snowball fight” with specially fashioned cotton balls. Today, the White House remains a particularly magical place for children at Christmas. School groups and other youth-oriented civic organizations are invited to participate in many of the holiday parties and fill up on delicious holiday treats prepared by the White House chef. 1889, The First Tree: Prior to the 20th century, Christmas at the White House was celebrated privately. The first White House Christmas tree, pre-electricity, was decorated with candles and toys and placed in President Benjamin Harrison’s living quarters. 1903, A ‘Green’ Christmas: Noted conservationist President Theodore Roosevelt didn’t believe in cutting down trees for Christmas decorations. Instead, he threw a carnival for 500 children complete with dinner, dancing, souvenirs and Santa-shaped ice cream. However, Roosevelt’s son Archie defied the Christmas tree ban and smuggled a small tree into an upstairs sewing room. Today, the environmentally friendly tradition continues with the National Christmas Tree. Instead of getting a new tree each year, a fir tree planted on the White House Ellipse is redecorated each year. In addition, the National Tree is decorated with energy efficient LED lights. 1909, A ‘Blue’ Christmas: President William H. Taft was the first president to have a tree in the public portion of the White House. His children helped him decorate that first tree in the Blue Room. Today, the Blue Room still hosts the official tree (one of many trees in the White House) and many presidents and their families have posed in front of it for their official Christmas photo. 1923, A National Tree: President Calvin Coolidge expanded the celebration beyond the Blue Room with the lighting of the first National Christmas Tree, located outside the White House in a public viewing area. The celebration became the month-long Pageant of Peace following World War II and the Korean War as a way to commemorate the end of the wars. Today, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace on the White House Ellipse is the centerpiece of the holidays in Washington, DC. The First Family officially lights the National Tree in a special ceremony. For the remainder of the month visitors can enjoy nightly musical entertainment, visit Santa’s Workshop and explore the miniature Christmas trees each featuring homemade ornaments from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. 1961, A Camelot Christmas: First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy started the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. That first year she selected the “Nutcracker Suite” – a popular theme. First ladies Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton both revisited the theme in later years. Visitors who attend a White House holiday party or go on a public tour have the opportunity to view the official tree, as well as the decorations in about 10 other rooms. A commemorative program highlights the decorations in each room and their significance. Because the White House hosts so many people during the holidays, many a family has posed in front of the official Christmas Tree for their very own holiday photo. 1979, The First National Menorah: President Jimmy Carter was the first to officially recognize the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah when he lit the nation’s first National Menorah. Today, the presidential lighting ceremony continues and the National Menorah is part of the Pageant of Peace. 1995, A Chocolate Christmas: A highlight of the holiday decorations has become the white chocolate replica of the White House. A tradition since the 1960s, today visitors will find this delicious architectural feat, which can weigh up to 300 pounds and take months to create, displayed in the State Dining Room. In 1995, the White House pastry chef also created a replica of First Lady Hillary Clinton’s girlhood home on Wisner Street in Park Ridge, Ill. No detail was left unturned, including tiny stocking hung by the chimney with care. 2008, A Red, White and Blue Christmas: While the First Lady picks the official holiday theme, she is often inspired by American citizens. In 2008, First Lady Laura Bush selected a patriotic theme after receiving many letters suggesting the White House make it a red, white and blue Christmas to recognize the nation’s patriotic pride during war time. 2010, Simple Gifts: For their second holiday season at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the First Lady Michelle Obama chose the theme of “Simple Gifts.” In lieu of material gifts, the Obamas chose to celebrate their friends and family that bring joy during the holidays. The first lady stated, “The greatest blessings of all are the ones that don’t cost a thing: the time that we spend with our loved ones, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the joy we feel from reaching out to those in need.” How to visit the National Christmas Tree: The National Christmas Tree and Christmas Pathway of Peace are displayed on the White House Ellipse, which is located just south of the White House and north of the National Mall. Traveling by Metrorail is the best way to see the tree, which is within walking distance from the following stops: Federal Triangle, Farragut North, McPherson Square and Metro Center. For more information on visiting the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace, visit www.thenationaltree.org.