While traveling around during the holidays might give you headaches, you can tour the globe effortlessly with these six embassy events happening in D.C.
Movie Night at the Mongolian Embassy
When: Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Mongolian Embassy, 2833 M St. NW
Price: Free
The Mongolian Embassy will show “Mujaan” (“The Craftsman”), a 2005 documentary about how one man follows the tradition of hand-crafting his home like Mongolian nomads have done for centuries. Refreshments will be served throughout and after the showing. Attendees can also buy wine by the glass. A free ticket is required to enter the embassy.
Animezing!: Ghost in the Shell at the Japanese Embassy
When: Dec. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: The Japanese Information and Culture Center at the Japanese Embassy, 1250 18th St. NW, Suite 100
Price: Free
The embassy will host a screening of the film “Ghost in the Shell,” which was considered a feat in animation when it premiered in 1995. A recent adaptation of the film was released this year. The screening is a part of the Japanese Information and Culture Center’s retrospective called “Journey Through Anime: Celebrating 100 Years.” Tickets for the event are free but registration is required to enter the embassy.
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When: Dec. 9, 8-11:30 p.m.
Where: French Embassy, 4101 Reservoir Road NW
Price: $75 for general admission or $95 for the VIP Reception at 8 p.m.
The Holiday Gala is a night filled with drinks, dancing and desserts. For those who purchase VIP tickets, there will be a champagne reception at 8 p.m. and general admission tickets will be admitted into the gala at 9 p.m. All attendees must be at least 21 years old for the open bar, which will feature French wines. Show off your moves to a jazz band performance followed by a DJ playing dance hits. But save some energy for the buffet of decadent desserts from the embassy’s pastry chef -- including swan-shaped cream puffs with whipped cream and mini chocolate and coffee eclairs.
Winter Concert and Wine Reception at the Slovenian Embassy
When: Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Slovenian Embassy, 2410 California St. NW
Price: $40
Learn about Slovenia and listen to a winter concert from a saxophone and percussion duo coming from Slovenia to perform at the event. Stanislav Vidovic, the ambassador of Slovenia, is set to welcome guests with his opening remarks. Following the concert, guests can socialize with diplomats during a wine reception.
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nShop Made in DC offers a rotating selection of products created and crafted in the area.
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n"Our city is full of makers, now there is a space dedicated to helping them grow," its website says.
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nBaskets are priced about $90 to $120.
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nIt costs $34 at Shop Made in DC.
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nThey start at $25 at Shop Made in DC and are also available on the Cherry Blossom Workshop website.
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You can find them at Shop Made in DC for $62.
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nMost cards cost $6.
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nA 750 ml bottle of gin runs $33.
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nProper Topper first opened its doors in 1990. 27 years later, the little business that began as a hat shop has become a collection of diverse treasures.
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nThe shop has two locations: One at Dupont Circle near the Dupont South Metro station and a Cathedral Commons pop-up shop.
Embassy of Bulgaria Dinner Reception
When: Dec. 15, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Bulgarian Embassy, 1621 22nd St. NW
Price: $65
From spinach pies to apricot rolls, the buffet of Bulgarian cuisine at the reception will be sure to fill the stomachs of all attendees. The dinner will feature an open bar along with the feast. Bulgaria’s traditions, including a performance from a folk dance ensemble, can help guests learn about the culture of the country.
Holiday Wines of Europe 101 at the French Embassy
When: Dec. 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: French Embassy, 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW
Price: $50
The wine tasting will include samples from five different European countries -- all competing for the chance to be “crowned European champion.” Guests decide which wine will be the winner while learning from an expert about the dos and don’ts of wine tasting and pairing.
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nThe Wharf Ice Rink will be open every day from Saturday, Dec. 2nd through late February, pending weather conditions. In addition to general ice skating, the Wharf's rink will also offer a live DJ on Friday nights and discounts on Mondays for neighbors with 20025 ZIP codes. Admission prices start at $8. Skate rentals cost $6.
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Reston Town Center and Pentagon Row also offer ice skating facilities. Both rinks are open seven days a week, and admission prices range from $8 to $10 at each.
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nPossibly the most convenient resort for Washingtonians, Liberty Mountain Resort has 16 trails available for snow shredding both night and day. Liberty Mountain Resort has not yet opened for their winter season. It lists peak busy times as the week between Christmas and New Year, Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents Day Weekend. Day lift rates range from $28 to $78. Ski rentals are $52.n
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nMassanutten is another option for adrenaline junkies. Skiers have access to 70 skiable acres, including 14 runs serviced by 8 lifts. Tubers can also delight at their 900-foot-long, 125-foot-high tubing hill that offers high-walled individual lanes and a magic-carpet lift that makes it an easy trip back up to the top of the slope. Their season runs from early December through mid-March, but depends on the weather. Their lift prices start at $44. Equipment rental starts at $26.
