Events: Kwanzaa, Crochet, ZooLights and More
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Monday, December 27: ZooLights
ZooLights, the National Zoo’s festive electric light display, is back once again—and this year it’s absolutely free! For children of all ages, a menagerie of LED light sculptures modeled after critters at the Zoo will be on display. Tickets are NOT required. ZooLights occurs every night this week through Sunday except December 31 (Of course, if the Zoo has to close due to bad, wintry weather, then ZooLights will be canceled.) National Zoo, 6-8:30 PM.
You can also ramp up your fun by participating in a scavenger hunt while you’re touring the light show—all you need is a cell or smart phone. Text “ZooLights” to 728647 OR download the SCVNGR app on your iPhone or Android, click on “Treks,” and select the “Conservation Carol” Trek to start your journey. The more challenges you complete, the more points you will earn. By playing you will have a chance to win an exclusive VIP tour, including a visit with the keeper of your favorite animal. Ten runner-ups get ZooLights t-shirts. This SCVNGR hunt is playable through December 30.
Tuesday, December 28: The Family Kwanzaa Adventure
Families are invited to come celebrate Kwanzaa with Saleem and Ivy Hylton of Youth and Families in Crisis with interactive drumming, singing, dancing, and skits, designed to explore the principles of Kwanzaa. The program closes with the “Circle of Hope and Healing," an original Kwanzaa group activity designed to restore and renew the hopes and dreams of families for the New Year. Free. Anacostia Museum, 10:30 AM.
Wednesday, December 29: The Crocheter Is In: The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef
Meet one of the contributors to The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef! Stationed within the exhibition, volunteers crochet specimens while teaching visitors about the art, science, and mathematics behind the exhibit. Today's program is presented by Linda Mierke. Free. Natural History Museum, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. This event repeats on Thursday, December 30 at the same time and location.
Thursday, December 30: Kwanzaa: Nia (Purpose)
Melvin Deal and the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers conduct a Kwanzaa hands-on workshop that includes the making of tambor instruments, drumming, and dancing. The workshop features a special performance in celebration of the fifth Kwanzaa principle Nia(Purpose). Free. Anacostia Museum, 10:30 AM.
Friday, December 31: Book Signing
Robert F. Door will be available to autograph his book Hell Hawks!: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler’s Wehrmacht. Free. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 12 Noon-4 PM.
For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com