D.C. weekend: Handel's Messiah Live, "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" and more

1. 🎊 Get cultured this Christmas

It's the last weekend before Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa week begin.

Driving the news: Get into the holiday spirit with a nightly tree lighting show at National Harbor or Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon.

Here are three multicultural holiday events to attend:

🖤 The Spirit of Kwanzaa: Enjoy a showing from the Dance Institute of Washington's longest-running production 6pm Friday and 3pm Sunday at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street NE. Tickets are $30.

🕎 "A Hanukkah Carol, or Gelt Trip! the Musical": There are two more weekends to watch the Jewish and modern-day take on "The Christmas Carol" at the Round House Theatre in Bethesda. Tickets start at $50.

🎷 The Gospel of Christmas According to Jazz: Enjoy an evening of holiday jazz music 7pm Saturday at 19th Street Baptist Church in Crestwood. Tickets are $25.

2. 🎻 Handel's Messiah Live

• Watch a D.C. holiday-favorite symphony and choral performance Thursday night through Sunday at The Kennedy Center. Tickets start at $25.

3. 🎵 "The Hip Hop Nutcracker"

• Watch a hip-hop rendition of the Christmas classic Friday through Sunday at the National Theatre. Tickets start at $85.

4. 🎶 Lilith Fest

• Listen to local musicians pay tribute to Sarah McLachlan's 90's Lilith Fair Festival 7:30pm Saturday at The Atlantis. Tickets are $20.

5. 🎞️ European Union Film Showcase

• It's the last weekend to catch a film including the closing night screening of "The Room Next Door" at 7pm Saturday at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring. Tickets are $15.

6. 🎭 "Life of Pi"

• Watch the Broadway adaptation of the best-selling novel now through Jan. 5 at The Kennedy Center. Prices vary.

Worthy of your time: Toast with a holiday tea around the city or check out a recently opened bar.