Nothing says the holidays more than a well-anticipated performance of “The Nutcracker,” complete with sugar plum fairies, a menacing mouse king, and Tchiakovsky’s nostalgic melodies echoing through a cozy theatre. Celebrate the season (and your youth!) by treating yourself to a seat at the Pennsylvania Ballet’s rendition of the famed performance, premiering at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts this November 24th-29th. Choreographed by George Balanchine, this show is the talk of the town with its extravagant costuming and accomplished performers.

If the ballet isn’t enough of a pull, the venue is.  As a memorial to John F. Kennedy, The Kennedy Center attracts the best talent in the world and has entertained presidents and celebrities for decades.  For a truly elegant evening, start with dinner at the Kennedy Center’s own Rooftop Terrace Restaurant & Bar, complete with million-dollar views of the Potomac and sumptuous French cuisine.  Be sure to book soon though – this is definitely one of the hottest holiday tickets in town!