If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to immerse yourself in a culture without traveling abroad, going to an event at a D.C. embassy might be your calling. Each year, the embassies around D.C. host several events open to the public. Many of the events have an entry fee, but there are also a few with free admission.
Many of these events require a ticket and government ID for entry. Check out the upcoming highlights of embassy events around the capital which include new foods to try and special performances to see. It’s best to plan ahead for many of these events because they tend to increase in price as the date gets closer.
Holiday Gala at the French Embassy
Taste some fine French desserts and wine as you dance the night away to jazz music and popular songs from around the world. The embassy will provide desserts and have an open bar during the event, but you might want to get dinner beforehand. Keep in mind you must be 21 to attend this event.
When: December 9 at 9 p.m.
Where: 4101 Reservoir Rd., NW
Metro: Red line, Farragut North station and D6 Metro bus to Reservoir Rd., NW and the French Embassy
Nutcracker Holiday Reception and Performance at the Embassy of Russia
Enjoy fine Russian cuisine and three different performances featuring the Kirov Academy of Ballet, a visit from Russia’s version of Santa Claus, and a group of traditional Russian carolers. Traditional Russian food prepared by embassy chefs will be served and there will also be an open bar. Proceeds will go to benefit Podari.Life, a charity that provides medication and medical equipment to hospitals in Russia.
When: December 9 at 6 p.m.
Where: 2650 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Metro: 30N or 30S Metro bus to Wisconsin Ave NW and Edmunds St.
Dinner at the Bulgarian Embassy
The Bulgarian embassy will host a dinner stuffed with traditional Bulgarian food and drinks. Learn more about Bulgarian geography, culture and tourism. Stay and watch a traditional Bulgarian Dance Ensemble “Zharva” perform as well as walk around the embassy on your own.
When: December 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: 1621 22nd St., NW
Metro: Red line, Dupont Circle station
European Holiday Gala at the Embassy of France with a Touch of Monte Carlo
This is France's second event of the semester. If you missed the first one, check out this holiday gala. Taste traditional French food and drink without ever leaving the country. Enjoy dancing the night away after taking some free ballroom dancing lessons, playing casino games, and experiencing the French nightclub atmosphere. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert and chocolate tasting. Throughout the evening, the Embassy will also be collecting new, unopened toys for donation to Toys for Tots.
When: December 16
Where: 4101 Reservoir Rd., NW
Metro: D6 Metro bus to Reservoir Road and French Embassy
New Year’s Eve International Gala: A Cirque du 2018 International Celebration of Many Nations
With 15 international themed celebrations, join a thousand of your local Washingtonians at the luxury Omni Shoreham Hotel to ring in the new year. The event will have seven different rooms highlighting celebrations that take place in Northern America, The Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and even Antarctica. Included is a buffet dinner, open bar and live music, as well as a visit from the Nationals’ favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt and the Capitals’ own Slapshot mascot. Do note this event is only 21+.
When: December 31. Time varies based on your ticket
Where: 2500 Calvert St NW
Metro: N6 to Mass Ave. and 30th St.
Evening at the Saudi Arabian Embassy
Enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by the Royal Embassy’s personal chef, featuring traditional Saudi food and desserts. Participate in a fashion show highlighting high fashion and traditional outfits typically worn in Saudi Arabia. Afterwards, stay for a slideshow showing the country’s beautiful landscape and architecture. Make sure to take in the unique art displayed in the embassy and chat with embassy representatives.
When: Jan. 12, 2018
Where: 601 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Metro: N6 Metro bus to 17th and I, 80 Metro bus to New Hampshire Ave. NW and Virginia Ave. NW
