If you live in the DC area you are in for a treat this winter. Two great cultural activities are happening in your neck of the woods.

First, the Russian-American Kids Circus will be at the Weinberg Center on November 24:

About Russian-American Circus
The Russian-American Circus has been thrilling families on stages around the country for more than ten years. The company combines the artistry and magic of the circus with the rich and time-treasured tradition of European theatre. These stunning performances are a unique combination of circus arts, dance, music and comedy that creates an entirely new and memorable theatre event. The group has performed hundreds of shows in 32 states and Canada.

Trained and produced by veterans of the world-famous Moscow Circus, kids between the ages of 6 and 16 fill the stage and dazzle audiences with synchronized acrobatics, juggling, unicycling, acrobatics and gravity-defying balancing acts. Outrageous costumes fill the show with color and movement. This is a special treat appropriate for the whole family.

Then, on the weekend of Dec. 16 and 17, the Hillwood Museum and Gardens will be hosting a Russian Winter Festival, complete with Papa Frost and a Russian dance exhibition:

Sixth Annual Russian Winter Festival at Hillwood Museum & Gardens

Celebrate the holidays at Hillwood in Old Russian style! Enjoy the estate decorated for the holiday season, festive entertainment and musical performances, and create your own holiday art. Tour the Mansion and stroll the gardens in the quiet hush of winter splendor. Experience Hillwood’s Russian art collection through a variety of audio tours, including Explore Russia! Treasure Hunting in Mrs. Post’s Mansion, a tour designed especially for families.

Meet Grandfather Frost (Russia’s Santa Claus) and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden! They will tell wonderful folktales and explain old Russian Christmas traditions.

The Russian Collection from San Francisco will perform exhilarating Russian dances that make the winter season and its holiday traditions come alive.

Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble enthralls with spirited performances of traditional Russian winter music.

Meet a new visitor to the Festival, an Imperial Porcelain Factory potter who talks about his frantic preparations—crafting beautiful objects from palace-sized vases to delicate tea cups for the Imperial family’s annual Christmas porcelain exhibition at the Winter Palace.

A hands-on art activity for children will also be offered.