Out of Town: Washington, D.C.

What’s happening in the next few weeks:

* The “National Christmas Tree Lighting Pageant of Peace” runs through New Year’s Day with nightly choral performances, a Nativity scene and a display of lighted Christmas trees representing each state and the territories of the U.S. The Ellipse. (202) 619-7222.

* White House Christmas Candlelight Tours. Evening tours of the White House Christmas decorations continue through December. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (202) 619-7222.

* “A Christmas Carol” continues through Jan. 4 at the historic Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St., N.W. (202) 347-4833 or (800) 899-2367.

* “Twelve Centuries of Japanese Art From the Imperial Collections” continues through March 8 at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery with paintings and calligraphy representing the taste and patronage of Japanese emperors from the 9th to the 20th century. 1050 Independence Ave., S.W. Free. (202) 357-2700.

* Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” through Jan. 11 at the Kennedy Center is a retelling of the Christmas story in a soul-stirring gospel celebration. New Hampshire Ave., N.W., and Rock Creek Parkway. (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.

* “Thomas Moran,” through Jan. 11 at the National Gallery of Art. A retrospective of one of the foremost landscape painters of the 19th century. His watercolor images of Yellowstone were the first seen in the East, and they were instrumental in persuading members of Congress to create the first national park. Also at the National Gallery through Jan. 4, “Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment.” On loan from the National Parks Service, the monument depicts the first African American infantry unit to enlist in the North. The unit’s assault on Fort Wagner, S.C., inspired the movie “Glory.” 4th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. (202) 737-4215.

* “Ansel Adams, A Legacy: Masterworks From the Friends of Photography Collection,” through March 29 at the National Museum of American Art, features photographs that span the course of Adams’ career. 8th and G streets, N.W. (202) 357-2700.

* Washington’s MCI Downtown Sports Center opened Dec. 2 with 20,000 seats. The center will host all Washington Wizards and Georgetown Hoyas basketball and Washington Capitals hockey home games, other sporting and cultural events. The MCI Sports Gallery, located in the center, commemorates American sports history and holds sports memorabilia collections and participatory sports-themed exhibits. The sports gallery also houses the American Sportscasters Assn.’s Hall of Fame and Museum. 325 7th St., N.W. (202) 628-3200.