Thursday, Dec. 4 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m. WHERE: The Ellipse, 1600 Constitution Ave. N.W. METRO: Metro Center (red, green and yellow lines) INFO: It ain't Christmas 'til the Bush flicks the switch. See President Bush light the National Christmas Tree. It's one of those D.C. things that you've just got to do. Tickets are required but are free and can be obtained at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion at 15th and E Streets N.W. COST: Free
Friday, Dec. 5 "The Mourning Forest" 7 p.m. WHERE: Freer Gallery of Art, 1050 Independence Ave. N.W. METRO: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines) INFO: The Freer Gallery's series "Roads to the Interior: Another side of Japanese cinema" continues with this celebrated film from director Naomi Kawase. "The Mourning Forest" tells the story of a widower and his caregiver who embark on a spiritual journey. It was the winner of the Grand Prix prize at the Cannes Film Festival last year. Tickets are required but are free and can be picked up starting an hour prior to the event at the Meyer Auditorium of the Freer Gallery. COST: Free
Saturday, Dec. 6 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals 10 p.m. WHERE: 9:30 club, 815 V St. N.W. METRO: U St/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (green and yellow lines) INFO: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have been getting more and more popular as the years go on. Their blend of blues, rock and jam influences with Grace Potter's pop-friendly vocals have attracted throngs across the nation. COST: $20
Sunday, Dec. 7 Todd Barry 8 p.m. WHERE: DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. N.W. METRO: Farragut North (red line) INFO: Stand-up comedian Todd Barry has had quite the career, having appeared on countless late shows, as well as in many films, including Darren Aronofsky's newest film, "The Wrestler," and in musical tours with the likes of Yo La Tengo and Jens Lekman. Then again, you probably know him as the guy who played the bongos in "Flight of the Conchords." COST: $15
Monday, Dec. 8 A Night with the Ramones: Screenings of our favorite Ramones films 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Black Cat, 1811 14th St. N.W. METRO: U St/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (green and yellow lines) INFO: The Black Cat rolls out the projection equipment in order to pay tribute to the best movies ever to involve the Ramones, including "Hey Is Dee Dee Home," "End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones" and "Rock 'n' Roll High School." COST: Free
Tuesday, Dec. 9 "Punch-Drunk Love" 6:30 p.m. WHERE: AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md. METRO: Silver Spring (red line) INFO: AFI celebrates the work of director Paul Thomas Anderson who recently released the acclaimed "There Will Be Blood." The celebration includes many of Anderson's films including "Boogie Nights." "Punch-Drunk Love" tells the story of a plunger salesman played by Adam Sandler. It runs from Dec. 7 to 10. COST: $10
