About Tonight

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HOLIDAYS: Been meaning to go down and see the National Christmas Tree? Tonight is the last night of scheduled live music performances in President's Park. Tree viewing is open until 11 p.m.; tonight's performances include Revonda Roberts & Harvest Wind at 6 p.m., gospel singer Aliciadine at 7 p.m. and Maryland's Hearts of Gold at 8 p.m.

HOLIDAYS: Our resident classical music critic, Charles Downey, would surely frown at the idea, but he begrudgingly understands that some of you want to hear Handel's Messiah performed this week, no matter how many times you've heard it. For you, he's compiled his annual guide, which includes one of the more egregious examples in Washington: the Kennedy Center Messiah Sing-Along. Free tickets will be distributed beginning at 6 p.m. today in front of the Concert Hall, so get your butt in line right now if you hope to snag a seat. 8 p.m.

MUSIC: French Toast offshoot (or precursor?) Small Doses plays the Black Cat's backstage, with openers The Formers. $8, 9 p.m.

MUSIC: Need some noise to take the edge off all that last minute wrapping? Visit the Velvet Lounge for Baby Killer Estelle (whose piano-based noise is a bit more aggressive) and Janel & Anthony (who tend toward the ethereal). $7, 9:30 p.m.

MOVIE: The AFI Silver is offering both It's a Wonderful Life and Bad Santa, for those of you who like your Christmas offerings nicely juxtaposed. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively.