Photo by LaTur.

FOOD & DRINK: The Tabard Inn (1739 N Street NW) is hosting a whiskey class hosted by David Perkins of High West Distillery, who will impart whiskey history and food pairing knowledge, and mixologist Chantal Tseng, who will create some delicious cocktails. Email Chantal Tseng to RSVP. 5:30-6:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m. $45 includes tastings, 2 cocktails, food, tax and tip.

>> The Wine and Chocolate Dinner at BRABO (1600 King Street, Alexandria), is not an evening of desserts, but rather a five-course dinner featuring grilled swordfish, valrhona tagliatelle, chestnut stuffed quail, seared loin and braised leg of Scottish hare, and chocolate cherry walnut dessert, all prepared with some sort of chocolate (mole, chocolate au lait, etc.) and thoughtfully paired with wine. For reservations, contact Christina Hardin at (571) 482-3308 or email. 7 p.m. $85 (plus tax and tip).

ACROBATICS: Thirty performers, including tight-rope walkers, acrobats and other bendy, bouncy athletes, will dress up as ornaments, reindeer, and other holiday characters for the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show at the Kennedy Center (2700 F Street NW), premiering tonight and continuing through December 12. 7:30 p.m. $31- $82.

CHRISTMAS: Nancy Pelosi leads the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (not to be confused with impossible-to-get-tickets-to National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony) on the west lawn of the Capitol. 5 p.m. Free.

BENEFIT: Calling all Look Up fans, Iota (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) is hosting a Benefit to Save the Arlington Planetarium tonight, with performances by The Chance, Janel and Anthony, Koshari, Demivolt and Dreamscapes Project. 8 p.m. $10 minimum donation.