Photo by LaTur.

MOVIES: Silverdocs presents a screening of By The People: The Election of Barack Obama at the AFI Silver Theater (8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring), followed by a panel discussion with Kevin Madden (National Press Secretary and Senior Communications Strategist for Governor Mitt Romney’s Presidential campaign in 2008), Candy Crowley (CNN Chief Political Correspondent) and moderator Don Gonyea (NPR National Political Correspondent). 8 p.m. $10.

>> Head to the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Avenue NW) this evening for a film screening, lecture and wine. First up: a showing of the Smithsonian Channel’s Ghost Cat: Saving the Clouded Leopard documentary.Then, hear from a biologist, keeper and scholar, who will each share their experiences with clouded leopards in the wild in and captivity. Finally, enjoy free wine from Barefoot Winery while you chat with the experts. The screening and lecture run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., while cocktail hour is from 8 to 9 p.m. $15.

SHOPPING: Pick up some gifts, including hand-crafted jewelry, candles, textiles and paper crafts at the Dumbarton House’s (2715 Q Street NW) annual Christmas Boutique today. While you shop, enjoy free refreshments and wine from 5-7 p.m. The boutique will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm.

THEATER: Second City performs A Girl’s Guide to Washington Politics, beginning tonight and continuing through January 9, at Woolly Mammoth Theatre (641 D Street NW). 8 p.m. $30.

MUSIC: When you think of Christmas music, you think of…tubas? Maybe not, but it’s a Merry TubaChristmas tonight at the Kennedy Center’s (2700 F Street NW) Millennium Stage, bringing together local tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players. Want to join in? Grab your instrument and attend practice this afternoon at 3 p.m. Performance begins at 6 p.m. Free.

>> Better Than Ezra performs at the 9:30 Club (815 V Street NW), along with Big Sam’s Funky Nation. 7 p.m. $25.

>> Carol Bui (***) comes to the Black Cat Backstage (1811 14th Street NW) tonight with Kristeen Young and Lucia Lucia. $10. 9:00 p.m.

DANCE: The Moscow Ballet travels to the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda) tonight to perform…you guessed it, The Nutcracker. They have put a unique twist on it with a nod to their home, calling their version the Great Russian Nutcracker. 7:30 p.m. $27.50-$87.50.