Welcome to the Discovery Theater!

Seasons of Light

Please Note: We only have availability for groups at our 1:00 p.m. shows on Dec. 8th and 13th

Weekdays, Dec. 1-20, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Additional 1 p.m. performances on Dec. 8, 13, and 15

Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian

Recommended for Ages: 5 to 10 / K to Grade 5

Tickets (

Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday festivals the world over. This signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive extravaganza bridging communities and cultures.

Please note: Group tickets for Seasons of Light are priced at $7 per person; individual tickets are $8 for children and $9 for adults.

Connections to the Classroom: Holidays Around the World; Cultural Celebrations; Winter Solstice; Seasonal Science; Diversity and Community; World Language; Language Arts; Call and Response; Theater/Performing Arts

What teachers have said about the show!

“The show fits perfectly with our Social Studies curriculum.” 2nd Grade Teacher, Maryland

“We have been going to this show every year because it's a great way of helping the Kindergarten students understand the different ways that Winter holidays are celebrated around the world.” -Kindergarten Teacher, Maryland

“We have a very diverse population and it's important to us that our students see themselves in the performers and the show's topics. This show highlights and covers religious and cultural holidays that many others do not, and does it in an authentic way.” -K-2nd Grade Teacher, Maryland

“This has always been a great show and connects directly with our work on world views & cultural traditions.” -Kindergarten Teacher, DCPS

The 2023-2024 Discovery Theater Season is made possible by a generous grant from the Nora Roberts Foundation

Learning Guide

Seasons of Light Learning Guide.