IF YOU GO

IF YOU GO
Washington, D.C.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT OF PEACE: On the Ellipse near the White House. Display of 57 holiday trees, one for each state, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, plus the National Christmas Tree. Choral groups, dancers and other entertainment are featured almost nightly through New Year's. Web site: www.pageantofpeace.org.
U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE: On the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. Web site: www.capitolholidaytree2003.org.
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: 2700 F St., NW. National Symphony Orchestra features several concerts, including Handel's "Messiah" Thursday to next Sunday. The Kirov Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" is featured Dec. 23-28. Call (800) 444-1324 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.
NATIONAL THEATRE: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. "Mamma Mia" musical, based on the songs of the pop group Abba, through Jan. 18. Call (800) 447-7400 or visit www.nationaltheatre.org.
FORD'S THEATRE: 511 10th St., NW. "A Christmas Carol," Tuesdays to Sundays through Dec. 31 (except Christmas Day). Call (800) 955-5566 or visit www.fordstheatre.org.
MOUNT VERNON: George Washington's famous estate in nearby Alexandria, Va., is decorated much as it would have been in the 18th century, through Jan. 6. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, including Christmas Day. Admission: adults, $11; seniors, $10.50; children, 6 to 11, $5; under 5, free. Customers may visit the gift shop, which features a variety of holiday items, without paying admission. Call (703) 780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
WARNER THEATRE: 13th & amp; E streets, NW. Through Dec. 28, the Washington Ballet performs "The Nutcracker." Call (800) 551-SEAT or visit www.washingtonballet.org.
POPE JOHN PAUL II CULTURAL CENTER: 3900 Harewood Road, NE. Through Jan. 25, the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center features "Joy to the World: Third Annual International Nativity Exhibit." Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Call (202) 635-5400 or visit www.jp2cc.org.
WHITE HOUSE TOURS: Contact your Congressional representative or visit www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours.
U.S. CAPITOL: Tickets for guided tours of the U.S. Capitol are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are distributed beginning at 9 a.m. daily from the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol, near the intersection of First Street, SW, and Independence Avenue. Visit www.aoc.gov/visit/visit--overview.htm for more information.
WASHINGTON, D.C. CONVENTION AND TOURISM CORP.: For help in finding lodgings and packages, call (202) 789-7000 or visit www.washington.org.
Associated Press