A holiday edition of Phillips after 5 celebrates impressionist master of the ballet Edgar Degas and the 50th anniversary of The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker with excerpts by Washington School of Ballet students. Costumed characters mingle with guests, and dancers speak in the galleries about their impressions of Degas’s work. Gallery talks at 6 and 7 pm spotlight another impressionist masterpiece, Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their ballet-inspired best, stop by the lipstick and blush bar by Le Métier de Beauté, and pose with props from The Nutcracker in a photo booth. In the season’s spirit of giving, a spread of holiday sweets will be managed by DC Central Kitchen’s Fresh Start Catering. A specialty “Sugar Plum Cocktail” is available at the cash bar in the Music Room, where Yvonne Johnson Trio plays live jazz.

WHEN: Thurs., Dec. 1
5–8:30 p.m.

COST: $12 for adults, $10 for visitors 62 and over and students, free for members and visitors 18 and under. Due to the event’s popularity, advance reservations are encouraged to ensure admission: www.phillipscollection.org/Phillipsafter5.

WHERE: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Q Street)