December always brings a full calendar to the DC area, and it seems there is an endless stream of parties, food, and shopping to be had. Everyone can be a socialite in December!

SHOP TO IT (SHOPPING AND INDULGENCES)

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Two sparkling events are happening this week from the diamond industry. The Baubles and Bubbles event at Chas. Schwartz & Son in Mazza Gallerie tonight will feature special pricing on $5 million worth of diamonds (from 2 to 10 carats). Talk about bling! Mervis Diamond is also having their annual trunk show this weekend in Tysons. Stop by for a fabulous opportunity to get something sparkly for that special someone.

SCENE AND BE SEEN (EVENTS AND PARTIES)

Friday night just keeps getting better. Start the night at Midtown where they are rolling out the red carpet to host a charity event for Becky’s Fund, which is sure to be a blast. A $20 donation to fight domestic violence is suggested, and the happy hour starts early at 5 PM.

After that, make sure you stop by the City Tavern Club from 8 PM to midnight for a not-so-naughty drink in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Repeal Day. The Repeal Day Ball is a classy soiree featuring some snazzy drinks and jazzy costumes, so make sure to dress the part (sophisticated cocktail attire is recommended). It may be a recession, but we can still drink to old times. Visit www.dccraftbartendersguild.com to purchase tickets. Can’t get enough of the CTC? Their annual Santa Soiree is Saturday night. This black tie event is sure to be an affair to remember.

Get into the holiday spirit by taking part in a DC tradition. The Mormon Temple’s (no, not the Magic Kingdom) Festival of Lights is happening right now at their Visitor Center. Be dazzled by displays of Christmas cheer. For those with a wilder side, make sure to check out Zoo Lights at the National Zoo. Cuddle up with that special someone with date night at the National Zoo this Saturday, December 6th. Tickets are only $30 per couple for FONZ members and $40 for non-members. Starting at 5:30 PM, warm up the night with hot chocolate and gingerbread men, and a cuddly plush animal gift.

A personal note, the Alexandria Singers will be having their annual holiday concert, “A Mall and the Night Visitors” on Sunday, December 7th at 3 pm at Bishop Ireton HS in Alexandria. Come out for good family fun and an entertaining musical event. Yours truly will be there with bells on. Purchase tickets online at www.alexandriasingers.com. Make sure you mention my name when you buy!

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY (FOOD AND DRINK)

Holiday treats include on of my favorites, cookies! Check out Rock Creek at Mazza on Saturday, December 6th for Baking for the Holidays the Rock Creek Way at 10 AM. For $65 per person, you can enjoy a class from the pastry chef for healthy holiday desserts, including cookies and gingerbreads. That’s a deal when you factor in lunch and goodie bags! Santa will also be making an appearance at the mall from 9-10:30 AM, so come early to get in the holiday spirit!

A new matchbox is opening in DC. For those who love the Chinatown staple for great pizza, brunch, and more; make sure to visit the newest location at 521 8th street SE (near E). matchbox opens on Friday night.

P.S. For more great events - check out my latest issues of The Scene in Bisnow.

Every week, there are a ton of events that I want to go to - whether it’s a festival, concert, new restaurant, or party. The holidays are coming up, and there will be more fun things happening than I can imagine. For now, just a few highlights. The list will become more robust over the coming weeks. Think of this as Daily Candy marrying the Going Out Gurus.

SHOP TO IT (SHOPPING AND INDULGENCES)

Stop by Sephora for some yummy calorie-free treats. Philosophy is serving up goods that range from hot cocoa bath and shower gel, s’mores, gingerbread, and cranberry scented lip gloss. Don’t forget to indulge in the pumpkin pie. You can stay fresh, clean, and fat-free with these delicious products.

If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, Bath & Body Works is running a special on their Signature Collection scents online. Buy 5 for $25. I’m a fan of Black Raspberry Vanilla, Sensual Amber, and Pearberry. It’s not part of the Signature Collection, but Vanilla Bean Noel is a great once a year scent to stock up on for the holdiays. I usually buy at least three.

Love bling? Go to the International Gem and Jewelry Show at the Dulles Expo Center for FREE if you’re a Goldstar member. Find a sparkling holiday gift for yourself or a loved one. Friday, December 19 - Sunday, December 21.

SCENE AND BE SEEN (EVENTS AND PARTIES)

Jack’s Mannequin (and other guests) will be performing tonight at the 9:30 Club. If only I had heard about this event sooner, I would have definitely tried to make it. The show is now sold out, but check out 9:30 Club for the latest and greatest, including a three-night show in January by Thievery Corporation.

Sports and fashion collide with the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund’s Fashion Forward event. Tomorrow night from 7 pm to 11 pm, join Washington Redskins and Wizards girls at the hottest spot in town, Shadow Room, for a charity fashion show. Mingle with some of DC’s best philanthropists and party people, all in one spot. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

The 14th Annual BB&T Classic is December 7th this year. Always a good time, the schools competing include Virginia Tech vs. Navy and Maryland vs. George Washington. A local crowd favorite, make sure to get your tickets now. The tournament benefits the Children’s Charities Foundation. Tickets are $15, $40, and $125 from Ticketmaster.

Fun for the whole family. One of my favorite childhood books, Miss Nelson is Missing!, will be shared at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. This musical comedy is sure to please kids and adults alike. There’s plenty of time to see it. The show runs November 22, 2008 - January 4, 2009.

For the more grown up side, Hi-Ball events presents their annual New Year’s Eve blow-out will be held at National Harbour this year. Big Night DC will feature multiple floors, open bars, live music, and more. All-inclusive tickets are at their cheapest right now. A general ticket is currently going for $109.99, and VIP tickets are going for $169.99. While it may not be the cheapest event in town, it will certainly be the largest. Although, you may want to skip NYE this year in favor of an Inaugural Ball ticket. If you are looking for another big party alternative, check out the Downtown Countdown. Tickets range from $119-$200, with group rates available.

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY (FOOD AND DRINK)

My friend Mar wrote up a great review of Georgetown Cupcake. Whether you prefer Georgetown Cupcake, Hello Cupcake, Buzz Bakery, or CakeLove…there is certainly not a cupcake shortage in this town. With this economy, a cupcake is a sweet treat that won’t break the bank.

Speaking of money, there are a ton of recession specials around town. If you’re into the post-college kickball scene, head over to Kelly’s Irish Times for a $15 all-you-can-drink special featuring Miller Lite, Miller High Life and Blue Moon. Every Saturday night from 8 pm to 11 pm.

Taxi drivers beware, there are multiple Thanksgiving bar tours this weekend. Who knew it was time to give thanks and…drink? On Saturday, November 22nd, residents in DC, Maryland and Virginia can enjoy a full day of bar hopping across the metro area. The 2nd Annual Bethesda Fall Bar Tour and Upper East Fall Bar Tour (in DC) are sponsored by Lindy Promotions. Get $2 Miller Lites, food specials and more for just $10 per ticket. The Turkey Trot Tour in Arlington is sponsored by the Arlington Athletic and Social League and is only $5 (free if you’re a member). Features $2 Miller Lites, $4 Wild Turkey and Coke, and food specials.