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The Marchbanks Calendar—December by Harry Cimino. Image courtesy of the American Art Museum.

Monday, December 6: For an all-inclusive seasonal celebration, come see “Seasons of Light.” This annual performance highlights the customs of winter holidays from all over the world, such as Ramadan, Devali, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas and Winter Solstice celebrations. Tickets are required. Prices are $6 for adults, $5 for children, $3 for children under age 2 and $4 for Resident Members. You may purchase tickets online or at the Resident Associates Program box office which is located in the Ripley Center. Discovery Theater. Today at 11:30 AM. This event also repeats throughout the month of December, but show times vary. Please check goSmithsonian for show times on the day you intend to visit the National Mall.

Tuesday, December 7: Virginia Mecklenburg: Norman Rockwell and the Movies

Senior curator Virginia Mecklenburg shares the results of her research into Rockwell, his work, and the relationships between the artist and the movies. Rockwell was a masterful storyteller who could distill a complex narrative into a single frame and used cinematic strategies that later influenced and inspired filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Free, but registration required; visit the web at www.normanrockwell.eventbrite.com or call 202-633-8490. American Art Museum, 7:00-8:00 PM.

Wednesday, December 8: Beyond Granite: Global Approaches to Public Art, Placemaking, and National Commemoration

Are temporary works of public art as memorable and powerful as permanent ones? A renowned panel of experts examine this question in a discussion moderated by secretary of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts Thomas Luebke. Panelists will include: Julian Laverdiere, designer of the World Trade Center Tower’s Tribute in Light; Krzysztof Wodiczko, Harvard professor and artist with a specialty in temporary light installations; and Justine Simons curator of London’s Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Free. American Art Museum, 6:30 PM.

Thursday, December 9: Book Signings: Wolfgang Samuel

Author Wolfgang Samuel will be available to sign copies of his books on aviation history Glory Days, Watson’s Whizzers, and American Raiders. Free. Copies of the book will be available for sale in the museum store. Air and Space Museum, 1:30-5:00 PM.

Friday, December 10: Forensic Friday

Join Smithsonian forensic anthropologists as they study new cases from America’s historic past. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask the forensic anthropologists questions and observe first-hand the basic methods used for documenting human remains recovered from archaeological investigations. While you’re at the museum, be sure to check out the related exhibit Written in Bone. Free. Natural History Museum, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM. This event repeats today at 1:00 PM.

For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com