Tuesday night, we went to the Smithsonian Associates' reception, The Christmas Markets of Europe: A Festive Stroll at the S. Dillon Ripley Center. Christmastime in Europe is a joyous time during the long winter weeks. We snapped journalist Fred Plotkin, who took us through a festive stroll of Christmas and culture in cities such as Dresden, Strasbourg, Prague, Leipzig, Vienna, London and Barcelona. He's with pianist Glenda Finley.

Guests enjoyed holiday music and European hors d'oeuvres and sweets like prosciutto and salami crostini, chicken brochettes, Alsatian onion and cheese tarts and a display of Christmas cookies. Here, Dawn Wampler and Weichert Realtors' Thelma Harvey and Elizabeth Loo-Vinnedge.

Everyone also enjoyed stollen, a special dessert eaten during the Christmas season in Germany. It's bread with dried fruit covered in powdered sugar. Here, Karen Hilliard, National Student Clearing House's Michele Gralak and McLean Bible's Cindy Quillian.

EPA's Jim and Andra Pecot, Peggy and Doug McVicar, and Mitre's Holly and Duane Hartge.

Heather Mahoney and Richelle Castillo contributed to this issue.