Visit Bethlehem Close to Home

The historic Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is a hidden gem in the Brookland neighborhood, with full-size replicas of Holy Land shrines, including the grottoes from Nazareth and Bethlehem, and peaceful gardens. Take a free tour daily on the hour (schedule: www.myfranciscan.org) to see the grottoes or stop by to enjoy the quiet in the church and gardens and to browse the gift shop.

Also, join the friars on Dec. 6, 4 p.m., for a Christmas concert with the Ron Freeman Chorale and on Dec. 24, 1 p.m.. for the annual blessing and lighting of more than 1,000 luminaria that will illuminate the outside portico through New Year’s Eve (order yours at www.fmgg.org), then come for Midnight Mass and the Procession to the Nativity Grotto.

The Franciscan Monastery is at 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, DC 20017. Free parking. Details and a calendar of events is online at www.myfranciscan.org and on Facebook.com/franciscanmonastery.