Our end-of-the-week picks for Nov. 22-24
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
DowntownDC Holiday Market
This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 20th year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The DowntownDC BID has partnered with The Makers Show to revitalize the market. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, opening just ahead of Thanksgiving on Nov. 22 (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing for the season on Dec. 23.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
The Second City’s Dance Like There’s Black People Watching
From the creators of Black Side of the Moon and She the People comes a highly anticipated new production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. The Second City returns with an exclusive new show created just for Woolly Mammoth filled with rising stars, hilarious songs and sketches and razor-sharp satire, all together in a perfect improv package.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Christmas Carol
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Dinosaur Live
Generational improv stars take the stage together at Lincoln Theatre, among them the comedic brilliance of Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel and Jason Mantzoukas. Dinosaur Live’s nationwide tour comes to DC for one night only; expect a show packed with on-the-spot hilarity from legendary comedians.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
ZooLights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Saturday
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Make your way to the 1500 block of 19th Street NW for the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, which will feature 30-plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items from Nov. 22 to Dec. 15 (closed on Nov. 28). The market (which used to be situated Downtown) brings its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor and popular holiday treats, including Migue’s Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts. The neighborhood will also host its holiday pop-up on Dec. 7 and 8.
Monday-Friday, 12-8 p.m. | Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
Samantha Box: Confluences
The National Museum of Women in the Arts presents stunning documentary and studio-based photographs from Bronx-based artist Samantha Box in her first solo exhibition in the nation’s capital. Box’s two major bodies of work will be seen together for the first time, revealing complex conversations around nationality, race, class, gender and sexual orientation.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
The Other Americans – Final Weekend
Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo is the mastermind behind this compelling drama that will make its world debut at Arena Stage. Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens who is dealing with a failing business. When his son, Nick, returns from a mental wellness facility after a traumatic incident, Nelson must reckon with his past, protect his family and attempt to preserve the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils
DC's beloved hockey team takes another regional rival in what is sure to be an electric Saturday night for sports fans. The arena is considered one of the loudest and most boisterous stadiums in the NHL, and no wonder – roughly 19,000 red-clad fans pack the arena for each Caps game.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
The Print Generation
Early in the 20th century, a new generation of Japanese print artists took hold of the entire process of creation, from designing to carving to printing. The new approach, known as “sōsaku hanga”, led to raw and unique works throughout a period of turmoil in Japan. Many of these fascinating pieces will be on display in this new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Arena Stage
Data
Go behind the locked doors of Silicon Valley in this intriguing, suspense-laden play from Matthew Libby. Maneesh is an entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm. His brilliance prompts a transfer over to Data Analytics, where Maneesh sees what Athena is actually up to. Torn between idealism and success, the protagonist must come to terms with his identity.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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