Our end-of-the-week picks for Dec. 12-14, 2025
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.
It's time to celebrate history in a whole new way! The Countdown to DC250 check-in challenge is here, a month-long adventure that takes you through historic landmarks, museums and hidden gems throughout DC in celebration of America's 250th.
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Friday
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
The 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats.
Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
Winter Wonderfest
Celebrate the season with days of magical merriment at Nationals Park, which will transform into the city's headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling and fantastically fun. Activities include a 100-foot tubing slide, a Northern Lights Experience, a winter train ride, LED see-saws, a putt-putt challenge, curling lanes, a snowball speed throw challenge and a sculpture garden. There will even be a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy. Tickets are available now. Use the code "VISITDC" for $5.50 off each ticket purchased.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show combines clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance.
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
An Irish Carol
The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older.
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Algernon Cadwallader
The work of Algernon Cadwallader masterfully blends emo and math rock, so fans have been exuberant in enjoying this year’s Trying Not to Have a Thought, the group’s first release featuring its original lineup since 2008. The quartet visits one of the coolest new venues in town, The Atlantis, with new songs and classics in tow.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Matt Rogers: Christmas in December
Take a break from the stress of the holiday season and have a night filled with laughter at the 9:30 Club. Matt Rogers is one of the funniest comedians working today, his star burning brighter than ever thanks to his work with Bowen Yang on the Las Culturistas podcast. Rogers is an expert in improv and has a ton of musical talent, so prepare for an evening filled with holiday cheer and chuckles.
8 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Saturday
Events DC Presents: The Battle for the Real HU
CareFirst Arena is about to host some very intense hoops action. DC’s Howard University and Virginia’s Hampton University have a rivalry that goes back decades, which makes this doubleheader (women’s game at 12 p.m., men’s game at 3 p.m.) a can’t-miss for local basketball fans. Your tickets grant you access to both games.
12 p.m. & 3 p.m. | Tickets
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
WWE
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event featuring John Cena’s final match
A titanic figure in the history of wrestling jumps into the ring for the final time at DC’s Capital One Arena. John Cena is now a global megastar, starring in films and TV shows after rising to the pinnacle of the WWE 17 times. Yep, that’s right, Cena is a 17-time world champion, and his farewell tour makes its last step in the District. Get your tickets to this epic occasion ASAP. Also, be sure to check out the free fan festival that accompanies the event, which will feature local food trucks, a WWE/Fanatics Official Merchandise Trailer, a sign making station for fans to create custom farewell messages, photo and video booths for fans to record personal goodbyes to John Cena and live entertainment.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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
Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal
The Folger Consort showcases holiday music from Spain and Portugal in a beloved annual tradition, including multi-voiced choral renditions of works by 16th-century Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano, considered to be the first published Black composer of European music. The performance will also feature early Spanish Christmas carols and odes to prominent Spanish composers of the 1500s.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
A Christmas Carol
In this time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital, acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. 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
Washington Improv Theater
A Very Improv Holiday
Unscripted holiday cheer is here! Prepare for a joyous escape with Washington Improv Theater's comedians during their holiday run of performances at DC's Studio Theatre. The ensemble features some of the fastest and funniest minds in the region and they're ready to take your silliest suggestions and transform them into jaw-droppingly hilarious scenes, entirely made up on the spot.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Cash Money Millionaires
The Anthem offers an awesome bill with hip-hop legends set to be on stage throughout the night. Cash Money Records celebrates its 30th anniversary with a set of their signature hits performed by Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Birdman and B.G. That’s enough for a great show, but they’ll also be joined by Beanie Sigel, Freeway and Young Gunz, meaning you’re in for an epic night of crowd-moving classics.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Dream Syndicate
As ringleaders of Los Angeles’ Paisley Underground Movement, The Dream Syndicate released four LPs that pushed the boundaries of punk and new wave and relentlessly toured from 1982-1988. Their 2012 reunion means you can still enjoy their immaculately arranged songs; the group will play their LP, Medicine Show, in its entirety during this set at Union Stage.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
Photo by Ruth Orkin
Ruth Orkin: Women on the Move
The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 21 vintage photos by Ruth Orkin. The collection documents women’s lives in the mid-20th century across images of European tourists, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps members, Hollywood celebrities, Broadway stars and women at work in classrooms, parks and neighborhoods.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
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 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing just before Christmas.
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Metro's Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Shop goodies galore like t-shirts, socks, toys, ornaments and of course, the limited-edition Metro Holiday Sweater everyone’s been trying to get their hands on. (Yes, this is your only chance to grab one in person and supplies are limited). Find Metro's Holiday Pop-Up Shop on the first floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. More things to look forward to: candy-colored Metro gifts, sweet surprises and DMV pride wrapped up with a bow. Plan a trip with Metro now.
Hours & Information
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show
Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas.” Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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.
