Things to do the week of Dec. 23-26, 2024
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
DowntownDC Holiday Market – Final Day
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
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle – Final Day
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. 23 (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
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Winter Glow – Final Day
See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, purchase gifts from the Mount Vernon shops and enjoy holiday drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, Executive Orders.
Tickets
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
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
Death on the Nile
Agatha Christie’s adored Hercule Poirot solves a love triangle/murder mystery at Arena Stage. This adaptation marks Ken Ludwig’s fourth premiere at the venue and Hana Sharif’s DC directorial debut. Get ready for a night of intrigue and action. Select shows on Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 include a post-show conversation.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth 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.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain
Shakespeare is alive and well in DC this December; this is very much not “the winter of our discontent.” Add a little fright to your experience of the Bard when you catch Grammy winner Patrick Page moving through portrayals of more than a dozen of Shakespeare’s villains in this 90-minute one-man show. Each performance is followed by a talk-back with Patrick Page.
Tickets
Shakespeare Theatre Company, Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Tuesday
JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience
A hero is a hero, but which iconic comic book character(s) can be called a real mensch? Find the answer and learn some fascinating trivia at the Capital Jewish Museum, which explores the theme of superheroes from the 1930s to the 1960s with Jewish backgrounds. Whether these well-loved protagonists had Jewish creators or celebrated their own bar mitzvahs in the comic’s pages, fun facts and a history of chutzpah await. Contemporary graphic novels and DC-focused lore are also included.
Tickets
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
ARTECHOUSE
Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special
Join ARTECHOUSE for a holiday celebration where tradition meets innovation. The warmth of the holidays is reimagined through cutting-edge digital artistry. Let Tingle Bells be your space for reflection, relaxation and the rediscovery of joy. Step into a world of serenity and sensory wonder this holiday season with an immersive digital exhibition designed to soothe your senses and warm your spirit. Use the code 'AEF10' at the link below.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), the National Building Museum and Events DC have arranged to offer a free indoor synthetic ice rink set in the museum’s Great Hall. Be there for special guest appearances, food and lots of fun family activities. Skating is free and skates can be rented for just $5. There will also be special skating sessions for toddlers and young children as well as themed skate nights. Note that the rink will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
More Information | Free Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Wednesday
Christmas Day Organ Recital
Enliven your Christmas afternoon with a trip to the National Cathedral as house organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren perform a program of festive music. The free performance does not require tickets to attend. A livestream will also be available.
Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Celebrate Hanukkah around the District
The District is shining bright for the Jewish festival of lights. Take part in menorah lightings on all eight nights at the larger-than-life National Menorah as well as at the Union Market District.
DC Holiday Hunt
This holiday season, DC’s "main streets" come alive with DC Holiday Hunt, a festive scavenger hunt. From historic sites to modern marvels, explore Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle and U Street, among other locales, while completing holiday missions and supporting local businesses to win prizes.
Thursday
Season's Greenings
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. The exhibit also includes a spectacular addition: a Blue Rooster model by designer Brian Sentman created in honor the famous Hahn/Cock sculpture located on the roof of the National Gallery of Art's Eats Building. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
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
Life of Pi
Based on Yann Martel’s beloved novel, this Tony- and Olivier-Award-winning play will leave you exhilarated. Shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean, 16-year-old Pi must survive on a lifeboat with four hungry animal companions, Royal Bengal tiger included. A singular story of hope and perseverance, the stage adaptation uses world-class puppetry and stunning visuals.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
& Juliet
Fresh takes on much-loved classics are in no short supply this winter. If you want to know what happens in the “happy ending” version of Romeo and Juliet (which doesn’t mean “happily ever after”!), this retelling is not to be missed. Follow Juliet in her new beginning as imagined by the Emmy Award-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Leopoldstadt
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall stages Tom Stoppard’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning play with direction from Carey Perloff. Leopoldstadt unfolds over nearly 60 years, following a Jewish family through their assimilation into Viennese culture, the outbreak of two World Wars and the devastating aftermath of the Holocaust.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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