Our end-of-the-week picks for Dec. 27-29
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
Best of DC Showcase – Dec. 27-28
Winter blues don’t exist at DC Improv. Close out December with some major laughs courtesy of the DMV’s best stand-up comics. No lightweights here: these headliners have performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, BET and Comedy Kumite, and with the likes of Norm Macdonald and Hannibal Burress, collectively. Add some jolly to your holly and wrap up 2024 right.
Tickets
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
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
Saturday
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
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
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
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
& 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
The Disco Biscuits – Dec. 27-28
The quintessential modern jam band, The Disco Biscuits blend electronic and rock sounds into their own veritable stew of live music goodness. The group’s “trance fusion” has captivated audiences around the world, especially on the festival circuit in the U.S. The Fillmore Silver Spring is the perfect venue for the Biscuits’ infinitely danceable and expansive sound. You can expect a large crowd for the Philadelphia-based quartet as they’re booked to play consecutive nights.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Sunday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
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
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
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.
