Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Monday

The People's House

Home, History, Holidays: Celebrating White House Traditions 
The People’s House hosts a temporary exhibit to celebrate the holiday traditions of the White House. Interact with stories and content showcasing the White House’s legendary decorations, the tradition of Menorah lightings and other seasonal cheer. All ages are welcome to join in this holiday exploration.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission (donations suggested)
The People’s House, 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

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

Jay Som
Melina Duterte has been busy, but Jay Som … not so much. Duterte took a hiatus from her solo project to collaborate and guest star with a range of musicians over the last several years, including indie darlings boygenius (she won a Grammy for her work on The Record). After a trio of albums released between 2016 and 2019 showcased Duterte’s incredible songwriting skills, she triumphantly returned this year with Belong and fortunately, her supporting tour visits DC’s The Atlantis.
6:30 p.m. |  Tickets
The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Raekwon & Mobb Deep
Two venerable hip-hop artists share a bill at The Fillmore Silver Spring. Both Raekwon and Mobb Deep dropped legendary albums in 1995 (Only Built 4 Cuban Linx by the former, The Infamous by the latter), making it a fitting time to celebrate each. While Mobb Deep’s Prodigy sadly passed in 2017, remaining member Havoc carries on the group’s gritty sound with an array of special guests. Raekwon, who first emerged as part of the Wu-Tang Clan, has built an outstanding solo career in his own right.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Tuesday

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Winternational
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center hosts this embassy showcase, a free and open-to-the-public event that features more than 50 embassies based in DC (registration required). Nations will display stunning displays of visual art and share delicious cuisine and handmade treasures as well as insights into tourism around the world.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  |  Register
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

DowntownDC Holiday Market
The DowntownDC Holiday Market occupies 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 holiday season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing for the season just before Christmas. 
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC

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 Garden, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required. This year's theme? Dinosaurs. 
The Botanic Garden will stay open late on Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and Jan. 1. It is closed on Dec. 25.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission 
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

ho ho ho ha ha ha
Julia Masli’s award-winning show that changes literally every night returns to Woolly Mammoth Theatre with a special festive edition. The audience’s problems are invited to the stage and wow, does Masli have some surprising and hilarious solutions. Prepare to see a production unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

Wednesday

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
 

Dupont Circle Pop-up

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Opening just before Thanksgiving through mid-December, 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

National Museum of American History

How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories
A new exhibit at the National Museum of American History, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, explores California’s “Little Manila,” a community of Filipinos that thrived from the 1910s to the 1970s. Through more than 50 artifacts found in preserved steamer trunks (three of which are on display in the gallery), visitors can gain insight into what was once the largest population of Filipinos living outside of their home country.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

Washington Ballet

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

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

Thursday

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

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

Step Afrika!

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.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

Keegan Theatre

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

Rhett Miller
As both a solo artist and leader of the esteemed alt-country group Old 97’s, Rhett Miller has made a name for himself penning thoughtful tunes that mix just the right amount of honky-tonk and rock. Miller is going to have the joint jumpin’ at Union Stage, an intimate DC venue located at The Wharf.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

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