Our end-of-the-week picks for Dec. 6-8
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
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
ARTECHOUSE
Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special – Nov. 22 – Jan. 5, 2025
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.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
A Holiday Pops!
There’s only one place where you can experience White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s narration of “The Night Before Christmas” and that’s DC. Featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and Broadway star Jessica Vosk, this holiday concert offers a sparkling repertoire of song and story as well as some very special guests (note that Jean-Pierre will be present for performances on Dec. 6 and 8).
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
A Mass for Christmas Eve
If you’re in the mood for something joyfully musical and spiritually infused, the Folger has you covered. Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s 17th century composition will be performed by the Consort, the Folger Shakespeare Library’s early music ensemble. Charpentier’s dazzling Mass is paired with an even earlier musical form: the balulalow (Scottish for a type of religious lullaby).
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Saturday
Shop Local at Christkindlmarkt
Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden hosts the Christkindlmarkt every year, with a focus on local vendors. Tickets grant you access to the arts and crafts-laden market featuring goods from dozens of vendors and the historic mansion, which will be decorated to the nines. This year, the markt wraps up Maker Month, a new month-long celebration of artisans.
Hours
1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Georgetown Jingle
Spend a festive day in DC’s oldest neighborhood at its first-ever holiday music event. Wander through historic Georgetown’s cobbled streets to take in 10 live music performances across 10 outdoor venues. Expect an array of genres, from holiday a cappella and jazz to current pop and alternative. The neighborhood will be alive with cheer as more than 40 businesses offer discounts and pop-ups. You can cap it all off by following the St. Lucia Choir as they process toward Washington Harbour, where Swedish holiday treats await.
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
The District Holiday Boat Parade
Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the The Wharf. You can observe the parade free of charge, and there are holiday festivities to enjoy beforehand, including winter drink sampling, chances to meet Santa, ornament decorating and more. Prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels, which begin their journey at 6 p.m., fireworks will cap off the parade at 8 p.m. and live music will continue on until 9 p.m.
More Info
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
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.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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
NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas
Every year, National Public Radio (NPR) and the Kennedy Center join forces to bring outstanding jazz pianists together to perform their favorite Christmas classics for one night only. The holiday tradition has become a favorite in the District, so make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance. This year's concert features Grammy Award-winning pianist Kris Davis, 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition winner Jahari Stampley and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Black Leaves Dance Company: A Chocolate City Nutcracker
Are you ready for a wild new take on The Nutcracker? A young gay man at a historically Black college searches for his Prince; when he travels to the Land of Dreams, the audience is treated to a variety of African diasporic dance genres. Traditions are interwoven in this modern retelling.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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
Sunday
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.
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
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. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Frosted at Franklin Park
In the heart of Downtown DC, Franklin Park offers a picturesque holiday experience free to the public. Explore this year's featured installation: Illumination, a breathtaking display of thousands of festive lights – including a sparkling icicle walkway, giant snowflakes, a family of bears and a shining star – perfect for your holiday photo opp. The experience is open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Free Admission
1315 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
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
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
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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