16 things to around D.C. this weekend
Holiday markets, indoor ice skating, plays, concerts, and more to do this weekend.
Mark the full Solstice Moon with witchy drinks, holiday markets, and a visit to the planetarium. This weekend’s performances range from a hip-hop version of The Nutcracker to a concert honoring an iconic all-female music festival. There’s something for everyone — enjoy!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
Thursday is the last night of Union Station’s holiday market, located in the main hall of the train station. Co-hosted by DCBB Productions, the market will include vintage clothing, homegoods, and homemade products from local vendors in the region. (Union Station; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
On Thursday evening, local musician Patrick Budd will be playing at Big Bear Cafe’s “Free Live Music” night. The indie folk singer/songwriter has been compared to artists like Noah Khan, Zach Bryan, and Gregory Alan Isakov. (Big Bear Cafe; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; FREE)
Start celebrating the solstice a few days ahead of time at the Witchy Winter Solstice Party at the Dew Drop Inn. Attendees are invited to “get witchy and weird for Yuletide” and can expect witchy crafts, a tarot reader, and a solstice ritual. (Dew Drop Inn; 7 p.m.; FREE)
Anju is kicking off the weekend early with a “Noche Buena” themed party featuring locally celebrated chefs from Lutèce, Pascual’s, and Qui Qui DC. (Anju; Doors open at 10 p.m.; Menu prices vary)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Friday is the first night of The Hip Hop Nutcracker’s tour stops at the National Theatre. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, the show is a twist on the Tchaikovsky mainstay, and includes all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. (The National Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $115+)
On Friday, DC Improv is hosting comic Greg Warren. Audience members may recognize him from “The Salesman” comedy special and the Amazon Prime special “Where The Field Corn Grows.” (DC Improv; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. shows; $22+)
Take the whole family to the Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons Corner. The approximately 45-minute walk celebrates traditional Chinese lantern festivals. It will include handmade and artisan-made lanterns, live entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, a bounce house, and more. (8025 Galleria Drive; 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; $16.99+)
People For Fairness Coalition Vigil
The People For Fairness Coalition will hold its 12th annual memorial and vigil for people who died while homeless on Friday. Opening services and procession will begin at 4 p.m. at Luther Place Memorial Church. There will also be a service on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Epiphany. (Luther Place Memorial Church, 4 p.m. FREE)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Relive the magic of the iconic Lilith Fair — the groundbreaking all-female music festival co-founded by Sarah McLachlan in the late '90s. This local tribute features performances by Cathy DiToro, Jahnel Daliya, Kelly DiFilippo, Tami Brumett, Erin Aminah, and more. (The Atlantis; Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; $20)
The National Building Museum is opening its doors to ice skaters until January 4, with toddler time, family skates, and themed sessions nearly every day. Saturday’s theme is Madonna and Lady Gaga. (National Building Museum; 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.; FREE with $5 skate rental)
Local artist and author Rain Young is hosting Shape of Soap, a free soap-making workshop, just in time for the gift-giving season. Attendees of all skill levels are invited to join in the fun, creating colorful and scented glycerin soaps. (Anacostia Community Museum; 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.; FREE)
The owners of Wunder Garten are bringing a festive wonderland to Logan Circle this holiday season. Attendees can expect a spread of holiday cocktails including gingerbread, old fashioned, and peppermint espresso martinis. (1341 14th St. NW; 2 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
Don your merriest garb and join in on a bar crawl through downtown Clarendon. Partygoers will have all-day food and drink specials at bars including Coco B’s, Clarendon Ballroom, Underground, and Hyde Social (Downtown Clarendon; 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.; $5 - $20)
The Rock Creek Park Nature Center is hosting a Stellar Star Show at their planetarium to explore how different cultures have interpreted the longest day of the year throughout history. Please note that this event is recommended for ages 5 and up. (Rock Creek Park Nature Center; 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
This Sunday is the last Bloomingdale Farmers Market of the year. Stock up on everything from artisan breads to pasture-raised meats before the market reopens on January 5. (The 100 Block of R Street NW, between First St NW and Florida Ave NW; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Not to be confused with the Union Station market, last-minute gift buyers can head to Union Market to wrap up their holiday shopping. Hosted by La Cosecha’s Arttepuy, the Union Market holiday will include gifts and products from artisans and small businesses from across the region. (Union Market; 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
