13 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Holiday-themed events abound with markets, parties, light shows, a circus performance, the Gay Men's Chorus, and a photo opp with Krampus.
‘Tis the season of holiday markets, holiday parties, and holiday shows. There are tons of ways to get into the festive spirit this weekend with performances by Step Afrika! and the Gay Men’s Chorus, markets featuring local artisans all over the city, and a themed Christmas celebration or two.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Salud Comunitaria: Stories of Latino DC Health Care Leaders
Join the National Museum of American History for a conversation about the health and well-being of D.C.’s Latino communities. The event will feature objects from the museum’s storage, a panel conversation with local leaders from Mary’s Center and La Clinica del Pueblo, and an exhibit tour of “A Story of Community” in the Giving in America exhibit. (National Museum of American History, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Free)
This historic house and museum was home to six generations of Martha Washington's descendants and includes the largest Washington Collection outside Mount Vernon. It's hosting a themed holiday party on its sprawling grounds focused on D.C’s emergence as a disco powerhouse in the 1970s. The garden grounds will be lit up and decorated in full disco flair, and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served at the Dower House. (Tudor Place; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; $25-$50)
Live! At The Library: Holiday Celebration
The Thomas Jefferson Building/Library of Congress stays open late on Thursdays for happy hour snacks and drinks and special performances or curated conversations. This week, fittingly, it’s a holiday theme: The library will light its holiday tree, serve holiday cocktails amid live music, and give a few pop-up talks about the literary Christmas tree. You can also access the Main Reading Room, which isn’t normally open to the public. (Thomas Jefferson Building; 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; FREE but requires registration)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
Chamber of Comedy – Adams Morgan Comedy Showcase
The DC Arts Center is hosting its final comedy showcase of the year on Friday. Get there early to grab a drink and peruse the art gallery before taking your seat for the show. Winston Hodges is headlining, with other performances by Justin Um, Jack Coleman, Auriel Haack, Tarunika Anand, and more. (The DC Arts Center; 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.; $12-$15)
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Step Afrika!’s holiday show starts its run this Friday and goes through Dec. 22. Enjoy a 90-minute step show with an interactive twist, featuring some time on stage with “DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends.” Great for the whole family. (Arena Stage; Various dates and times; tickets starting at $129)
Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure
This circus performance is showing for the first time in Dulles, Virginia this year. It’s a “modern twist on a beloved classic circus,” featuring a tight-wire acrobat, aerial acrobatics, and BMX bikers. (Dulles Town Center; various dates and times; starting at $20 for children and $35 for adults)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Family Workshop: To Be a Shakespearean Actor
The Folger team is hosting a workshop on Elizabethan acting styles for kids and teens. It’s a good way to get the young ones in your life acquainted with the Bard. If you’re not into acting or don’t have kids, Folger has released its full schedule of winter events, including a holiday concert and an Emily Dickinson birthday tribute reading. (Folger Shakespeare Library; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.; FREE)
Presented in partnership with the Anacostia BID, this holiday market at the Anacostia Arts Center will feature Black-owned vendors, a live DJ set, and free photos with Santa. (Anacostia Arts Center; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; FREE)
The annual holiday extravaganza from the Gay Men’s Chorus is back at the Lincoln Theatre, featuring a mix of modern and classic Christmas songs and a high-kicking “17th Street Dance.” The youth chorus and small ensembles will also perform. A full playbill is linked on the site. (Lincoln Theatre; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $55)
Bring two dozen cookies to Mr. Henry’s for a neighborhood cookie party with some cider and socializing. You can do homemade or store-bought. The second floor of the restaurant will be decked out in holiday decor for the event. (Mr. Henry’s Restaurant; 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.; $5)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
Feeling witchy this Christmas? Krampus and Santa will both make an appearance Wunder Garten's holiday market. There will be local artists and vendors, Christmas games, Tarot readings, and storytimes. Photo proceeds from photos with Santa/Krampus will go to The h3 Project. (Wunder Garten; 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE but registration is required)
Holiday Market 2024 at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
It’s the 29th annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market in Del Ray. Different artists are at the market each weekend selling wares like textiles, glass, jewelry, ceramics, photography, wood, watercolors, and more. (Del Ray Artisans Gallery in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; FREE)
It’s the Jingle Bell Run’s 40th year raising money for arthritis research. Wear your holiday gear and sign up with a team for the greatest festive spirit on this 5K timed or untimed run. (West Post at National Landing; 8 a.m.; $40 - $45)
