Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

Another huge weekend in Washington, DC. If you haven’t seen some lights or visited holiday markets you can find all of that festive fun here.

All weekend

Winterfest at Adventure Theatre
Get three winter-themed shows for the price of one! Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Playing through Jan. 2, 2022.

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming José Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s beloved Radio Play adaptation, featuring traditional caroling and new staging throughout. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a memorable journey. Length: 75 minutes. No intermission.. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Playing through Dec. 27, 2021.

A Christmas Carol at Olney Theatre
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Olney’s favorite Christmas tradition. Paul Morella’s captivating solo performance of the Dickens classic keeps audiences coming back season after season. They come for the masterful storytelling and come back for the way Paul keeps this tale fresh, year-after-year. Experience the unforgettable characters and vivid imagery as Charles Dickens originally intended – in his own words – and rediscover this timeless classic presented in a masterful solo performance. Adapted from Dickens’ original novella and reading tour, Morella’s solo version will transport you back to Victorian England and into the heart of this classic morality tale. This critically acclaimed production has become a holiday must-see. Playing through Dec. 26, 2021.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo
Join the Puppet Co. for our 33rd annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Playing through Jan. 2, 2022.

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, Experience the magic of The Washington Ballet’s charmingly-DC The Nutcracker! This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With 30 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed. Playing through Dec. 26, 2021.

Enchant Christmas: The Mischievous Elf is at Nationals Park through January 2, 2022. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they come right out of a childhood Christmas dream. Marvel at the 100 ft. animated tree, glide across the glistening Ice Skating Trail, pose for photos with Santa himself, and sip and savor delicious festive holiday treats every step of the way. Become part of the magical Christmas story of “The Mischievous Elf”. Eddie the elf has misplaced some very important gifts and needs your help finding them within the North Pole’s dazzling lights. Will you come and help save Christmas?

Christmas at the Gaylord now through December 31, 2021. There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than gathering your family at Gaylord National. Explore acres of twinkling lights and decorations and hours of exciting holiday activities, shows, and events, including our Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, I Love Christmas Movies™ featuring five beloved films. See this list of all of the fun activities.

Noseda conducts Handel’s Messiah (Part I) & Bach’s Magnificat at The Kennedy Center
Don’t miss the glorious return of Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition! For the very first time, Gianandrea Noseda conducts the NSO in selections from the quintessential musical crown of the season: Handel’s Messiah. Experience the beauty of “Rejoice,” “For unto us a Child is born,” “Comfort Ye,” and more iconic music of Messiah’s Part I—coupled with Bach’s celebratory showpiece Magnificat.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at MGM National Harbor
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.

The Nutcracker at Montgomery College
Magical dolls, life-sized mice, dancing snowflakes, and an enchanting kingdom of sweets return to stage this holiday season for Maryland Youth Ballet’s LIVE production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the incredible dancing and dazzling costumes bring to life the story of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince. Join us back at the theater for the full-length classic choreographed by Artistic Director, Olivier Muñoz.

A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 19-22, 2021
Jingle all the way! Join two-time Grammy winners – the DC region’s dynamic Washington Chorus for a festive family holiday concert like nothing else!

Friday

5:00pm-10:00pm: 2021 Holiday Market
In partnership with DCBB Productions, Made in Arlington and Bun’d Up, the market will feature live music, delicious bites and 31 (and growing) local vendors offering something for everyone on your list. Current vendor and music details are available here. The Holiday Market will be held at the 2121 Crystal Drive pergola. Admission is free and open to the public.

7:30pm: Christmas with the King’s Singers at The Washington National Cathedral
Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with one of Britain’s most beloved vocal ensembles, The King’s Singers, in their only Washington-area appearance. With Christmas favorites to lesser-known gems to some brand-new surprises, there’s no better way to embrace the warmth of the season than with these six talented singers. Featuring songs from their albums “Finding Harmony,” “Christmas” and “The King’s Singers Christmas Songbook.” You are invited to come home to the Cathedral this Christmas to embrace everything that Christmas and the Cathedral have to offer.

8:00pm: The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas at Strathmore
Jingle all the way! Join two-time Grammy winners—the DC region’s dynamic Washington Chorus—for a festival family holiday concert like nothing else. “A Candlelight Christmas” features The Washington Chorus (Eugene Rogers, Artistic Director) with brass, organ, and special guests in this spirited holiday music experience. Delight in our signature candlelight processional; raise your voice in our audience carol sing-along; and leave humming with a candy cane and a heart filled with holiday cheer. “A Candlelight Christmas” is among the DC region’s most treasured holiday traditions—join The Washington Chorus in community and song for this unforgettable holiday experience. This event is not presented by Strathmore.

Saturday

9:00am-11:00am: Winterland at Wonder
Play amid a fantastical world of blue forests and snowy mountain tops, in a place where kids (and kids at heart) hold the power to find the magic (…and our missing Yeti). (Seriously.) Jump in a pile of snow (okay, it’s really a ball pit), build an igloo in an igloo, warm up with some hot chocolate, and discover your Wonder animal. Bonus: each week features a different hands-on, sensory-rich interactive play experience.

9:30am-4:30pm: National Children’s Museum
A new visiting exhibit that explores the Arabic alphabet opens at the Museum! Join for a full day of inspired programming as they celebrate the opening of the Alif Ba Exhibition, an experience produced by Qatar Foundation in honor of the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture, on World Arabic Language Day and Qatar National Day.

10:00am-1:00pm: Holiday Movie Pajama Party
ShowPlace ICON Theater at The Boro is opening its doors for a pajama party featuring your favorite holiday movies! Snuggle up for the show, then enjoy themed music, candy-filled goodie bags, crafts and a photo booth in the lobby. You can also enter a social media PJ contest for the chance to win a $100 gift card to come back to the movies! Elf (2003) – 10:15AM, The Polar Express (2004) – 10:30AM, Dr. Suess’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – 10:45AM. Admission is $6 and includes a small drink and popcorn. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

2:00pm: A Family Christmas at The Kennedy Center
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them!

2:00pm-5:00pm: 2021 Holiday Market
In partnership with DCBB Productions, Made in Arlington and Bun’d Up, the market will feature live music, delicious bites and 31 (and growing) local vendors offering something for everyone on your list. Current vendor and music details are available here. The Holiday Market will be held at the 2121 Crystal Drive pergola. Admission is free and open to the public.

5:30pm & 7:30pm: Drive-in movie: The Santa Clause & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Sunday

1:30pm & 4:00pm: Corduroy at Imagination Stage
We all need a friend, and Lisa is instantly drawn to the perfectly imperfect teddy bear on display at the department store. If only she can convince her stressed-out mother to buy Corduroy for her! Meanwhile, Corduroy is determined to find his missing button and become worthy of going to a real home. After the store has closed, he goes on a hilariously destructive search–with the Night Watchman in comical pursuit. Full of mischief and clowning, this story of unconditional love, based on the books by Don Freeman, captures both the humanity and the merriment of the holiday season. Best for ages 3-9. The 1:30pm show is a socially distanced performance. Seats will be assigned at a later date to ensure enough space in between parties.

Winter camps:

Dec. 20 – Dec. 31: HoopEd Sports Camp

Dec. 20 – Dec. 30: Squash on Fire

Dec. 23 & Dec. 27 – 30: Dynamite Gymnastics

Dec 23 – 31: My Gym Potomac

Dec. 23 – Dec. 31: Gymnastics Camp at Silver Stars

Dec. 27-30: Woodland Horse Center