Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

It’s officially the holiday season and we have you covered from holiday shows, ballets and concerts to tree lightings and holiday markets, Hanukkah celebrations and lightings, and gift guides. Be sure to click the above links as there are plenty of events happening this weekend that are included in those posts.

All weekend

Have yourself a MERRI little holiday season with a visit to the annual Merriweather District Holiday Market opening this Friday. Support unique small businesses as you venture through a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Charmery, sip some wine in our outdoor wine chalet and enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list. ‘Tis the season to celebrate with Merriweather District! Hours for the weekend are: December 2nd: 5:30pm-8:30pm, December 3rd: 1:00pm-8:00pm and December 4th: 1:00pm-5:00pm.

National Landing BID’s upcoming NaLaDays festivities, starting December 1 and go through December 24. This weekend starts with a holiday market, the return of the BID’s 2nd annual peppermint mocha matte competition, a Christmas tree lot and more, there will be holiday cheer and fun for all ages in National Landing this year.  PLUS, a light installation by Light Art Collection’s Belgian artists, Tom & Lien Dekyvere, Melwood’s Annual Miracle on 23rd Street celebration and a month-long holiday performance at Synetic Theater.

A Christmas season tradition: Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral. The Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other to experience Handel’s iconic work. Shortened “Family Edition” available on Saturday at noon. Live webcast available for Sunday’s performance.

Saturday

10:30am–11:30am: Children’s Drawing Workshop with Monica Rickert-Bolter
Artist Monica Rickert-Bolter (Prairie Band Potawatomi, Black, and German), featured in the museum’s online exhibition Ancestors Know Who We Are, demonstrates creating illustrations for books such as Journey of the Freckled Indian: A Tlingit Culture Story (2020). Participants are encouraged to make their own drawings during the workshop. Recommended for ages 5–10. Be sure to stop by the Native Art Market too!

11:00am-4:00pm: Super Stamps and the Season of Giving
Join the National Postal Museum for this all-ages event and learn more about how you can help support positive social change during the season of giving! There will be several activities, including Design Your Own Semipostal Stamp, Card Making, Shark Science and more.

11:00am: Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds and more. This year’s Grand Marshal is Redella “Del” Pepper, the recently retired, longest-serving member of Alexandria City Council with more than 36 years of service to the community.

11:30am-3:00pm: In-Person Winter Holiday Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Celebrate the season with SAAM! Enjoy winter-themed crafting, face painting, and story time under the twinkle lights in the Kogod Courtyard. DeMoya Watson Brown will read The Nutcracker, the classic holiday story with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on their remarkable adventures. Attendees of all ages can groove to the beat of DJ Harry Hotter, and embark on a scavenger hunt in the galleries to find winter-themed artworks. Participants also may take home an activities packet (while supplies last) to accompany The Nutcracker story time and continue the holiday magic. If you are unable to make it in person, or want to continue the celebration online, visit our Winter Holiday Family Zone for more crafts, coloring pages, and performance videos

11:30am-5:00pm: Holley Trolley Fest
In addition to Street Car Rides, Visit to Street Car Hall, and Movies from the 1920’s. Museum open from 11:30 to 5 p.m., with last tickets sold at 4 p.m. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on each street car trip.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Winter Wonderland in Bethesda
Celebrate the holiday season at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery (corner of Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues) in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, games and more! Please bring a new toy for Toys for Tots.

4:00pm: Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with local choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area.

6:00pm-9:00pm: The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade presented by Washington Gas returns for its 30th year. Celebrate the holidays with one of DC’s most iconic and treasured traditions featuring a spectacular collection of more than 60 boats adorned with festive lights and dazzling holiday decorations on a mile-long parade route stretching from the tip of Hains Point up the Washington Channel to the docks at The Wharf. 

Sunday (also happening on Saturday, same times)

1:00pm AND 4:00pm: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage
A new, high-energy musical to rock the holiday season! When clothing suddenly falls from the sky, Wilbur J. Mole Rat stuns the colony with his decision to get dressed! In a community where baring is caring and skin is in, can Wilbur find the courage to rock to the rhythm of his own electric guitar? Based on Mo Willem’s beloved picture book, the show explores what can happen when we have the courage to be ourselves. Best for ages 4-10.

To do
Order tickets to see Aladdin at The National Theatre here! The show runs from April 19 – 30, 2023.

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