Weekend picks: outdoor and virtual events edition

We are so excited to bring you a holiday themed weekend picks post. We really, really miss sending these out each week to you but have been encouraging everyone to stay safe and therefore not promoting much. However, as the holidays are near we know some families are looking for ways to get in the spirit. This weekend there are many virtual events as well as outdoor holiday activities so you do you and choose what you are comfortable doing or not doing. Be sure to visit our holiday guide for ongoing activities (not mentioned below but happening this weekend) from outdoor markets to light displays and more! And lastly, if you are stuck for gift ideas we put together a covid-era gift guide to help you shop for everyone on your list.

Friday
6:00pm: Movies at the Wharf– Elf
The holidays are the perfect time to cozy up by a firepit with hot drinks and a classic holiday movie on the big screen. Head to The Wharf throughout this holiday season for a pop-up outdoor movie theatre on Transit Pier where you can enjoy all the Christmas classics from your private firepit in front of a 20′ LED screen.

7:00pm: Drive-in- Maleficent
Pop-up drive-in at RFK.

6:00pm-8:00pm: ZooLights Express (Ward 3)
ZooLights will not be held on-site at the Zoo this year. Instead, the 24-foot ZooLights Express truck, festively decorated with light displays and featuring “Panda Claws,” will hit the road. See route online.

Saturday
12:00pm-5:00pm: DuPont Circle Holiday Pop-Up
The pop-up event will have approximately 35 vendors selling everything from jewelry to pottery, from paintings to scarves, to ferns and chocolates for all your holiday gift giving. Pop-up shops will be in front of the retail shops, so you can also check out fine art, imported food, shoes, etc. as you stroll Dupont Circle during the afternoon. 

2:00pm & 6:00pm:Movies at the Wharf– Elf
The holidays are the perfect time to cozy up by a firepit with hot drinks and a classic holiday movie on the big screen. Head to The Wharf throughout this holiday season for a pop-up outdoor movie theatre on Transit Pier where you can enjoy all the Christmas classics from your private firepit in front of a 20′ LED screen.

4:00pm: Wolf Trap sing-along
Kick-off the holiday season with family and friends with Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-A-Long From Home! Virtual performances on December 5 and 19, 2020, gathered safely with family, cocoa, and cookies.

6:00pm-8:00pm: ZooLights Express (Ward 4)
ZooLights will not be held on-site at the Zoo this year. Instead, the 24-foot ZooLights Express truck, festively decorated with light displays and featuring “Panda Claws,” will hit the road. See route online.

Sunday
10:00–11:00am: Make Room for Latkes!
Make your Chanukah de-light-ful at Make Room for Latkes! Receive a kit with supplies to play games, make a craft, and learn ways to make the Festival of Lights meaningful and joyful for your family. (Best for ages 3-8.) This is a virtual event. $10 per child; $20 per family.

10:00am-1:00pm: Deck the Yards
Ring in the holiday season with Deck The Yards. Families, roommates, and any household are invited to bring holiday cheer home from The Yards with a holiday treats perfect for a cozy evening at home. The grab-and-go stations will include seasonal treats and activities for the whole family, and even help out with deciding what to have for your next meal or snack! To support The Yards restaurants, a $20 gift card to any of the 20+ eateries will be part of the package to use on take-out or dine-in.

2:00pm:Movies at the Wharf– Elf
The holidays are the perfect time to cozy up by a firepit with hot drinks and a classic holiday movie on the big screen. Head to The Wharf throughout this holiday season for a pop-up outdoor movie theatre on Transit Pier where you can enjoy all the Christmas classics from your private firepit in front of a 20′ LED screen.

3:00pm: The Nutcracker Tea at Home
Join for a 40-minute Nutcracker experience featuring guest performances, interactive activities, the story of The Washington Ballet’s unique production of The Nutcracker, and behind the scenes interviews – all from the comfort of your home.

5:00pm: Drive-in- Karate Kid
Pop-up drive-in at RFK.

Plan ahead:
December 8, 4:00pm: Chanukah Grandfriend Cooking Together
Gather around the menorah for a multi-generational event for kids and their “grandfriends.” We will cook something, hear a story, and celebrate joyfully together.

Dec. 10 at 4:00pm: National Menorah Lighting on the Ellipse
Grab tickets in advance!

December 10: The Great Zucchini virtual show
40 minute show, perfect for children ages 2 to 7. Watch from any device with Zoom app. One ticket for your whole household.

Thursday–Friday, December 10–17, 5:30 PM (4:30 PM on Friday, December 11): 8 Nights of Lights

Friday, December 11, 11:00am: Author Talk: Happy Llamakah with Laura Gehl