Things to do in the DC area: Ways to get in the holiday spirit 窶ｦ and more!

Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

The ice skating rink in Georgetown. (Photo courtesy Sam Kittner)

If you’re in search of themed events to pep up your holiday season, ｲﾝﾝｮｴｫﾃｽ has you covered. This week’s “Things to do in the D.C. area” guide includes several live performances (many of which are free!), plus holiday-themed food experiences and more. Be merry and joyful, and find your next best shindig below.

More ｲﾝﾝｮｴｫﾃｽ holiday guides on Things to do in the D.C. area

Live music and other performances or shows

debuts Saturday as a neighborhood-wide event that features a variety of live music performances, including soul, jazz, a cappella, pop, DJ sets and kids窶� music. More than 40 Georgetown shops, restaurants and services will also be offering specials, such as discounted pizza at Manny & Olga’s, free hot chocolate while you shop at Argent and $3 scoops for loyalty members at Ice Cream Jubilee.

The Folger Theatre is hosting “” that is based on “folksong-like noels” with Baroque music included. The live performances run from Friday through Dec. 15 with on-demand access available starting Dec. 16. Tickets range from $20 to $60.

The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage offers several chances to celebrate the holidays with live musical performances 窶� for free! On Dec. 14, Ukrainian professional duo Solomia Gorokhivska and Andrei Pidkivka will perform . For a sing-along you won’t want to miss, head to the on Dec. 19. The event on Dec. 23 features conductor Nancia D窶僊limonte as she leads members of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, guest soloists and a chorus of 150. Finally, on Dec. 24, the All-Star Christmas Eve Jazz Jam celebrates the holiday season with jazz music.

For a laugh-worthy experience, go to Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company for . This night of comedy is Monday, with tickets priced from $20 to $30.

On Wednesday, the Lincoln Theatre is showcasing Irish sing-along songs for . Tickets cost between $35 and $55. The theater is also showcasing the on Saturday, as well as Dec. 14 and 15 for The Holiday Show event.

The ARTECHOUSE is running a new immersive digital exhibition that blends ASMR with the holidays. Running through Jan. 5, 2025, “” also includes access to the XR Bar with themed cocktails. Tickets start at $25 for adults with discounts for students, seniors, military and first responders.

Head to the for the musical, “Irving Berlin窶冱 White Christmas,” which is based on the 1954 film and runs through Dec. 24. The theater is also hosting “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 24.

Another Irish holiday celebration can be found at The Keegan Theatre in D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood. “” is an original work that is an homage to Charles Dickens窶� classic. Tickets cost $64 for adults, $54 for seniors at or above the age of 62, and $54 for students and those under the age of 25.

Elsewhere, the City of Gaithersburg in Maryland is hosting a tree lighting and an evening of music, dance and song Saturday. The event, called , is free and includes the opportunity for children to meet Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Paw Patrol and other characters.

The Aru Dell’Arte Dance Company in Silver Spring, Maryland, is bringing “ with its production. Tickets start at approximately $25 for standing and roughly $55 for seated. The performance is Sunday.

In Virginia, the Alexandria Children窶冱 Theatre is presenting “,” a new show about three siblings who go on a magical trip back in time where they see how bullying made Ebenezer Scrooge the character he was. The event runs from Friday to Dec. 14. Tickets cost $15.

Holiday high tea and other food experiences

For $120 per person, the has a luxe winter afternoon tea available every Thursday through Sunday from December through February. Expect cucumber caviar sandwiches, dill smoked salmon on cornbread crostinis and white chocolate cranberry financiers.

The recently added more dates for “Nutcracker Afternoon Tea” this month beginning Saturday. Those who indulge in this holiday-themed experience get to enjoy treats, such as gingerbread cake, Mont Blanc chestnut tart and vanilla scones. The experience is offered at $110 for adults or $65 for children ages 12 and under. To sign up or for more information, email or call 202-457-5020.

The Dupont Circle location of has redecorated its space to celebrate the holidays with twinkling lights and themed drinks. To play a round of crazy golf, tickets start from $21 with food and drink packages starting from $45 per person.

Tipsy Scoop, which was previously featured in an episode of ｲﾝﾝｮｴｫﾃｽ’s “Matt About Town,” is hosting an . The mixology class, which costs $65 per person, is this Saturday and next.

For family fun, Shop Made in D.C. is hosting a Saturday. Tickets cost $80 and include all the necessary supplies, including prebaked sugar cookies, royal icing and decorations.

Markets, pop-ups and holiday lightings

Head to College Park, Maryland, Saturday for the event, which features a holiday market, tree lighting and gingerbread house competition. This free community event also includes a petting zoo, live music and an appearance by Santa.

event Saturday in Arlington, Virginia’s Metropolitan Park is also set to offer a holiday market as well as live performances, a dog sweater contest, face painting and selfies with Santa.

While not holiday-themed, the National Museum of the American Indian’s is worth the trip to find unique gifts from Native American artists. The event is Saturday and Sunday. The Smithsonian’s is also Saturday, with live music included.

From Tuesday through Dec. 12, is hosting a holiday market with over 15 vendors offering unique gifts and goodies.

Find more holiday markets around the region in this ｲﾝﾝｮｴｫﾃｽ roundup. You can also find restaurant and bar pop-ups in ｲﾝﾝｮｴｫﾃｽ’s guide, and holiday lightings can be found in this guide.

And more holiday fun

Head to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage for a free performance with clarinetist Michael Winograd and his band of Brooklyn Klezmorim for an evening of Jewish music. The requires online advance registration and is currently standing room only. It is Dec. 13.

The Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland, is also hosting “,” which is a heartfelt, family-friendly riff on the Dickens’ classic. The production runs through Dec. 29.

Learn about the updated edition of the book, “,” on Saturday with the “High on the Hog” author, Jessica B. Harris. She will participate in a conversation with National Museum of African American History and Culture Curator Joanne Hyppolite. Tickets are free.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is also hosting a on Saturday.

Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland, is hosting on Dec. 15. This family-friendly event celebrates the Kwanzaa season with special performances, hands-on craft workshops, demo classes and diasporic food. Tickets are free, but donations are suggested.

Finally, if you need some extra assistance on , head to this in-person workshop at People’s Book in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Saturday. All attendees are required to bring their own wrapping paper. Tickets are free.

Here窶冱 what else is happening in the D.C. area:

DC

GALA Film Fest
Through Sunday, the is bringing unique and critical perspectives on the issues facing Latin America through the power of cinema. Some screenings include Q&As with directors or actors behind the films featured.

Pet Project: A Night of Wine and Puppet Craft
On Sunday, Ellﾄ� in Mount Pleasant is hosting a paired with sparkling wines and light bites. The event costs $50 per person. This event is only for those ages 21 and up.

Poetic Drawing
This at The Phillips Collection allows participants to explore the drawing process supported by the sounds and feelings invoked from poems. The event is Wednesday.

Maryland

Miniature Painting Workshop
Get creative in a smaller scale with this at the Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda, Maryland. The event Monday costs $70.

Garden Railway Exhibit
Running through Jan. 4, 2025, this exhibit at Brookside Gardens窶� South Conservatory is perfect for those who love the sight of of Montgomery County, Maryland. The exhibit is free.

Virginia

Love Connections Pirate Edition
If any singles are looking to mingle, head to The Pier Bar in Alexandria, Virginia, Friday evening for a . The pirate-themed event includes games and hopefully some romance. One free drink is included with the $50 ticket.

Flower potluck and workshop
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is hosting a hands-on . The event Saturday costs $45.

Have an event you窶囘 like featured in ｲﾝﾝｮｴｫﾃｽ’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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