Things to Do

23 Things to Do in the DC Area This Week and Weekend

John Mulaney standup, Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, and Procrastinator’s Holiday Market are fun things to do.

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Photograph courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

Happy Monday, DC!

Shop last-minute gifts at several area holiday markets around town this week including the Procrastinator’s Holiday Market. Also, families can see seasonal decor and Christmas fireworks at Mount Vernon.

 

Best Things to Do This Week and Weekend

December 15–21

    1.  John Mulaney at the Anthem. Emmy-winning Broadway star and Saturday Night Live writer John Mulaney tells light-hearted jokes at The Anthem (Thurs-Sun, $90+, Wharf).
    2. Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon. Leading up to Christmas, there’s a two-day fireworks event happening at Mount Vernon. The 18th-century landmark transports visitors to a winter encampment where you can meet soldiers, and greet Aladdin the Camel (Sat-Sun, $41 for adults, $33 for ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under, Mount Vernon).
    3. Procrastinator’s Holiday Market. Pick up last-minute presents for your loved ones at the Procrastinator’s Holiday Market at Kraken Kourts and Skates. There’s a train for kids to ride, small businesses to shop, and ways to give back to neighbors in need (Sat, free, Brentwood).
    4. Ice and Lights Winter Village. Tis’ the season for ice-skating at Cameron Run Regional Park. The frosty Winter Village bursts with vibrant wreaths and giant stars on select nights through December 30. You can glide on the outdoor ice rink through February 28; there’s hot chocolate and donut holes for purchase, too (through February 28, $9+, Alexandria).
Related
December Culture Guide: 42 Things to Do in the DC Area

Want More Things to Do?

Arts and culture:

Community and heritage:

  • Munch on potato latkes, sip hot cocoa, and watch a menorah lighting at the Chanukah Festival (Mon, free, Alexandria).
  • See a nine-foot menorah sparkle at National Landing (Wed, free, Arlington).
  • Sit in on a panel discussion to discover The Future of Cooking in Space (Thurs, free with registration, National Air and Space Museum).

Theater and shows:

  • Step Afrika’s spectacular flips, stomps, and choreography are set to hip-hop holiday beats at this annual Arena Stage showcase (through Sun, $59+, Southwest DC).
  • Local storytelling troupe Story District visits the Capital Jewish Museum to share narratives on LGBT+ Jews in the Federal City (Tues, $30, Georgetown).
  • There’s a nerdy burlesque show at DC Brau (Sat, $28, Fort Lincoln).

Music and concerts:

  • Elijah Jamal Balbed headlines a holiday concert at The Kreeger Museum (Sat, $35, Northwest DC).
  • A full Choral Arts orchestra invites families to sing-along to “O Night Divine!” (Mon, December 24, $28+, Kennedy Center).
  • Indie band Dogpark plays live at 9:30 Club (Fri, $40, Shaw).

Sports:

  • Cheer on the Caps this week, and snag a free jersey for your pup when you buy a hockey game ticket (Thurs, $86+, Capital One Arena).

Things to do with kids:

  • Families can see live camels and ride carnival attractions at Bull Run Festival of Lights (through January 4, $30+, Centreville). 
  • Tour glowing animal displays and lit-up fairytale worlds at the family-friendly Lumino City experience (through January 1, $30+ for adults, $23+ for ages 4 to 12, Gaithersburg).

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Briana Thomas

Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.