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It’s Mariah’s season and we’re all just living in it! Winter light displays are brightening the long nights, holiday markets are popping up and outdoor ice skating rinks are opening in Rockville Town Square and Reston Town Center. Santa is even flying into Tysons Corner Center.
Autumn is going strong, though, and parts of the D.C. area will enjoy peak leaf color this weekend. While national parks may still be accessible during the shutdown, why not try a local park instead? Check out Lake Needwood in Rockville, Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in Fairfax and Cedarville State Forest in Brandywine.
Of course, Northern Virginia’s wineries and the last weekend of Cox Farms’ Fall Festival are lovely places to see fall leaves, too.
We also have concerts, comedy shows, the Kreeger Museum’s free day and the Mount Pleasant Library’s 100th birthday in our bonus events list near the bottom of this article.
- Weekend weather: The weekend will be chilly, and you’ll want to plan around some chances for rain. Here’s the forecast.
Weekend highlights
Free pick
Red Barn Mercantile’s Annual Holiday Unveiling
Thurs., 6-9 p.m., Alexandria
🔗 Details
Old Town’s Red Barn Mercantile goes all out for the holidays, and you’re invited to kick off the holiday season in the store.
Swing by on this special night for discounts up to 30% on almost everything and party favors for Meant To Be Calligraphy, the store says. Expect a merry but large crowd shopping for everything from ornaments to home goods to in-demand Jellycat soft toys.
The store will have its holiday splendor on display throughout the season. It’s open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except on Sundays when it’s open noon to 5 p.m.
For more holiday shopping, head to the 32nd Northern Virginia Christmas Market at Dulles Expo Center. It’s open Friday to Sunday, and admission costs about $11.
Family-friendly
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Nov. 7 to Jan. 4, Vienna, $20.85
🔗 Details
Follow the lights through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ half-mile paved trail, which is returning for its 14th year.
You can pick up a warm beverage (spiked or not) before your stroll, then toast marshmallows before you go.
Every visitor over the age of 2 must have a ticket. Tickets cost $19 online and $24 at the door through Dec. 4. Between Dec. 5 and Dec. 31, you must buy tickets ($23) online.
Family-friendly
Cirque Italia
Nov. 7-17, National Harbor, $15-$65
🔗 Details
Performers from around the world are converging under a big top in National Harbor for a show inspired by our favorite ‘50s fads.
Cirque Italia says this strictly animal-free show is great for all ages, filled with “master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics, and even a wheel of death.”
Free pick
The Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar
Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saint Elizabeth’s Church in Rockville
🔗 Details
Embroideries, Christmas decorations, candles, baked goods and porcelain are just some of the Danish art and crafts you’ll find at this popular holiday market sponsored by the Royal Danish Embassy.
Cap your day with a Danish lunch, including open-faced sandwiches and pastries, in the cafe.
You’ll need to pay with cash or checks.
This is a great alternative if the Czech Christmas Market in D.C. sold out before you got tickets!
Washington Spirit’s Home Quarterfinal Match
Sat., noon, Audi Field, $35.40+
🔗 Details
The Spirit secured the home-field advantage in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs and will face Louisville FC this weekend. You can watch on the Rowdy Rooftop – and get a beer – for $40 before fees.
Free & family-friendly
Fairfax County Kimchi Festival
Sat., 2-4 p.m., Fairfax County Government Center
🔗 Details
Kimchi – the spicy, tangy Korean condiment that’s a distant cousin of sauerkraut – is the star of the show at this festival. But you’ll also find Korean performances, games, calligraphy and more at this festival.
While the event is sold out, you can check back to see if any tickets become available due to cancellations.
National Harbor Tree Lighting and fireworks
Sat., Belvedere above the National Harbor Plaza, free
🔗 Details
Kick off the holidays with a bang and some razzle-dazzle. National Harbor is set to illuminate its 60-foot LED tree for the first time on Saturday. After the tree lighting show, stick around for fireworks.
The tree show happens every half-hour from sunset to 9 p.m. nightly. Fireworks are scheduled every Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
National Pupusa Day at El Tamarindo
Sun., 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free entry
🔗 Details
D.C.’s long had a special love for El Salvador’s national dish. The District is even where the world’s largest pupusa was cooked last year.
El Tamarindo, a go-to pupusa restaurant in Adams Morgan, is celebrating National Pupusa Day in a big way. You’ll find live music, tiki cocktails, kids’ activities and (of course!) plenty of pupusas. The restaurant is also partnering with Hope Center for Wellness to collect winter clothing for immigrants.
Noochie’s Live from the Front Porch
Sun., 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $39-$109
🔗 Details
Noochie’s Front Porch has become a viral sensation – even Snoop Dogg stopped by earlier this year, saying it feels real and “like I’m at grandma’s house.” Often compared to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Noochie’s Live from the Front Porch gets intimate with major artists.
Noochie told us earlier this fall that it’s all about elevating D.C. culture. Now, his show is leaving the Front Porch and heading to the stage at the Kennedy Center “for a special, one-night-only engagement with a host of special guests.”
Concerts this weekend
Flowerbomb, 10 p.m. Friday, Comet Ping Pong, $15
D.C. alt-rock band sways from dream pop to gritty, fuzzy rock. Rachel Kline’s lyrics are earnest and relatable and sung with tangible emotion. Flowerbomb thrives in an exciting indie rock scene. Details.
Orcutt Shelley Miller, 10 p.m. Saturday, Comet Ping Pong, $30
Intense avant-rock project features three accomplished experimental musicians. Bill Orcutt is a singular experimental guitarist from ‘90s noise rockers Harry Pussy. Steve Shelley helped redefine rock for decades drumming for Sonic Youth. Bassist Ethan Miller made his mark with heavy psychedelic band Comets on Fire. Their unpredictable self-titled album features Orcutt’s improvisation set to a rhythm section reminiscent of classic rock. It’s an instrumental jam. Details.
More to do in D.C.
Phillips after 5 – Friendsgiving Party: Thurs., 5-8:30 p.m., The Phillips Collection, $20
Padma Lakshmi in conversation with Kwame Onwauchi: Thurs., Sixth & I, $15.05
Concert – Howl Owl Howl (Darius Rucker, Mike Mills and Steve Gorman): Thurs., 9:30 Club, $63.40
HBCU First LOOK Film Festival: Thurs. to Sat., Armour J. Blackburn University Center, $20-$40
Superfair: Fri. to Sun., Gallery Place (737 7th St. NW), $20-$125
Museum exhibit – “Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection”: Nov. 8 to Feb. 15, Phillips Collection, $20
Comedy – Sheng Wang: Fri., Warner Theatre, $53
Language & the Brain – A Music Symposium: Sat., 10 a.m., Planet Word Museum, $15
Comedy – Iliza Shlesinger: Sat., DAR Constitution Hall, $100+
DC Beer Fest: Sat., Nationals Park, $55 (GA)/$90 (VIP)
Neighborhood Day at The Kreeger Museum: Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2401 Foxhall Road NW, free
Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library 100th birthday: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library, free
Czech Christmas Market: Sat., Embassy of the Czech Republic (3900 Spring of Freedom St. NW), free but ticket required
Washington Spirit’s Home Quarterfinal Match: Sat., noon, Audi Field, $35.40+
Club Fleur Vintage anniversary sip & shop: Sat., 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1027 33rd St. NW, free entry
Kids’ Pupusa Workshop ️: Sun., El Tamarindo, $7.61
Noochie’s Live from the Front Porch: Sun., 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $39-$109
The Road – The Photographs of Brian Baker: Sun., 2 p.m., MLK Memorial Library, free
Washington Bridal & Wedding Expo: Sun., noon to 5 p.m., Washington Convention Center, free with online registration or $10 at the door
More to do in Maryland
Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Skating: Open Daily, 131 Gibbs St in Rockville, $11-$17
Comedy – Funny Arabs and Friends: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Takoma Park Community Center, free
In Conversation with Christine Baranski: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville, $55
Fall Makers Market: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Downtown Silver Spring, free admission
The Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar: Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saint Elizabeth’s Church in Rockville, payment by cash and check only
Free Little Paint Party: Sat., 2:30-4:30 p.m., Artapy Studios in Bethesda, free
Bloom at Good Hope concert – Marcel Penzes (New Orleans Jazz): Sat., 5 p.m., Silver Spring, free
Swing Dance with lesson: Sat., 8 p.m., Glen Echo Park, $25
Keep it Lit nighttime ropes course: Sat., Sandy Spring, $52
Commanders vs. Lions: Sun., 4:25 p.m., Northwest Stadium, $180+
More to do in Virginia
Masterpiece Mini Golf: Ongoing, Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, $10 per person
Theater – “Fiddler on the Roof”: Nov. 4 to Jan. 25, Signature Theatre, $37+
Ballston Mega Market: Thurs., 3-7 p.m., 901 N Taylor St in Arlington, free entry
Red Barn Mercantile’s Annual Holiday Unveiling: Thurs., 6-9 p.m., Alexandria, free
Reston Town Center Ice Skating: Opens Fri., 1818 Discovery St. in Reston, $9+
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights: Nov. 7 to Jan. 4, $20.85
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” screening with Fairfax Symphony live: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Capital One Hall
32nd Northern Virginia Christmas Market: Fri. to Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $10.58
Craft Bar walk-in crafting: Fri., noon to 4 p.m., AR Workshop Alexandria, priced by craft
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra – Mozart & Mendelssohn: Sat., 7:30 p.m. and Sun., 3 p.m., Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, $42+
Raptors of the Potomac: Sat., 10 a.m., Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, $7
Pumpkin Smash: Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary in Nokesville, $20 (adult)/$10 (child)
Fairfax County Kimchi Festival: Sat., 2-4 p.m., Fairfax County Government Center, free admission
Comedy – Aparna Nancherla: Sat., 8 p.m., The Leila Gordon Theatre at Reston Community Center, $16 to $21
Kids Field Day at Shipgarten: Sun., noon, Tysons Corner, free
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