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Christmas may be over, but there’s still a ton of seasonal fun to enjoy around the D.C. area. We’ll regift some of our favorite outings, share ways to celebrate Kwanzaa and more.
- Weekend weather: After some rain and wintry mix on Friday, the rest of the weekend will be seasonably cold but without other weather worries. Here’s the forecast.
Regifting our favorite holiday hits
- “A Christmas Carol”: This classic holiday musical at historic Ford’s Theatre might be your antidote to screen time. “It’s happening right here, right now,” Erin Weaver, who plays the ghost of Christmas present, said. Tommy got an exclusive look backstage. Through Dec. 31, $42+, get tickets here.
- ZooLights: One million environmentally friendly LED twinkle lights and more than 100 animal lanterns light up the National Zoo after dark. Live music, carousel rides and plenty of new experiences await this year. Through Jan. 3, $9, get tickets here.
- ICE! featuring The Polar Express: More than 6,000 blocks of ice were used to build “The Polar Express” world, including a massive train you can enter. The space is kept at 9° — but parkas are provided! Through Jan. 4, Gaylord National Harbor, $41+, get tickets here.
- Winter Wonderfest: Try snow tubing, curling, a snowball toss and mini golf all on the field at Nats Park. Good girls and boys over 21 can check out the “speakeasy,” which is where MLB teams usually take batting practice. Through Dec. 30, Nationals Park, $29.50, get tickets here.
- Season’s Greenings: The U.S. Botanic Garden’s holiday display takes you back to prehistoric times with dinosaurs built from plant matter. Through Jan. 4, downtown, free
More weekend highlights
Celebrate Kwanzaa
The Anacostia Community Museum begins its Kwanzaa celebrations with an opening celebration on Friday featuring Storyteller Mama Ayo sharing the holiday’s origins, African drumming, candle lighting and unity songs. The celebration continues each day through Jan. 1 with storytelling, crafts, games, an essential oil workshop and more. Registration is requested.
The African Art Museum will host its Kwanzaa celebration between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day through Jan. 1. Drop in for artmaking workshops that exercise your Kuumba (creativity)!
Martin Amini
Dec. 26-28, DC Improv, $35-$55
🔗 Details
Comedian Martin Amini, who grew up in Silver Spring, is home for the holidays and doing five shows at DC Improv.
Concerts this weekend
The Pietasters, 7 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 Club, $32.50
No better way to get back in shape for New Year’s Eve after holiday indulgence than D.C.’s soulful ska idols The Pietasters. A couple decades along, their Annual Holiday Show has become a local tradition. Work out your dancing muscles with some festive, feel-good vibes. Details.
Jacky Cougar & The Vampyres From Africa, 6 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $18.75
Des Demonas frontman Jack Abok has another weirdo punk project for his direct political consciousness. Lo-fi bedroom-electro that’s never busy and projects passion. Details.
More to do in D.C.
Holidays at Hillwood – Glamorous Greetings: Through Jan. 4, Hillwood Estate, $17
Exhibit – “Home, History, Holidays: Celebrating White House Traditions”: Through Jan. 10, The People’s House, free
Day after Christmas Drag Brunch at Shaw’s Tavern: Fri., 12:30 p.m., 520 Florida Ave NW, free admission
Glow Night at Kraken: Fri., 9 p.m. to midnight, 514 Rhode Island Ave. NE, $24.99 + $2.25 fee
Holiday Record Swap and Vinyl Market: Sat., 5-9 p.m., metrobar, free
Winter Skate Spectacular: Dec. 27 to Feb. 9, National Building Museum, $20 (adult)
Family Day – Winter Wishes: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Library of Congress, free but tickets required
Crafty pajama brunch: Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Merry Pin in Northwest, free entry
More to do in Maryland
“Rules for Living”: Through Jan. 4, Round House Theatre, $27+
Rockville Bike Party Holiday Lights Ride: Sun., 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Trek Bicycle Rockville, free
Waverly Street Gallery Annual Holiday Art Show: Through Jan. 3, Bethesda, free
Theater – “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”: Through Dec. 28, Olney Theatre Center, $63+
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: Through Jan. 4, Wheaton, $13.99-$16.99 (free for kids under 5)
More to do in Virginia
Ice & Lights – The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Through Feb., Alexandria, $14.82
Bull Run Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 4, Centreville, $32.45 per car
Holiday Walk of Lights: Sat. and Sun., 5-9 p.m., Neabsco Regional Park and Boardwalk in Woodbridge, free
Theater – “In Clay”: Through Feb. 1, Signature Theater, $47+
Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical: Fri. to Sun., Capital One Hall in Tysons
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