Things to do the week of Dec. 16-19 2024
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Season's Greenings
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), the National Building Museum and Events DC have arranged to offer a free indoor synthetic ice rink set in the museum’s Great Hall. Be there for special guest appearances, food and lots of fun family activities. Skating is free and skates can be rented for just $5. There will also be special skating sessions for toddlers and young children as well as themed skate nights. Note that the rink will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
More Information | Free Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
ARTECHOUSE
Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special
Join ARTECHOUSE for a holiday celebration where tradition meets innovation. The warmth of the holidays is reimagined through cutting-edge digital artistry. Let Tingle Bells be your space for reflection, relaxation and the rediscovery of joy. Step into a world of serenity and sensory wonder this holiday season with an immersive digital exhibition designed to soothe your senses and warm your spirit. Use the code 'AEF10' at the link below.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Tuesday
DowntownDC Holiday Market
This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 20th year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The DowntownDC BID has partnered with The Makers Show to revitalize the market. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, opening just ahead of Thanksgiving on Nov. 22 (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing for the season on Dec. 23.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
DC Holiday Hunt
This holiday season, DC’s "main streets" come alive with DC Holiday Hunt, a festive scavenger hunt. From historic sites to modern marvels, explore Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle and U Street, among other locales, while completing holiday missions and supporting local businesses to win prizes.
JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience
A hero is a hero, but which iconic comic book character(s) can be called a real mensch? Find the answer and learn some fascinating trivia at the Capital Jewish Museum, which explores the theme of superheroes from the 1930s to the 1960s with Jewish backgrounds. Whether these well-loved protagonists had Jewish creators or celebrated their own bar mitzvahs in the comic’s pages, fun facts and a history of chutzpah await. Contemporary graphic novels and DC-focused lore are also included.
Tickets
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Life of Pi
Based on Yann Martel’s beloved novel, this Tony- and Olivier-Award-winning play will leave you exhilarated. Shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean, 16-year-old Pi must survive on a lifeboat with four hungry animal companions, Royal Bengal tiger included. A singular story of hope and perseverance, the stage adaptation uses world-class puppetry and stunning visuals.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Wednesday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Death on the Nile
Agatha Christie’s adored Hercule Poirot solves a love triangle/murder mystery at Arena Stage. This adaptation marks Ken Ludwig’s fourth premiere at the venue and Hana Sharif’s DC directorial debut. Get ready for a night of intrigue and action. Select shows on Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 include a post-show conversation.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Thursday
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance. Furry friends from the animal kingdom and a dance party hosted by DJ Nutcracker are also on the docket.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
A Christmas Carol
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
This holiday epic, which explores the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, is performed at the Kennedy Center each year. The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by standout singers and will be conducted by Baroque authority Masaaki Suzuki at the beautifully decorated Concert Hall to tell Handel’s riveting tale through song.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
An Irish Carol
The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
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