Things to do the week of Dec. 4-7, 2023
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
Dozens of DC restaurants participate in this celebration of mixology curated by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. DC Cocktail Week showcases innovative drinks, letting local bartenders put their creative brains to work. These tasty creations are paired with dishes to inspire flavor explosions that you will not want to miss. Local distilleries get in on the act as well.
More Information
ZooLights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The free event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year: admission is $6 per individual.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
The Atlas Performing Arts Center goes into holiday mode with a series of performances in December highlighting all sorts of artistic expression. Events include a performance by the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra (Dec. 4), a Chocolate City Nutcracker show from Black Leaves Dance Company (Dec. 9), a holiday sing-along with the Capital City Symphony (Dec. 17) and much, much more.
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare has been interpreted in many, many ways, but The Improvised Shakespeare Company has come up with one of the most intriguing approaches yet. With one audience suggestion (a title of a play not yet written), the Company creates a Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes, totally improvised. Equipped with language and themes from all The Bard’s classics, the talented players could unveil a comedy or a tragedy – you will have to come to find out.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Tuesday
ARTECHOUSE: Beyond the Light
In collaboration with NASA, ARTECHOUSE's latest installation delivers an artistic expression of space exploration, technology and innovation. The cinematic experience explores the history of our universe through light and immersive audio, based on groundbreaking discoveries. Purchase tickets through the link below for a 10% discount.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Downtown Holiday Market
This free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background. Locally roasted coffee and crafted-before-your-eyes mini-doughnuts inspire a cold-weather appetite, creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in DC.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Enchant Christmas
With the beloved light maze at its center, Enchant makes its home in DC at the gorgeous Nationals Park each winter. Families can enjoy ice skating trails, a holiday village with products from local businesses and a kids’ play place. Expect plenty of Instagram-friendly settings and holiday spirit at this one-of-a-kind installation.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
Two of the greatest and most influential songwriters and storytellers to grip listeners (and readers) over the last 50 years, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen were longtime friends and one-time lovers. Signature Theatre honors their seismic song catalogues with Both Sides Now. Expect to hear essentials such as “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne” and many more.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Wednesday
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
In a brilliant career already filled with accolades, including Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards, Cynthia Erivo has proven herself to be dynamic on the big screen, the small screen, the stage and in the recording studio. So have the two talented performers who will be joining her for this special, one-night only performance at the illustrious The Kennedy Center: Ben Platt and Joaquina Kalukango.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Bard & The Beat
As part of DC’s Shakespeare Everywhere Festival, the Negro Classical Cultural Carnival and Shakespeare Theatre Company will collaborate for an evening of dance, music and theatre showcasing underrepresented voices in the arts. The Kennedy Center hosts the free performance at its Millennium Stage. Registration is required.
6 p.m. | Register
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Winter's Tale
Director Tamilla Woodard takes on one of the Bard’s most thrilling plays in a new production at Folger Theatre. The Winter’s Tale is a romance filled with all the hallmarks of classic Shakespearean comedy: complex relationships, emotions running wild, outlandish behavior. There’s also a bear running around. Expect hearty laughs and plenty of fairy-tale folly.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
NSO at The Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert
Conductor Steven Reineke and the National Symphony Orchestra visit The Anthem for their most fun performance of the year. Rock your most festive – and ugliest – holiday sweater for an evening packed with seasonal favorites, including “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” music from The Nutcracker and much more. You can even enter the annual Ugly Sweater Contest for a chance to win free Kennedy Center tickets.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The title of the show kind of says it all. Eric Andre is the most unhinged personality currently working in comedy, completely shameless in his concepts and their execution. You literally cannot prepare yourself for an Eric Andre show – whether it’s on the television or on the stage. The latter makes for a much more engaging experience. You’ll get the chance at The Fillmore Silver Spring in December. And heads up: Andre’s material is for adults only. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Thursday
National Menorah Lighting
Chanukah kicks off with a lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah.
3-6 p.m. | Free Admission | Tickets Required
White House Ellipse, 15th Street & E Street NW, Washington, DC 20500
Georgetown GLOW
Stroll through DC’s most historic neighborhood to see jaw-dropping illuminated artworks. Georgetown GLOW is always a holiday hit in the District. Participants range from locally renowned to internationally celebrated, while their works gorgeously adorn outdoor spaces throughout Georgetown.
More Info | Free Admission
Visit the National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer, which is free to visit, lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season.
Free Admission
White House Ellipse, 15th Street & E Street NW, Washington, DC 20500
VOCA Presents: ISM II
After the success of the first iteration of ISM, Atlas Performing Arts Center welcomes back the VOCA Ensemble for a sequel. The ensemble consists of Deaf and Hard of Hearing BIPOC individuals who will share their true stories in American Sign Language (ASL). Many of these experiences involve being exposed to societal “isms”, discrimination and oppression. Through Deaf Hip-Hop culture, including in-depth storytelling, poetry, music, dance and multimedia, these brave artists will express themselves on stage. Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing audiences will simultaneously have access to ASL and Spoken English (voice-performed).
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Few stars have arrived with the tenacity of Chris Tucker. From his emergence on the Def Comedy Jam tour to his unforgettable turn as Smoky in Friday to his hilarious portrayal of Detective James Carter in three hugely successful Rush Hour films, Tucker held an audience’s attention like few other performers. His trademark swagger and outlandish humor remain irresistible. Hot off his appearance in 2022’s AIR, Tucker is touring stages across the country for the first time in over a decade. Fortunately, his trek includes a stop at The Anthem in DC.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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