21 Things To Do This Weekend: December 11-13
Photo credit: www.georgetownglowdc.com
It's hard to believe we are two weeks away from Christmas! There are plenty of activities to keep you in the holiday spirit this weekend. Here are our top 21 picks of things to do in the DC/Virginia area:
1.) The Washington Nationals WinterFest
The holiday fan festival will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Washington Convention Center. Fans will have the chance to meet Nationals players, get autographs, take photos with Santa, participate in a variety of baseball attractions and games and much more! The life size snow globe photo station will have you taking Instagram worthy shots! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
www.nationals.com/natswinterfest
2.) National Building Museum's 35th Birthday
The National Building Museum is an 80’s baby! Thirty-five years ago, an Act of Congress established the nation’s only museum dedicated to the history and impact of the built environment. To celebrate its birthday, the museum is offering FREE admission to all, plus birthday festivities throughout the day {including a LEGO community build} Saturday from 10am-5pm. For more information, visit:
3.) Georgetown GLOW
Georgetwon GLOW, the region's only curated exhibition of public light art installations, will illuminate the C&O Canal starting Friday evening and running through December 20 {6-10pm nightly}. There will be live music each evening and you also have the chance to meet two of the local GLOW artists. Several Georgetown boutiques will be offering specials as well. For more information, visit:
4.) The Ugly Sweater Run at National Harbor
If you want to get in the holiday spirit while working out this weekend, join the 'merriest' 5K on Saturday at National Harbor in your ugliest holiday sweater {if you don't own one, organizers are more then happy to sell you one}. The race starts at 9am. For more information and to register, visit:
http://theuglysweaterrun.com/locations/washington-d-c/
5.) Zoolights at The National Zoo, Washington, DC
Zoolights at the National Zoo in Washington, DC is a winter holiday event that is fun for the whole family and runs until January 2. The National Zoo presents a display of thousands of sparkling lights featuring sculptures of many of the Zoo's most popular animals. You will enjoy winter themed activities, a laser light show, musical performances, train rides, tubing and animal exhibits as well. For more information on event times and tickets, visit:
6.) The Second City's Holidazed & Confused Holiday Revue Live
In the mood for a good laugh? The Second City comedy crew are making a stop on their east coast run and performing at The Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse with 14 shows in 18 days in Arlington. Shows this weekend are Friday and Saturday. For more information on show times and to purchase tickets, visit:
7.) Motown the Musical
Playing at The National Theatre until January 3, the musical features nearly 60 of Motown Records greatest hits. For tickets and show schedule, visit:
8.) ICE! at The Gaylord National Harbor
ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland featuring two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures kept at a chilly 9 degrees. It showcases five ice slides, seven individual rooms depicting the story of 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town,' and the Frostbite Factory which is a live carving zone. It runs until January 3. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
http://www.nationalharbor.com/event/gaylord-nationals-ice-featuring-santa-claus-comin-town/
9.) Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights
See this beautiful 95 acre botanical garden complex twinkle with over 500,000 lights until January 3. The walk through light show is breathtaking at night. Dress for the weather and have on comfy shoes for this outing! Visit their site for ticket purchases and more information:
10.) Mount Vernon by Candlelight Tours
Join this beautiful estate for candlelit character guided tours of the first and second floors of this historic Mansion. They will showcase 18th century dancing, fireside caroling, hot chocolate and at the final stop of the tour, guests will hear about Washington's holiday cooking and see a reproduction of Martha's Great Cake. For more information on event times and to purchase tickets, visit:
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/activities-tours/christmas-at-mount-vernon
11.) Bike & Roll Washington, DC
The first ever Christmas tour by bike and segway, the tour gurus at Bike & Roll are offering up Christmas on wheels. The Friday-Sunday treks take you to see many of the iconic displays in DC {Willard Hotel, U.S. Botanic Garden, National Chriatmas Tree, and The Capitol}. Tours can be guided, individual or group rides and run until December 20 from 4-6:30pm each day. For more information, visit:
12.) Night out in DC: Check out DC's "Pop-Up Christmas Bar" called Miracle on Seventh Street
From Naughty Elves to 'nog shots,' if your a lover of all things Christmas, this is your kind of spot. Drink master Derek Brown has taken over the Mockingbird Hill in Shaw And now until December 24, you can enjoy a speciality holiday cocktail list, a daily lineup of festivities from free cookies to 'Bad Santa Happy Hours,' and a singing chorus. For more information, visit:
13.) Frying Pan Farm's Christmas at The Farm
For a wintery 'down on the farm' feel, visit Frying Pan Farm on Sunday December 13 for special wagon rides with Santa through the park, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, puppet shows and more! {Disclaimer: this event is subject to change due to weather. Please call facility before planning to attend.} For more information on event times and to purchase tickets, visit:
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fryingpanpark/
14.) A Christmas Carol at Fords Theatre
Get in the Christmas spirit and go see the timeless musical playing now until December 31 at Fords Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit:
15.) Ice Skating at Local Ice Rinks
What would the holidays be without some ice skating! Whether your a beginner or an advanced skater, ice skating is a great way to burn off your extra holiday calories! There are many local options to visit. Here are some of our favorites:
*Reston Town Center Ice Rink
*Tysons Corner Ice Rink {located in Tysons Corner Center}
*Pentagon Row Ice Skating Plaza {Largest in Northern, VA}
*Washington Harbour Ice Rink {This Georgetown rink is DC's largest}
*Sculpture Garden Ice Rink {Located in The National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden}
16.) Washington Ballet Presents, The Nutcracker
A holiday must see, critically acclaimed The Nutcracker, transports the audience back to historic Washington, DC and stars George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker. The production features The Washington Ballet's international roster of dancers. You can catch this magical production at the Warner Theatre. For more information on show times and to purchase tickets, visit:
17.) BullRun Festival Of Lights
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is a 2.5 mile drive through holiday light show at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA. It features penguins, snowmen, candy canes, jumping deer, Santa's workshop, Frosty the Snowman, tin soldiers, elves and more. The seasonal event includes more than 40,000 animated lights set to music and runs through January 3. After viewing the lights, you can visit the Winter Wonderland Holiday Village which includes amusement rides, an ice skating rink, entertainment, shopping, contests, food and more. For more information on hours and tickets, visit:
www.bullrunfestivaloflights.com
18.) Visit the National Christmas Tree
A tradition for most Washingtonian's, visiting the National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace {which represents all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia} which surround the National Christmas Tree is quite the magical experience. Musicial performances will be held nightly 5pm-8:30pm throughout December from volunteer choirs, bands, and dancers. Did we mention the backdrop: The White House. Visiting is FREE.
19.) Opening of French Mediterranean Pop-Up Restaurant, Requin
Calling all you foodies! Fans of 'Top Chef All Stars' will have to check out Chefs Jennifer Carroll and Mike Isabella showcasing their new restaurant , Requin {which officially opens in DC in 2017}, as a temporary pop-up in Fairfax's Mosaic District which opens for dinner on Friday. Their pop-up is not small. It's a 120 seat location and will be open through spring of 2016. The menu won't disappoint with plenty of options! For more information, visit:
20.) Lansdowne Resort Build-A-Bear Event
The first event of its kind at Lansdowne Resort, bring your kids on Sunday from 11am- 2pm to have fun creating a new friend from head to toe. Children with create and dress their custom stuffed animals. For more information on the event and cost to attend, visit:
http://www.lansdowneresort.com/packages/build-a-bear-event-at-lansdowne
21.) Santarchy DC 2015
This annual Christmas event is held in several major cities and is filled with the spirit of giving. Santarchy is a non-profit organization who aims to spread holiday cheer. Hundreds of people dressed as Santa of course and meet in different 'rally' areas throughout DC on Saturday. Bring gifts to give out to adults and kids alike! For more information on this event, visit: