The annual boat parade happens Saturday at The Wharf
It is December! While it can be an overwhelming time of year, with parties and shopping and obligations, I refuse to allow myself to succumb to the crazy. Joy to the World and all that, am I right?
I say this and it is still November. I hope to still be smiling in 4 weeks!
Tonight, keep things simple and return to the simple joys found in beating your loved ones in a brutal game of Ticket to Ride. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. is Open Board Game Night at Labyrinth Games and Puzzles. All are welcome to stop in and make new friends. Maybe even pick up a few gifts while you are there to cross some names off of your list.
Or stop by the annual Tree Lighting at Union Station. The event is sponsored by the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Performing Arts, the Norwegian Embassy. The Bach Project an so Union Station and will kick off at 6 p.m. There will be choir performances and a visit from the Claus family. #godjul
If you’d rather catch a live show tonight, the Set List has you covered.
Friday is another Friday ARTnight: Paint and Sip at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Teaching artist Ellen Cornett will guide you and your friends in creating a masterpiece of your own while you enjoy drinks and nibbles. The event costs $30 which includes all materials and refreshments. Call (202) 547-6839 to reserve your spot.
Get your skates ready and come on down to Canal Park for the Capitol Riverfront for their Holiday Tree lighting, starting at 6 p.m.! Details and RSVP here.
This weekend is your last chance to catch King John at the Folger Theatre. Details, info and tickets here.
Saturday morning, learn some basics of American Sign Language. The Northeast Library hosts a weekly drop-in class at 10am which covers over 100+ASL vocabulary words and rules of grammar. There is no need to register just come by ready to learn.
If you’re looking for Santa, Kate’s got you covered for this whole weekend, including the Ditto Tree Farm– a great partnership with Changing Perceptions. Remember: Only Capitol Hill Santa is real.
The annual Nationals Winterfest takes place Saturday and Sunday at Nationals Park. Keep the Natitude burning bright and celebrate the holidays and baseball with both indoor and outdoor activities. Season ticket holders can get in at 10am and the general public are welcome at 11:30 a.m. This year, revelers will be able to partake in curling and s’more-making as well as many other activities. You can see a full list here.
The Annual Holiday Boat Parade takes place once again down at The District Wharf. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and the boats are set to arrive at 7 p.m. The ice rink is open and the fire pit will be available to warm hands. Tastes of winter drinks will be available at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden and there might be some ornament-making for those who wish to partake.
Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., the Atlas Performing Arts Center presents the silent film Wings. The 1927 film was directed by William Wellman and was the firm recipient of the Academy Award for Best Picture and stars Clara Bow and Gary Cooper and features an aerial dogfight which was actually filmed in air. The screening will feature live, original music by the Curator and Resident Musician for the Atlas Silent Film Series, Andrew Earle Simpson.
That evening is the first night of Hanukkah and so the Capitol Hill BID and the Hill Havurah’s s annual lighting of the Capitol Hill Menorah is perfectly timed. The menorah is dedicated to the former Board Chairman, the late Paul Pascal. The festivities will take place on the Eastern Market Metro Plaza and all are welcome to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, potato latkes and jelly donuts, generously provided by Ted’s Bulletin and served by the BID’s Men and Women in Blue.