It’s dark so very early, but that just means you have to start putting up your holiday lights NOW! If you’re decorating for the holiday season and want to be added to the Light Up The Hill map, send an email to info@thehillishome.com. Speaking of lighting up, add November 20 to your calendar– The Capitol Hill Holiday tree lighting ceremony is happening on that day at 5:30 p.m., Eastern Market Metro Plaza.
Consider shopping for your holiday presents early. COVID-19 has messed around globally with supply chains so the earlier you get your orders in, the better. We recommend two local portals to help you with your shopping: Districtly Local and Shop in the District. By the way, our friend Leah at Hill’s Kitchen is now open on Mondays, through Christmas Eve.
TONIGHT! RIGHT NOW! Get to The Yards until 8:30 p.m. to catch Side Yards. Magicians, contortionists, and other performers with feats of daring will make you ooh, aaah and wow. Click here for more info.
If you’re looking for an early or mid-week thing to do, why not catch a live show? If you’re not totally comfortable, make sure you check the vaccination requirements at the venue through DC Music Live.
If you want to celebrate all things Britney Spears –especially her freedom from her conservatorship–– you need to get to Wunder Garten on Saturday, November 13, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. for The Britney Ball. More information and tickets here.
On November 13, A Tour of Her Own will host Herstory Together, a one-day event of District women’s history. For more details and to look over the day’s agenda, click here.
The Smithsonian Native Museum of the American Indian’s Native Cinema showcase is a great way to celebrate November, Native Heritage month. From 12-18 November, watch some of the best that Native moviemaking has to offer. Click here for more.
PLAN AHEAD:
The Downtown Holiday Market starts on November 19 and since you can pretty much walk there from the Hill, it goes in the Plan Ahead section. From noon to 8 p.m. every day through December 23 (except for November 25 and December 6), enjoy local arts and crafts, performances, and the feeling of joy and merriment as the city transforms into a holiday wonderland. To check out the full list of makers and activities, visit downtownholidaymarket.com
The United States Botanic Garden holiday display is on view unofficially now, but the whole tableau will open officially on November 24 through January 2. The display also has different agricultural dioramas created by Applied Imagination for over 15 years. For more information, click here.
If you are one of those sweet lambs for whom Christmas cannot get here fast enough, you can now buy tickets to Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park. The dazzling light display and Christmas light maze follows the adventures of the Mischievous Elf. Enchant Christmas kicks off November 26 and tickets start at $29 per child. For more information click here, and to get tickets, click here.
Light Yards returns for its sixth year! Visit your favorite spots along Yards Park and enjoy the beautiful light displays. The fun starts December 1 and lasts through New Year’s Day, 2022.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the past, present and future of Union Station? On November 3, December 1 the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation will hold a special virtual session all about this beloved and busy hub. Sign up here. (Please note the change of date.)
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade is on December 4 from 6-9 p.m.and you are invited! The boats will parade and there will be an incredible fireworks display at the end. The show is free and no registration is required unless you’d like your boat to be part of the parade; if so, click here to register.
OFF-HILL BUT AWESOME:
Are you a big chess fan? The Boro at Tysons is holding an all-levels chess game called The Boro’s Gambit. The tricky fun will happen on November 13. For more details and tickets (if you’re playing) click here.
Put it on the calendar RIGHT NOW! The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building is reopening on November 20 and there is a host of incredible activities to mark this special occasion, starting with the FUTURES REMIXED three-day festival, November 19-21. Follow their Instagram for updates and RSVP here to the FUTURES REMIXED festival.
Want a novel way to spend the holidays? Why not book a reservation for a boat ride along the Potomac? Have togetherness, great food and dancing with a City Cruise! For more information, click here.
Tired of dating apps and getting set up on blind dates? Why not try The Matzoball! The large party and speed dating event, which is geared toward Jewish singles but everyone is invited to attend, will take place on December 24 at Decades. More info and tickets here.
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