Happy Friday, Capitol Hill (whether in Ward 6 or 7)! Hope you enjoyed that one day of freakishly beautiful weather because we’re back to the cold. What’s happening this weekend?
You’re not gonna believe this, but ten years ago today, our beloved Hill Center opened! On Twitter, we want to know what the Hill Center means to you by sharing a favorite moment from its ten-year history:
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, The Capitol Hill Holiday tree lighting ceremony is happening THIS SATURDAY at 5:30 p.m., Eastern Market Metro Plaza. See you there?
Big BIG deal! FUTURES is opening at the new-and-improved Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. Since 2004, the beautiful building has been closed due to structural concerns, but now it’s reopening on the occasion of its 140th birthday, with a renewed vision of how imagining the future affects our present. FUTURES is a four-chapter story of how we humans have dreamed of, escaped to and conceived the future. Using the building’s Greek cross architecture, the interactive displays, original artwork, and incredible curation of objects from the Smithsonian collection offer a retrospective of how the future past has shaped our current reality. The perspective is incredible. Make sure you visit the FUTURES exhibit portal, for things to do both in person and virtually. Click here to visit.
Make sure you check out the Ford F-150 dynamic light projection outside the building the whole weekend, and go for family day on November 21 so you can eat snacks “catered” by the truck!
The Downtown Holiday Market starts TODAY! 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.
Ice rinks are starting to pop up! Here’s a list of the closest ones:
- The ice rink at The Wharf will open on November 24 and stay open through February. More info here.
- At Canal Park, the rink is coming together and it might be open next week. The website says it’s not open for the season, but this may still be a holdover from last year– just called to check. More info here.
- The ice rink at the Sculpture Garden is one of those DC hallmarks that we missed last year (even if we just watch others while drinking cocoa). This year, the rink opens TODAY and stays open through March of 2022. I’d join you, but I treasure my coccyx. More info here.
The Miner Elementary Mutual Aid is holding a community table this Saturday, November 20, from 11 a.m. to non. If you need help with the thanksgiving table or with keeping warm, this event is for you or for a neighbor in need. Spread the word! If you want to help or volunteer, email minermutualaid@gmail.com.
Support local art and artists! Capitol Hill Art League‘s new members have a show running through January 7, 2022 at Frame of Mine and online by clicking here.
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.
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.
PLAN AHEAD:
Do you love beer? Have you been a good little kid this year? Then you need to know about Shelter’s Day of Decadent Ales, happening next Friday, November 26! Some people may be going nutty shopping, but you can sit back and relax with something dark, tasty and mysterious. Starts at noon, and Shelter is at The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
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.
Do you care about men’s health, good food and great beers? The H Street Movemberfest Pig Roast is back in person this year! The event, which seeks to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer as well as the higher incidence of suicide among men, is a bargain. For only $65 per person, you get all-you-can-eat food and drink! For more info and tickets, click here. If you want to support Lee’s fundraiser and can’t make it to the pig roast, click here.
OFF-HILL BUT AWESOME:
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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