December has that intense energy where we have parties! shopping! lists! and so many other things to do, while pretending that we still have to work and function. So take some time to do something fun and care for yourself. What’s on deck this week (and the rest of this month)?
For starters, on December 8, join us and our friends at Barrel and Union Pub for our annual Repeal Day tour and drinks! Learn history from our resident historian, Robert Pohl, and sip on delicious drinks by the talented bartenders at both spots! It’s the bee’s knees! Get your tickets here.
Starting December 5, get into the holiday spirit with music at the Folger, as they celebrate with Resplendent Joy. For more info and tickets, click here.
On December 6, the boat parade is back at The Wharf! Enjoy the beautifully decorated boats, get a tipple in, enjoy the Tree Market, and more! Click here for more info.
Capital City Symphony brings you SPARK! on December 6. Get into the holiday spirit BIG TIME and enjoy the beautiful Atlas Performing Arts Center. Click here for more info and tickets.
And on December 7, go to Congressional Cemetery for their darling Holiday Market! From 11 am to 4 pm, enjoy the beauty of the cemetery and get your holiday shopping done! More info here.
On December 10, Light Yards Express will choo-choo with an array of lights into your heart. More info here.
Mosaic Theater’s newest play, “A Case for the Existence of God” opened before Thanksgiving week and it was so moving and beautiful. Another excellent work of art at a time when we need humanity and grace more than ever. Lucky for you, their run has been extended to December 14! Click here for tickets.
Ever wanted to try cribbage? Then you’re in luck! Neighbor Dan started a cribbage league that gets together at Duffy’s near Stadium-Armory Metro on Tuesdays! Click here to learn more.
Holiday Things
Eastern Market is the place to be this holiday! Not only do they have beautiful trees available every day up until Christmas Eve, but this Saturday, December 6 and next Saturday, December 13, drop by the North Hall between 10 am and 3 pm for specially themed vendors. December 6 focuses on gift baskets and savory treats. December 13 is all about coffee and chocolate. Both events are free, so make sure to drop by.
Both Brent Elementary and Miner Elementary have tree sales going on this weekend. Brent’s is a whole festival at Canal Park! You can find more information here or visit brentholidaysale.com
Miner’s is December 5 and 6 and you can find more information here or visit the Miner Elementary Greenery site.
Ginkgo Gardens is having their holiday sale and party! Drop by December 6 and 7 for snacks, good cheer and DISCOUNTS! Ginkgo Gardens is located at 911 11th St SE.
The National Arboretum will also have their winter festival this weekend, 10 am to 3 pm. The event is free but you’re asked to RSVP here.
Bridge District will have their Tree Lot and festival on December 6. The event is free but they ask that you RSVP here.
And over in Virginia, National Landing has The Lodge on Saturday from 1 to 6 pm. Free, but RSVP here.
Reminder: Many restaurants have special
OFF-HILL
At the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Tawny Chatmon’s show titled, “Sanctuaries of Truth, Dissolution of Lies” is extremely personal and moving. Bring hankies and apologies to the people who had to catch the show at the same time as me. Yes, I was sobbing the whole time. More info here.
Don’t forget! The Anacostia Community Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they always have something fun going on! Learn more here.
The dueling holiday markets open on November 14 (Dupont) and November 21 (Downtown). Check them both out– we’re all winners here.
PLAN AHEAD
On December 13, take in the holiday lights with Hill Family Biking! (RSVP here).
By the way, on December 13, at 11 a.m., Wreaths Across America is coming to Congressional Cemetery. More info here.
On December 20, Momentum Dance Theatre on the Hill has an off-Hill off-beat and offline Nutcracker experience and you’re invited! The NutcracKer’s Guide to Getting UnPlugged is the story of three teens who learn that there is more than their devices as they explore jazz, hip hop, street dance and ballet. Click here for tickets.
Come take a very special Winter Solstice Tarot Reading class at Relume on December 21. You will walk away with clarity for the returning light and I’ll bring a special treat to this class. Sign up and be part of a special meditative ritual! Click here to be part of the fun.
Ring in the new year at Yards Park *early* with Noon Yards Eve! More info here.
And I know March 2026 feels far, but it’ll be here sooner than you think and, along with it, the DC Environmental Film Festival will come back with an important theme: “Against the Current.” To learn about DCEFF and their mission, click here.