Happy Friday the 13 to all who observe! Spooky season may be over, but can anyone resist an invitation to spending an evening with a classic slasher film?
Okay, I admit I can 100% pass on the Voorhees franchise, which leads me to my first recommendation: Why not catch a cozy movie at one of our local or local-ish movie theaters? The Angelika NOT A POP-UP is showing Shop Around the Corner, which was the inspiration for You’ve Got Mail!
Meanwhile, the Miracle Theater has a live event tomorrow! Serving C*nt by cabaret artist Sarah Hester Ross sounds like an absolute riot, starting with the name. Get your tickets and learn more here.
The Library of Congress has a very special Family Day on Saturday, all about Giving Thanks. The event is free but make sure you get your tickets here.
Feeling like a bike ride? Hill Family Biking is partnering up with Ride For Your Life for a special awareness ride to increase awareness of traffic fatalities and support safe roads for everyone. Find out more here and sign up.
Want something extraordinary to do this week? Then plan to visit the Folger and see To Hear Her Speak, an exhibit that focuses on Black women and Shakespearen performance. Click here to learn more and plan your visit.
One thing I’m extremely excited for? ENCHANT DC IS BACK! This delightful twinkle-lit holiday maze will start welcoming visitors at Nationals Park starting November 20 and will keep its doors open through December 27. Get your tickets here!
I will be teaching one last Tarot class this year at Relume: Come establish a practice of gratitude with Tarot for Gratitude on November 24. Click here to sign up.
Repeal Day Tour Tickets!
On Tuesday, December 1, we will be holding our annual REPEAL DAY TOUR WITH UNION PUB AND BARREL!!! There will be lurid local tales, gossip, and excellent cocktails at UP and Barrel. Buy your tickets here!
Holiday Plans
I hope I’m not alarming you by revealing that it’s less than two weeks until Thanksgiving. If you are feeling the pressure, why not try catering from one of our local restaurants– or better yet, make a reservation and let them take care of the cooking AND the cleanup!
Call Your Mother: Latkes for Thanksgiving, fried sweets for Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve doughnuts? Sign us up! Order here.
Bistro Cacao: This has been a go-to for many a Thanksgiving, and my favorite part is that you can dine in or order to-go. Click here to order your feast and you’ll be eating French-inspired fare in your pajamas.
Duck and the Peach: Another absolute winner. Make sure you order now by cilcking here so you can have James Beard award-winning fare in your rattiest pajamas and UGGs. Thanksgiving makes me so emotional for all the food I’m about to eat.
Belga Cafe: Or perhaps you want to eat Belgian food? Then order from Belga because truly, you can’t go wrong with a neighborhood OG! Here is the ordering link.
The United States Botanic Garden: I know, it’s not exactly food. However, for little guests and little people– and train lovers of all ages– there is nothing more magical than Season’s Greenings, the yearly installation outside the USBG. The train display will be open starting Thanksgiving day through January 3, 2027.
The Waldorf-Astoria: Maybe your Thanksgiving dream is to eat lobster for brunch (I mean, same). So if you’re in the market for that kind of thrill, then you’d better make a reservation for the W-A Thanksgiving brunch. Check it out here.
The Inn at Little Washington: If you want to have an even fancier Thanksgiving, hie thee to Washington (Virginia) and enjoy! Click here for more information and reservations.
Holiday Markets
Downtown Holiday Market: Every year, the Downtown Market seems to open earlier and earlier and this year, it opens TODAY! Get yourself a cup of cheer and fill your favorite people’s stockings with local, artisanal offerings. And stop by Dirty Habit on your way in or out and have a truly delighrful drink. I went to the preview on Wednesday and made a reel about it.
Dupont Holiday Market: This one opened YESTERDAY and it’s a little smaller, cuter, kitschier and homier. It’s not going to get the Events DC traetment, so make sure you love it more <3
Off-Hill
Want to do something fun with your pupper? Check out The Stacks’ Yappy Hour! Meet new doggies and their owners in a charming, cocktail-y atmosphere! Click here for more information and to RSVP.
Or you can plant a tree at Rock Creek Cemetery with Casey Trees! Make a difference in our tree canopy and meet likeminded folks! RSVP here.
Free DC is still active and advocating for our District. Sign up for a training here.
Plan Ahead
The 20th Annual Capitol Hill Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 21, at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, starting at 5:30 p.m. Tip: Make sure you’re at the plaza closer to 5 p.m. if you want to take advantage of the goodies and possibly nabbing a seat.
On November 30, go to the Atlas Performing Arts Center to learn more about the future Gold Line and transportation options along the H Street Corridor. Click here for more info and to RSVP.
On Tuesday, December 1, go to the Wharf for the official Jack Daniel’s Tree Lighting at 5 p.m Click here to know more.
Feel like reading a book but want to do it with people around you? Yes, the urge to extrovert is real and we get you– and so does the Folger. Reading Rhythms is an ongoing series of social reading at the Great Hall and you’re invited. Learn more here and RSVP!
Is the holiday season not complete until you’ve sat through a performance of The Nutcracker? Then go to the Atlas Performing Arts Center and catch the Phoenix Ballet’s version on December 5-6. Get your tickets here.
And guess what? If you go on December 5, you can catch the KRAMPUSNACHT parade at Gallery O on H! Starting at 5 p.m., bring the kiddos for fun and then stick around for a party until 11 p.m. More info and tickets here.
If you like your parade on the water, then go to The Wharf for the annual Boat Parade! There are activities all over the Wharf area from 5 p.m. onward. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and there will be fireworks starting at 8 p.m.! To learn more, click here.
Or you can celebrate one of our favorite holidays around here, Repeal Day, with a star-studded lineup of local bartenders at The Line Hotel with the annual Repeal Dal Ball! Click here to learn more and get your tickets.
And on December 6, join the community for the 13th annual menorah lighting with Hill Havurah! The lighting will take place on the third night of Hanukkah outside the Lutheran Church of the Reformation. More info here.