Enjoy the winter wonderland that is DC including the National Christmas Tree, the Downtown Holiday Market, Enchant Christmas, ZooLights, Georgetown GLOW, holiday shows and so much more.
Make plans for unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital this December. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. All will have opened by the end of November. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
DC Design Tours
Experience the city with DC Design Tours
See the District through a new light with DC Design Tours, which offers evening walking excursions through Georgetown GLOW, the holiday-themed installation that dazzles the city's most historic neighborhood each winter. You can also book a winter walking tour for two, ideal for a date night to disrupt the winter blues (get $50 off the private tour with discount code "DCDESIGNDATE"). DC Design Tours is also hosting a holiday sale on gift cards through the end of the calendar year (use discount code "DCDESIGNGIFT").
Grab discounted tickets and attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena. You can purchase discounted tickets to games for all three teams at the links below.
Caps Ticket Discount (and free hat with purchase)
Wizards Ticket Discount (up to 20% off)
Go-Go Ticket Discount (up to 25% off)
In the Library: Will’s World – European Literature in Shakespeare’s Time – Nov. 27 – Dec. 29
In conjunction with the Shakespeare Everywhere Festival, the National Gallery of Art’s Library presents an enthralling exhibit of selected rare books from the museum’s special collections. Classical and modern literary sources can be examined in-depth, many of which were inspired by groundbreaking playwrights such as Shakespeare – and some of which likely inspired the Bard himself.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
DC Cocktail Week – Nov. 28 – Dec. 5
Dozens of DC restaurants participate in this celebration of mixology curated by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. DC Cocktail Week showcases innovative drinks, letting local bartenders put their creative brains to work. These tasty creations are paired with dishes to inspire flavor explosions that you will not want to miss. Local distilleries get in on the act as well.
More Information
Through The Looking Glass – Opens Nov. 28
Dress in your best or cocktail attire or as your favorite Alice in Wonderland character and visit the Mansion on O Street & O Street Museum as one of the coolest locations in DC unveils its newest sculpture exhibit, Through The Looking Glass, in its Secret Garden. The sculptor of the piece, James Coplestone, will be on-hand, and guests can also enjoy a tour of the 100-room Mansion. You can then visit the exhibit during any December trip to the Mansion on O.
More Info & Registration
The Mansion on O Street & O Street Museum, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
GALA FILM FEST: Latin American Innovation – Nov. 29 – Dec. 3
The perspectives of some of the finest young independent directors will be presented throughout this festival in celebration of bright and emerging Latin American filmmakers. Contemporary films from Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina and the Dominican Republic – as well as a Mexican classic – will be screened at the GALA Hispanic Theatre. Q&A’s with artists and experts and receptions will also be available to attend after screenings.
More Info & Tickets
GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
VOCA Presents: ISM II – Nov. 29 – Dec. 17
After the success of the first iteration of ISM, Atlas Performing Arts Center welcomes back the VOCA Ensemble for a sequel. The ensemble consists of Deaf and Hard of Hearing BIPOC individuals who will share their true stories in American Sign Language (ASL). Many of these experiences involve being exposed to societal “isms”, discrimination and oppression. Through Deaf Hip-Hop culture, including in-depth storytelling, poetry, music, dance and multimedia, these brave artists will express themselves on stage. Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing audiences will simultaneously have access to ASL and Spoken English (voice-performed).
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Visit the National Christmas Tree – Lit on Nov. 30
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer, which is free to visit, lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season.
Free Admission
White House Ellipse, 15th Street & E Street NW, Washington, DC 20500
Dave Chappelle Live – Nov. 30
DC’s own Dave Chappelle returns to the nation’s capital to pack the Capital One Arena for one night only. The mastermind behind the legendary Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central and classic films such as Half Baked, the comedian is most recently well-known for his popular Netflix stand-up specials. Seeing as Chappelle is performing in his hometown, expect an enthusiastic crowd.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Christkindlmarkt – Dec. 1-3
Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden hosts the Christkindlmarkt throughout the first full weekend of December every year. Tickets grant you access to the arts and crafts-laden market featuring goods from dozens of vendors and the historic mansion, which will be decorated to the nines. This year, the markt will be folded into Maker Month, a new month-long celebration of artisans.
Tickets
Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Atlas Winterfest – Dec. 1-17
The Atlas Performing Arts Center goes into holiday mode with a series of performances in December highlighting all sorts of artistic expression. Events include a performance by the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra (Dec. 4), a Chocolate City Nutcracker show from Black Leaves Dance Company (Dec. 9), a holiday sing-along with the Capital City Symphony (Dec. 17) and much, much more.
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Georgetown GLOW – Dec. 1 – Jan. 7, 2024
Stroll through DC’s most historic neighborhood to see jaw-dropping illuminated artworks. Georgetown GLOW is always a holiday hit in the District. Participants range from locally renowned to internationally celebrated, while their works gorgeously adorn outdoor spaces throughout Georgetown.
More Info | Free Admission
Warm up at Mount Vernon – Events take place through Dec. 17
Explore George Washington’s estate by candlelight and learn about historic holiday traditions on Nov. 24–25, Dec. 1–2, Dec. 8–9 and Dec. 17, and enjoy the dazzling spectacle of Christmas Illuminations on Dec. 15–16.
More Info
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade – Dec. 2
Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the The Wharf. You can observe the parade free of charge, and there are holiday festivities to enjoy beforehand, including winter drink sampling, chances to meet Santa, ornament decorating and more. Prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels, which begin their journey at 6 p.m., and fireworks will cap off the parade at 8 p.m.
Events begin at 6 p.m. | More Info
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 2-3 & 9-10
Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride”, “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas”. Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 25-26 & Dec. 2-30
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
An Irish Carol – Dec. 2-31
The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
As You Like It – Through Jan. 7, 2024
Shakespeare didn’t only dabble in tragedy. You can experience one of his greatest romantic comedies, As You Like It, at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall this winter. Set in the 1960s amid flower power and filled with humor, beauty and romance, the play follows Rosalind, who is banished from her home and ends up in an “alternative community” where possibilities are endless. The Bard’s verse and the music of The Beatles are woven together to create a production you won’t soon forget.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Fresh Talk: Digital Futures – Dec. 3
The recently reopened National Museum of Women in the Arts continues its Fresh Talk series with a focus on the digital future. Artists, curators and designers will examine the influence of technology on how art is created and sold as well as how the trend can be leveraged to create gender equity across the creative spectrum. A cocktail hour concludes the festivities.
4-6 p.m. | Tickets
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue, Washington, DC 20005
The Improvised Shakespeare Company – Dec. 4-23
Shakespeare has been interpreted in many, many ways, but The Improvised Shakespeare Company has come up with one of the most intriguing approaches yet. With one audience suggestion (a title of a play not yet written), the Company creates a Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes, totally improvised. Equipped with language and themes from all The Bard’s classics, the talented players could unveil a comedy or a tragedy – you will have to come to find out.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen– Dec. 5-23
Two of the greatest and most influential songwriters and storytellers to grip listeners (and readers) over the last 50 years, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen were longtime friends and one-time lovers. Signature Theatre honors their seismic song catalogues with Both Sides Now. Expect to hear essentials such as “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne” and many more.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Cynthia Erivo & Friends – Dec. 6
In a brilliant career already filled with accolades, including Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards, Cynthia Erivo has proven herself to be dynamic on the big screen, the small screen, the stage and in the recording studio. So have the two talented performers who will be joining her for this special, one-night only performance at the illustrious The Kennedy Center: Ben Platt and Joaquina Kalukango.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Bard & The Beat – Dec. 6
As part of DC’s Shakespeare Everywhere Festival, the Negro Classical Cultural Carnival and Shakespeare Theatre Company will collaborate for an evening of dance, music and theatre showcasing underrepresented voices in the arts. The Kennedy Center hosts the free performance at its Millennium Stage. Registration is required.
6 p.m. | Register
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
NSO at The Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert – Dec. 6
Conductor Steven Reineke and the National Symphony Orchestra visit The Anthem for their most fun performance of the year. Rock your most festive – and ugliest – holiday sweater for an evening packed with seasonal favorites, including “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” music from The Nutcracker and much more. You can even enter the annual Ugly Sweater Contest for a chance to win free Kennedy Center tickets.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Eric Andre Explosion – Dec. 6
The title of the show kind of says it all. Eric Andre is the most unhinged personality currently working in comedy, completely shameless in his concepts and their execution. You literally cannot prepare yourself for an Eric Andre show – whether it’s on the television or on the stage. The latter makes for a much more engaging experience. You’ll get the chance at The Fillmore Silver Spring in December. And heads up: Andre’s material is for adults only. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
National Menorah Lighting – Dec. 7
Chanukah kicks off with a lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah.
3-6 p.m. | Free Admission | Tickets Required
White House Ellipse, 15th Street & E Street NW, Washington, DC 20500
Chris Tucker – Dec. 7
Few stars have arrived with the tenacity of Chris Tucker. From his emergence on the Def Comedy Jam tour to his unforgettable turn as Smoky in Friday to his hilarious portrayal of Detective James Carter in three hugely successful Rush Hour films, Tucker held an audience’s attention like few other performers. His trademark swagger and outlandish humor remain irresistible. Hot off his appearance in 2022’s AIR, Tucker is touring stages across the country for the first time in over a decade. Fortunately, his trek includes a stop at The Anthem in DC.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Reggae Fest DC– Dec. 8
Prepare to move your feet at DC’s historic Howard Theatre during Reggae Fest, which will bring the rhythms of dancehall, Soca, Afrobeat and of course, reggae, to one of the most vibrant venues in the District. Doors open at 10 p.m. for this 21-and-over event.
11 p.m. – 3 a.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
NSO Pops: A Holiday Pops! with Norm Lewis – Dec. 8-9
The sparkling holiday celebration hosted by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) returns with fresh takes on comforting classics and sing-along favorites in the festively decorated Concert Hall. This year, the NSO welcomes actor and singer Norm Lewis, one of Broadway's leading men.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Handel's Messiah – Dec. 8-10
The Washington National Cathedral is a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas, as it becomes adorned with themed lights and elaborate decorations each year. Join the Cathedral's choir and baroque orchestra for a stirring rendition of Handel's beloved Messiah. You will be dazzled by the performance set against the Cathedral's architecture and Gothic splendor.
Tickets
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me – Dec. 8-10
Treat the family to some wholesome opera this holiday season. The Lion, the Unicorn and Me takes on the Nativity story from a new perspective, as the Fearsome Lion, the gorgeous Unicorn and the humble Donkey compete to determine who can get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the birth of their son. Donkey is in for some surprises in this whimsical show based on an award-winning children’s book.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 8-17
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance. Furry friends from the animal kingdom and a dance party hosted by DJ Nutcracker are also on the docket.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The bp Renegades Steel Orchestra – Dec. 9
In honor of an incredible 75-year run, the bp Renegades Steel Orchestra will play a special anniversary show at the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Events DC and the Mayor’s Office on Caribbean Community Affairs bring you the pulsating rhythms, pounding drums and steelpan magic of the group, which is playing its first show in DC in more than a decade. Get ready for the energy of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival in the heart of the District.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Entertainment and Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
Knotted Clay: Raku Ceramics and Tea – Opens Dec. 9
Raku technique – named after the family that has made the ceramics in Kyoto since the 16th century – is seen across tea bowls, water containers and numerous other vessels in a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The handmade pieces became common in Japan thanks to collaboration between the makers and their tea-drinking patrons. By the 1950s, the American studio pottery movement had adopted Raku techniques.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | More Information
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
HOT 99.5's Jingle Ball presented by Capital One – Dec. 11
DC's favorite local radio station gets into the holiday spirit with this annual star-studded concert inside Capital One Arena. This year's lineup is truly incredible, with One Republic, Flo Rida, Jelly Roll, Big Time Rush, David Kushner and Doechii all set to perform, among others.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Pretty Woman: The Musical– Dec. 12-17
Tony Award-winning director Jerry Mitchell helms an unforgettable musical adaptation of one of the great stories of modern romance. The original score was co-written by Grammy winner Bryan Adams. See the classic film masterfully translated to the stage and fall in love all over again inside DC’s National Theatre.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Girl From the North Country – Dec. 12-31
The Kennedy Center welcomes the Tony Award-winning musical featuring reimagined versions of 20 of Bob Dylan’s classic songs including “All Along The Watchtower,” “Like A Rolling Stone” and “Hurricane”. Set in 1934, the narrative follows a group of wanderers who intersect at a guesthouse in Duluth, Minn. A hit on Broadway, the musical lines up perfectly with the holiday season.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – Dec. 14-17
This holiday epic, which explores the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, is performed at the Kennedy Center each year. The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by standout soloists and the University of Maryland Concert Choir as Laurence Equilbey makes her highly anticipated conducting debut at the beautifully decorated Concert Hall.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Christmas with The King's Singers – Dec. 15
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with one of Britain's most beloved vocal ensembles, The King's Singers, in their only DC appearance. From Christmas classics to lesser known gems to brand new surprises, the group will perform a wondrous variety of songs set against the dazzling backdrop of the Cathedral.
Tickets
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 15-16 & 20-22
With more than 130 voices working in tandem with brass, organ and percussion to create wonderful renditions of Christmas classics, the Washington Chorus is a wonder to behold. This 75-minute holiday music experience will offer thrilling special guests and a traditional candlelight processional that is an annual highlight.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
ARTECHOUSE: Beyond the Light – Through Dec. 16
In collaboration with NASA, ARTECHOUSE's latest installation delivers an artistic expression of space exploration, technology and innovation. The cinematic experience explores the history of our universe through light and immersive audio, based on groundbreaking discoveries. Purchase tickets through the link below for a 10% discount.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
A Family Christmas – Dec. 16 & 24
The Kennedy Center’s annual family-oriented holiday celebration features songs kids will love gorgeously sung by the Choral Arts Society of Washington in the Concert Hall. Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will make appearances during the festivities.
11 a.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Dragon King’s Daughter – Nov. 18 – Dec. 17
In a world premiere Kennedy Center Commission, writer Marcus Yi invites audiences into the world of 12-year-old Kenny Li, a victim of bullying at school who discovers a magical tablet that transports him to the Jade Kingdom, where he meets our title character. The duo embarks on a mission to save the world, and along the way, Kenny taps into his bravery and encounters the joy of friendship. Featuring fascinating Chinese dragon mythology, martial arts and soaring music, The Dragon King’s Daughter is a can’t-miss for family-friendly audiences this winter.
Tickets
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Winter's Tale – Nov. 4 – Dec. 17
Director Tamilla Woodard takes on one of the Bard’s most thrilling plays in a new production at Folger Theatre. The Winter’s Tale is a romance filled with all the hallmarks of classic Shakespearean comedy: complex relationships, emotions running wild, outlandish behavior. There’s also a bear running around. Expect hearty laughs and plenty of fairy-tale folly.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live – Dec. 18
The classic television special becomes a stage spectacle at the Lincoln Theatre for one-night only just one week before Christmas Day. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live tells the timeless story and features the beloved music of Vince Guaraldi. The whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Madonna – Dec. 18-19
Few artists are worth celebrating as much as Madonna. Yes, she’s sold more than 300 million albums worldwide over a 40-year career, but it’s the way that she’s done it that makes her so special. Constantly reinventing herself and pushing boundaries, she’s known as the “Queen of Pop” but even that moniker doesn’t do her justice. Capital One Arena is her “queendom” to rule for two nights in December and trust us: she’s going to put on an amazing show.
8:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Dec. 19-22
Yep, you read that right. This imaginative performance blends modern hip-hop choreography, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist to re-create The Nutcracker in truly original fashion. Adults will be wowed by the contemporary take on Tchaikovsky’s score while the kids revel in the hip-hop musical performances. Special guest emcee Kurtis Blow, best known for “The Breaks,” opens the show with a rapping introduction. Digital scenery colors the background of the entertaining cultural mash-up that will be performed for four nights only at Strathmore's Music Center.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Go-Go Symphony Holiday Show: 'Twas the Night– Dec. 22
Experience an unforgettable Christmas journey with the Classical Jazzical Spectacular featuring the timeless tale of 'Twas the Night. Live on Friday, Dec. 22, the symphonic extravaganza seamlessly blends the classical charm of a grand symphony with the vibrant beats of DC's Go-Go music. Celebrating over a decade of mesmerizing performances, the Go-Go Symphony, led by exceptionally talented musicians, promises a night of festive magic that will have the audience on their feet, cheering, as noted by The Washington Post.
Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Taylor Party – Dec. 22
Swifties, assemble! The 9:30 Club has a special Christmas present for you this year: a dance party consisting of only Taylor Swift songs. Come in your most festive (or Swiftian) attire and prepare to shake off any and all holiday stress during hours of non-stop Taylor classics.
8 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Public Obscenities – Through Dec. 23
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s new play follows Choton and his Black American boyfriend Raheem on a research trip back to the former’s family home. Around Kolkata, the duo interview queer locals, but Raheem begins seeing things through Choton’s grandfather’s camera that seemingly no one else can. The riveting bilingual play from visionary writer-director Shayok Misha Chowdhury is intended for mature audiences.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Downtown Holiday Market – Nov. 17 – Dec. 23
This free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background. Locally roasted coffee and crafted-before-your-eyes mini-doughnuts inspire a cold-weather appetite, creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in DC.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Christmas Day Organ Recital – Dec. 25
Enliven your Christmas afternoon with a trip to the National Cathedral as house organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren perform a program of festive music. The free performance does not require tickets to attend. A livestream will also be available.
1:30 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
ZooLights – Nov. 24 – Dec. 30
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year: admission is $6 per individual.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Swept Away – Through Jan. 14, 2024
Featuring music and lyrics by The Avett Brothers, whose 2004 album Mignonette was inspired by the same story, Swept Away concerns an 1884 shipwreck and the struggle of four men to survive it. When their whaling ship sinks off the coast of New Bedford, Mass., the men must face a reckoning and attempt forgiveness in the face of tragedy.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Enchant Christmas – Nov. 24 – Dec. 31
With the beloved light maze at its center, Enchant makes its home in DC at the gorgeous Nationals Park each winter. Families can enjoy ice skating trails, a holiday village with products from local businesses and a kids’ play place. Expect plenty of Instagram-friendly settings and holiday spirit at this one-of-a-kind installation.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA – Dec. 31
The 9:30 Club rings in 2024 with a DJ-based dance party of disco classics. Get ready to groove to ABBA hits as well as bangers from the likes of The Bee Gees, Cher, Donna Summer and so many others. Disco attire is highly encouraged for the New Year’s Eve bash most likely to lead to you wearing out your dancing shoes. A complimentary champagne toast will be offered at midnight to patrons over the age of 21.
9 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
A Christmas Carol – Nov. 17 – Dec. 31
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Celebrate the holidays at Capital Hilton
Throughout December, Capital Hilton invites guests to a winter getaway with holiday lights, themed menus and seasonal activations. Guests can book a Nutcracker-themed suite, go on a Nutcracker scavenger hunt on the lobby level, enjoy drink specials at the hotel’s Statler Lounge, craft letters to Santa and give back by donating to Miriam’s Kitchen in DC.
More Info
Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Check out the reopened National Museum of Women in the Arts
The only museum solely dedicated to championing women through the arts has reopened its doors with improved interior and exterior spaces, new mechanical systems, enhanced amenities and accessibility, enlarged gallery space and additional research and education space. The reopening also includes a brand-new, groundbreaking exhibit known as The Sky’s the Limit (Through Feb. 25, 2024), as well as numerous other new displays.
More Information
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Entertainment Nation
The National Museum of American History’s incredible ongoing exhibit covers 150 years of American culture through an array of interactive elements as well as a collection of items that will leave you stunned. Very cool artifacts like the Ruby Red slippers from The Wizard of Oz and a guitar played by Prince are centerpieces, but other displays cover sports, television, comedy and so much more.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
March On: Rustin (a free audio walking tour)
The Trust for the National Mall and Netflix have collaborated for a walking tour themed around Rustin, Netflix’s show about Bayard Rustin and his role as an architect of the March on Washington in 1963. Listen to the audio for free and walk in the footsteps of the famous march and learns of its legacy while making stops at the Lockkeeper’s House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Listen
Salamander Sips & S’mores – Through Jan. 1, 2024
Salamander Wahington DC welcomes guests to relax by a fire pit with a s’mores kit and unwind. Each $12 kit comes with gourmet chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows for two guests. From 5-10 p.m. each night, hot chocolate and apple cider are offered in addition to premium drinks like Kahlua, Uncle Nearest Whiskey and Frangelico. Note that seating by the two fire pits is first-come, first-served.
More Info
Salamander Washington DC, 1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Season’s Greenings – Through Jan. 1, 2024
The free celebration at the U.S. Botanic Garden is a beloved annual tradition in the nation's capital. The 2023 edition features five G-gauge model trains circulating through oversized animal pollinators made from plant parts. Indoors, see thousands of poinsettias as well as 22 plant-based landmarks of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Gallery of Art's East Building. Throughout the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Gardens, trees and shrubs feature string lights, festive evergreens and six large plant-based sculptures of pollinators. The display will be open from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2024 (closed on Dec. 25).
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
African Modernism in America, 1947-67 – Through Jan. 7, 2024
The Phillips Collection presents the first major exhibition to examine the connections between modern African artists and American patrons, artists and organizations after World War II. The work of 50 African and African American artists, including David Driskell, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ben Enwonwu, Jacob Lawrence, Demas Nwoko, and Uche Okeke, will be on display. African Modernism in America uncovers a network of artists, curators and scholars who challenged assumptions about African art in the U.S.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Ragtime – Through Jan. 7, 2024
The Tony-winning musical based on E.L. Doctorow’s masterpiece of a novel carries a modern-day relevance that will be crystallized when the play is staged at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. this fall. With brilliant music as your guide, follow the lives of a Harlem musician, a Jewish immigrant and a wealthy white family as each strives for the “American Dream” in the early 20th century.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
All American: The Power of Sports – Through Jan. 7, 2024
The National Archives' 3,000-square-foot exhibit showcases more than 75 items including original records, artifacts and photographs that showcase how American sports unite, teach and inspire us. Highlights include original sports equipment and jerseys used by icons, early 20th-century tobacco baseball cards, rare trophies, photos, letters and much more. The exhibit is located in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery and is free to visit.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
DC Holiday Lights – Through Jan. 7, 2024
Neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital are adorning their “main streets” with colorful lights. Additionally, vendors in each neighborhood are offering holiday specials and promotions throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. You can enjoy this holiday cheer in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park, among other locales. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor!
Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea – Through Jan. 14, 2024
The latest exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum will examine, through the perspectives of 48 artists, the history of the American West through an entirely new lens. So many of our commonly accepted narratives about U.S. history are based on myths and Euro-centric accounts. Through thought-provoking pieces across a range of media, you’ll be immersed in a more inclusive, fact-based chronology of the Western parts of America and how they’ve been transformed over hundreds of years.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
One-on-One: Ugo Rondinone / Louis Eilshemius – Through Jan. 14, 2024
The Phillips Collection’s latest exhibit juxtaposes paintings by the late Louis Michel Eilshemius (1865-1941) with pieces by contemporary artist Ugo Rondinone, born in Switzerland in 1964. Rondinone has collected paintings by the American Eilshemius for years, admiring his expressive pieces that depict landscapes, nature and the human body. In dialogue with Eilshemius, large-scale forest landscapes by Rondinone will also be on view.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans – Through Jan. 15, 2024
Curated by artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation), the National Gallery of Art presents an unprecedented exhibition that showcases work across a variety of mediums – including sculpture, beadwork, painting, performance, drawing, video and weaving – from 50 living Native American artists practicing across the United States. Visitors can marvel at a dynamic presentation of captivating art that reflects a deep reverence and appreciation of natural landscapes.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Palace Life Unfolds: Conserving a Chinese Lacquer Screen – Through Jan. 28
The National Museum of Asian Art displays a Chinese lacquer screen dated to 1672 in a new exhibit that examines the piece’s meaning, use and manufacture and details the incredible efforts of museum staff to research, conserve and display the work of art. Titled Spring Morning in the Han Palace, the composition presents an ahistorical view of the lives of women in an imperial palace of the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | More Information
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson – Through Jan. 29, 2024
For her first monographic exhibition, acclaimed photographer Ayana V. Jackson was inspired by the Detroit-based 1990s techno group Drexciya, whose innovative albums imagined a mythical underwater utopia populated by descendants of pregnant African women thrown (or who jumped) overboard into the Atlantic Ocean during the Middle Passage. In the National Museum of African Art’s From the Deep, Jackson adds animation, video, installations, sounds and scents to the experience and asks that we reckon with the brutal history while also envisioning a world of powerful, resilient women.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Musical Thinking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies – Through Jan. 29, 2024
The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s new exhibit explores the strong relationship between video art and popular music, a trend that has developed steadily since the dawn of the 21st century. Musical Thinking focuses on videos that marry their images and actions with pieces of music, highlighting elements that speak to personal and shared aspects of American life. Visitors will discover art that provokes introspection, insight and bedazzlement.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Etched by Light: Photogravures from the Collection, 1840-1940 – Through Feb. 4, 2024
Uncover a notable (but oft-forgotten) step in the evolution of photography. Photogravure was a detailed process that involved creating identical photographic prints in ink, practiced by artists and scientists all over Europe from the 1840s-70s. Some of the most incredible photographs ever created came from this new approach, with the pieces offering lush colors and outstanding tonal range on matte surfaces. You can see marvelous work by James Craig Annan, Peter Henry Emerson, Alfred Stieglitz, Man Ray and Laure Albin-Guillot.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
1898: U.S. Imperial Visions and Revisions – Through Feb. 25, 2024
On the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American-Cuban-Philippine War, the National Portrait Gallery will open the first exhibition to examine this pivotal period through the lens of portraiture and visual culture. In 1898, the U.S. became an empire, conquering overseas territories and dramatically altering (or destroying) cultures in the process. Portraits of U.S. expansionists sit beside portraits of gallant rebels who fought U.S. imperialism, allowing for multifaceted viewpoints. More than 90 artworks from collections in Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, Spain and the United States constitute the fascinating exhibit that revisits the consequences of the Spanish-American War (1898), the Congressional Joint Resolution to annex Hawai‘i (July 1898) and the Philippine-American War (1899–1913).
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Simone Leigh – Nov. 3 – March 3, 2024
Discover Leigh’s groundbreaking work in ceramic, bronze, video and installation, with references to the African diaspora. The first comprehensive survey of the artist comes to DC thanks to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Leigh’s pieces focus on Black femme subjectivity, ideas of race and beauty and the role of community in culture, touching on a wide swath of traditions, histories and forms along the way.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Sharing Honors and Burdens: Renwick Invitational 2023 – Through March 31, 2024
The latest exhibit at the Renwick Gallery will focus on fresh and nuanced visions from six Native American or Alaska Native artists. Across more than 50 pieces, you will notice traditions of creating that honor family, community and clan, including projects that require broad community participation. The annual Invitational allows the Gallery to highlight innovative new voices in the world of craft and design art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper – Through March 31, 2024
Known for his abstract paintings on canvas (some of which can be seen at the Phillips Collection in DC), Mark Rothko also crafted more than 1,000 paintings on paper over the course of his illustrious, decades-long career. The National Gallery of Art will showcase more than 100 of these tableaus, many of which will be on view to the public for the first time, making for a unique opportunity to see new work from one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Dorothea Lange: Seeing People – Through March 31, 2024
The National Gallery of Art showcases roughly 100 images from one of the greatest photographers ever live in a new exhibit on Dorothea Lange. Seeing People will examine Lange’s prolific and trailblazing career through the lens of portraiture and her exceptional ability to capture the character, resilience, heartbreak, joy, wonder and beauty of her human subjects.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
One Life: Frederick Douglass – Through April 21, 2024
Activist, writer, speaker, intellectual – Frederick Douglass was one of the most influential people of 19th century America, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of the country. The National Portrait Gallery celebrates the icon, who befriended and advised Abraham Lincoln, through a series of prints, photographs and ephemera.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Whistler: Streetscapes, Urban Change – Through May 4, 2024
The National Museum of Asian Art’s renowned collection of works by James McNeill Whistler inform this exhibition that explores European cities in an era of rapid change. Streetscapes, Urban Change showcases oil paintings, watercolors, pastels and prints, some of which are on some on view at the museum for the first time. Visitors will be able to experience the American expatriate artist’s fascination with the stunning growth and transformation of major cities at the end of the 19th century.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas – Through June 2, 2024
Alma Thomas, who lived in DC and worked at Howard University for many years, developed a style all her own as a painter. She took to abstract painting late in her own life and at a crucial period in the country’s history, as political turmoil dramatically impacted the mid-1960s. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, which possesses the largest public collection of Thomas’ art, will offer an intimate look at her creative evolution from 1959 to 1978 through her signature color-driven pieces.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Jessica Diamond: Wheel of Life – Through June 2, 2024
One of America’s greatest conceptual artists presents her largest museum installation to date at the Hirshhorn. Wheel of Life fills the museum’s second-floor, inner-circle galleries with 15 text-and-image-based works that highlight Diamond’s inventiveness. Much of the work on display reflects on Diamond’s stunning 40-year career as an artist.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful – Through June 2, 2024
The National Museum of the American Indian presents the first major retrospective dedicated to Robert Houle (Saulteaux Anishinaabe, Sandy Bay First Nation, b. 1947), an Indigenous artist known for masterfully blending Western and ancient traditions in his contemporary works. Visitors can marvel at more than 50 years of Houle’s creativity, including paintings pierced by porcupine quills and historic scenes reimagined from an Indigenous perspective.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Duty, Honor, Country: Antebellum Portraits of West Pointers – Through June 9, 2024
In the lead up to the Civil War, the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, emerged as a training ground for men who built the nation’s infrastructure, played important roles in its military campaigns and took part in its politics. Drawn exclusively from the Gallery’s collection, the exhibition will feature early camera portraits of Ulysses S. Grant, George Armstrong Custer, John Pelham, “Stonewall” Jackson and Gouverneur Kemble Warren, among many others.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism – Through Sept. 2, 2024
The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Park Chan-kyong: Gathering – Through Oct. 13, 2024
The Seoul-based Park Chan-kyong has gained international recognition for photography and film that has been unflinching in its examination of the history of modern Korea. The National Museum of Asian Art will showcase the first solo presentation of his work in a major U.S. museum. The exhibition features images that highlight the artists’ masterful use of the camera to capture tradition, history and disaster in a contemporary society.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Conversations: Kerry James Marshall and John Singleton Copley – Through Jan. 31, 2025
The National Gallery of Art opens its second installation as part of the Conversations series, which focuses on three masterpieces from artists working nearly two centuries apart. An 18th century canvas by John Singleton Copley and two 20th century works by Kerry James Marshall each address the horrors of the Middle Passage and the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can consider each in a shared exhibition space for the first time.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Georges Adéagbo’s Create to Free Yourselves: Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America
The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art partnered with President Lincoln’s Cottage in 2022 to commission an installation by Beninois artist Georges Adéagbo. The resulting piece is the artist’s compelling vision for us. Adéagbo’s creation, which will be on display as part of the museum’s collection beginning Nov. 18, invites the viewer to consider the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, prompting reflections on the unfinished journey toward freedom for all in America.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Mini Memories: Souvenir Buildings from the David Weingarten Collection – Ongoing
Mementos, keepsakes and souvenirs. Whatever you choose to call them, objects can often contain added significance based on the memories they conjure. The National Building Museum dials into this notion with a new exhibit entirely focused on souvenir buildings, culled from a collection of more than 3,000 miniatures. The 400 structures on view include a wide range of detailed recreations, from architectural wonders to factories, and visitors will learn how these souvenirs are made and how they’re used.
Hours & Tickets
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
John Akomfrah: Five Murmurations – Ongoing
Artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter in a visual essay to define our turbulent times. Utilizing an image archive filled with seminal works of art and scenes shot during the fraught 18-month period between 2019 and 2021, Five Murmurations features insights into post-colonialism, diasporic experience and the concept of collective memory.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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