Things to do in DC this weekend: Holiday markets, shows and tours

Happy Thursday everyone!

Stay warm indoors and enjoy a lively step show, or enjoy sweater weather outdoors at a holiday pop-up market. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to have a great time.

things to do this weekend

1. “Magical Musical Holiday Step Show” by Step Afrika! You don’t want to miss DC’s own stuff step africa Live dancing in the holiday spirit on the arena stage. The show features all of your favorite holiday his characters from the Arctic Kingdom, with music from DJ Nutcracker. (From Friday, $56+, Southwest DC).
2. Holiday Market in Bicchulla Park. REACH’s outdoor community spaces are transforming into holiday markets. Guests can purchase holiday gifts from local artisans, vendors and artists. Victura Park It will be held for two consecutive weeks until December 18th. Seasonal snacks, hot chocolate, spiked cider and even an aa s’mores station are available. (Free from Saturday, Kennedy Center).
3. “Wicked” Broadway story of the witches of oz Evil, will take center stage this weekend. Journey to the Land of Oz and discover the musical story of what the mythical land was like before Dorothy wore red sparkly heels and strode down the yellow brick road. (From Thursday, $59+, Kennedy Center).
4. Holiday Market in Maryland. Check out local manufacturers and vendors at Merry Market at Astor College Park New skybridge and lounge. You can even bring your pet for holiday portraits.There’s also hot cocoa, celebratory cookies and personalized ornaments (Thursday, Free, College Park).

Want more?

Budget friendly. Explore a holiday wonderland with oversized ornaments, stylish trees, giant snowmen and 15-foot snow globes (Until January 15th, Free, MGM National Harbor).

art and culture. Check out the McLean Project for the Arts’ latest winter exhibition at the opening reception. (Gold, Free, McLean)A Call to All Writers: Practice Calligraphy with Creative Writing Workshops (so pay as much as you can, virtual)Make Your Own Ugly Holiday Sweater at Union Market (Saturday, $40, NE DC)Purchase gifts such as baked goods, candles and dog treats while listening to live music (Thursday, Free, Navy Yard).

theater and shows. Participate in the 40th Annual Tournament christmas levels Experience a 19th-century tale of holiday music and dance (Sat & Sun, $12+, NW DC)Explore a piece of Underground Railroad History Mexodas (Saturday, Sunday, $15, Northeast DC)Experience the live music adaptation of the book Children of Willesden Lane with pianist Mona Golabek (Thursday-Sunday, $65, Northwest DC)Get tickets to a movie party at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema National Lampoon’s Christmas Holidays (Sun, $16+, Northeast DC, Arlington)Laugh with comedian Matt Braunger (Saturday, Free, Kennedy Center) Or at Turaath Night featuring 6 comics (Thursday, $45, Northwest DC).

history and heritage. Head to Virginia on a candlelit guided tour and learn about 18th-century holiday traditions (Fri-Sat, $18+, Mount Vernon); you can even meet Aladdin from Christmas Camel (Thursday-Sunday, $15+, Mount Vernon)Shop for African art, home décor, jewelry and textiles at the Luangjisa African Holiday Show & Tour (Sat & Sun, $26+, NW DC)Learn what Christmas looked like during World War II (Thursday, Free, National Mall)Participate in discussions with the Smithsonian on social justice (wood, free, virtual)Explore Kwanzaa with the kids (Sat, Free, Anacostia).

Have fun with Santa. Join Mr. Claus for a magical breakfast at Ada’s on the River (Saturday and Sunday, $65, Alexandria)Mia’s Italian Kitchen (Saturday and Sunday, $57, Alexandria)or at Theismann’s Restaurant (Saturday and Sunday, $53, Alexandria)Don’t leave your pets alone from holiday cheer: Bring your furry friend to Santa Paws Yuppie Hour (gold, free, roslyn)Fill your shopping wish list with a holiday market featuring local vendors. There’s live music, story time for the kids, hot chocolate, and complimentary gift wrapping. (Saturdays and Sundays, Free, Rosslyn)Santa likes brunch too.Visit Old St. His Nick at the Watermark Hotel (Sun, $29+, kids under 5 free, Tysons).

music and concerts. catch the final performance of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s Holiday Show (Friday, Sunday, $25+, Lincoln Theatre)Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling?Sing along with the American Festival Pops Orchestra (Fri-Sat, $36+, Fairfax, Manassas)Enjoy holiday songs with the Vienna Boys Choir (Friday, $33+, Fairfax). Enjoy multi-instrument performance (Gold, $18+, Bethesda)This seasonal show features tap dancing and an 18-piece jazz orchestra. (Thursday, $50, Capitol Hill)Go on a Worship Live Holiday Tour (Sat, $38+, MGM National Harbor)Dance all night long at Happy Holi-Gays: Pride Night Onesie Party with DJ DJ (Thursday, Free, Northeast DC).

Please join us. Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra musicians team up with Miriam’s Kitchen to support mission to end veterans’ homelessness (Thursday, Free, Donations Welcome, Northwest DC)Attend dinners to raise funds for DC Vote initiatives (Thursday, $151+, NW DC).

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Brianna A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the study of DC history and culture. She is the author of the Black History book, Black Broadway in Washington DCthe story first published in Washington in 2016.