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The halls are getting decked everywhere you look. I’ll be in Prince George’s County at Gaylord National’s annual “Ice!” this afternoon. It’s one of many signs of the season happening this weekend. Whether getting a jump at the DowntownDC holiday market or catching Tysons Corner Center’s tree lighting, it’s a Mariah-Carey-on-repeat kind of weekend. Not ready to Elf out just yet? We’ve got options for you Grinches, too. – Tommy
🌡️ Weekend weather: A cold wind arrives Friday, and the weather will stay blustery and chilly all weekend. We’ll see a bit more sun Saturday afternoon, and mainly sunny skies Sunday. Despite the sun, highs will be in the 40s Saturday and the low 50s Sunday.
DC
Nina Palazzolo
Nina Palazzolo DC Holiday Market (photo: Nina Palazzolo)
🎁 On Thursday, the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle kicks off 40 days of holiday shopping and fun, with nearly three dozen small businesses offering you a huge mix of items. If you’re looking to check off everyone on your Christmas list, this is a solid place to do it. Plus, it’s just a block from the Metro. Open Thurs. through Dec 23; weekends 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; weekdays 12-8 p.m.; free admission. (Closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 30.)
Getty Images
Getty Images Downtown Holiday Market (photo: Getty Images)
🌟 The Downtown Holiday Market is also a BIG holiday shopping experience, with 120+ vendors offering handcrafted gifts, art and treats to enjoy as F Street NW (between 7th and 9th) is transformed to get you into the holiday spirit. Get artsy inspiration before you stop at the National Portrait Gallery just a few steps away. Open this Fri. through Dec 23; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon. through Thurs. 12-8 p.m.; free admission.
Jerron Price, the president and CEO of the Downtown DC BID, spoke with News4 about the D.C. holiday season staple and turned the studio into a winter wonderland.
👝 For the fashion lover, MCM-obsessed millennial, or any Gen Z’er who wants to bring back Y2K, this weekend is DC Bound’s Stuck in the 2000s vintage market at Dock 5 at Union Market (1309 5th St. NE). Sun. 1-6 p.m.; $10 early entry, free after 2 p.m.
Merry Pin
Merry Pin Merry Pin
📚 Go further back in time if you still miss the Scholastic book fair coming to your school. The Boozy Book Fair: ‘90s Edition at the Merry Pin (7350 Georgia Ave. NW) brings together cocktails (and mocktails), crafting stations and “all the bookish magic you remember.” Sat. 5-9 p.m. (hourly timed entry, last entry at 8 p.m.); admission $18.
🕎 “Hanukkah Spectacular”, debuting at Woolly Mammoth Theatre (641 D St. NW), centers on the mounting pressure inside a conference room as a group of Jewish artists work together to create a commercially viable Hanukkah hit. “Hanukkah Spectacular” is directed by Tony-winner David Cromer. Sat. through Dec 13; tickets $30+.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Woolly Mammoth Theatre “Hanukkah Spectacular,” Woolly Mammoth Theatre
🪖 This Veterans Day weekend, honor those who served by taking a free guided tour of one of D.C.’s war memorials. The National Park Service (NPS) offers tours throughout the weekend at locations such as the WWI and WWII memorials. You can find the schedule from the NPS here. Saturday & Sunday, free.
🛦 After years of renovations, the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum (650 Jefferson Drive SW) opens its final new gallery, Modern Military Aviation, putting major developments in aviation technology on display and highlighting the people behind the advancements. Museum open daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; free admission but timed-entry passes required.
After years spent on renovations, two new galleries will give visitors the chance to see what it would be like to live and work in space. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.
MARYLAND
“Ice!” at Gaylord National Harbor
“Ice!” at Gaylord National Harbor “Ice!” (photo: Gaylord National Harbor)
🧊 “Ice!” at Gaylord National is going green — Grinch green, that is. This year’s theme centers around “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Carvers have worked countless hours to make you feel like you’ve entered Whoville at National Harbor. As for the Grinch… “The Grinch… carved the roast-beast!” Unlike the Grinch, you won’t have to disguise yourself as Santa Claus to get inside. We’re told the frozen slide is getting an upgrade this year. Sat. through Jan. 3; admission $41+.
🍀 We’re about as far from St. Patrick’s Day as you can get, but if you’re feeling Irish year-round, the Maryland Irish Festival has you covered. Enjoy Irish music and dance, a traditional Irish breakfast and whiskey tastings, enter (or watch) the limerick or photography competitions, and join in on a ceili (whirlwind social dance). Fri-Sun; general admission $20-$25 (or $55 for a three-day pass); free for active duty military and kids 17 and under.
🎭 The story of the first Black Secret Service agent comes to the stage this weekend in “Out From The Shadow,” which explores Charles L. Gittens’ story, his Caribbean heritage and his commitment to opening doors for others. His family, along with elected officials and Secret Service leaders, will attend opening night. It’s at Faith City Central (2261 Oxon Hill Run Drive, Temple Hills). Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 3 p.m.; $59-$89; students $40.
Shannon Whren Entertainment
Shannon Whren Entertainment “Out From the Shadow” (image: Shannon Whren Entertainment)
📜 November is Montgomery County Remembrance and Reconciliation Month, which honors the history of the 80+ Black communities established across the county by formerly enslaved people. Some of those communities endured racial terror and other losses through the centuries, but remain to this day. The Josiah Henson Museum and Park (11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda) offers free admission this weekend for Remembrance and Reconciliation Family Day so visitors can learn about the communities in the area. Join in a scavenger hunt, take a free archaeology tour and learn about the people who called Montgomery County home. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m.; free.
🎨 Takoma Collective hosts its second pop-up market this season on Takoma Park’s main street (Laurel Avenue, between Carroll and Eastern). More than 20 vendors, artists and vintage curators will have stands, so go spend your day exploring. Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; free admission.
Takoma Collective
Takoma Collective Takoma Collective
🎷 Any culture you can think of has its own play on jazz, and the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival is back for its second weekend bringing them all together in one place. Enjoy a Miles Davis tribute, a look at Italian contributions to jazz, an homage to Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone and a Naive American presentation at different venues around the Maryland capitol. Fri-Sun; free, but reservations recommended.
VIRGINIA
NOVA Parks
NOVA Parks Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark (photo: NOVA Parks)
✨ The sun may be setting at 4:30 p.m. now, but that doesn’t mean the lights have to go out! The Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna) lights the night with themed displays galore — think woodland creatures and plants that match the botanical theme — with an optional scavenger hunt. The half-mile walk is paved, which means it’s wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, although be warned there’s a gently sloping hillside. The Sips & Sparkles shop has coffee and hot chocolate for sale before you enter. Nightly through Jan. 3; admission $20 for ages 2 and older.
☕ Explore illuminated displays during Bright Nights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, plus lighted mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a giant maze, plus snacks and hot beverages at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria). Sat.-Sun. 5-10 p.m. this and next weekend, then open nightly starting Nov. 27. General admission $10.34 online; $12 on-site; special discounts nights for military (this Sat., plus Jan. 2) and teachers (this Sun., plus Jan. 3).
NOVA Parks
NOVA Parks Bull Run Festival of Lights (photo: NOVA Parks)
🌟 If you prefer to view your holiday lights from the comfort and warmth of your car, the Bull Run Festival of Lights (770 Bull Run Drive, Centreville) is the light display for you. The 2.5-mile drive ends with a holiday carnival, complete with shopping and a petting zoo. Organizers say Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the week before and after Christmas, are the busiest — so consider weeknights instead if you’re hoping to skip the crowds. Nightly starting Sat. through Jan. 3; $32.53 per car.
🎅 Santa Claus is coming to town… well, more accurately, to Tysons Corner Center’s Holiday Kick-Off at the mall’s outdoor PenFed Plaza. The annual event is great for kids of all ages — not only do they get to see Santa’s arrival, but there are holiday activities, free hot chocolate, and several giveaways. Fri. 6-8 p.m., free.
🍏 Despite all the holiday festivities starting, it is still autumn, which means Great Country Farms (34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont) remains in peak form — especially for cider lovers. During Saturday’s LOCO Cider Fest, you can sample a slew of local hard ciders, plus listen to live music, watch cider pressing demonstrations and enjoy the rest of the farm’s offerings. Sat. 12-5 p.m.; $41 adults; $16 kids.
🎞️ The Alexandria Film Festival celebrates 20 years this weekend with screenings and filmmaker Q&As. As the organizers put it, “being able to discuss film with those who had a hand in creating it is what sets our film festival apart from just another night at the movies.” The films are being shown at five venues around Alexandria, so it’s a great chance to explore a bit, too. Fri-Sun, various times; $15 per film or $80 for a festival pass.
Music Snob’s concert picks
NBC Washington editor Matthew Stabley’s concert guide
Red Brick Weekend, Thurs.-Sun., Takoma Park & Rhizome
Red Brick has carried on a D.C. tradition of local, DIY promoted shows the past few years and this weekend promotes its own, showcasing a host of local bands. Grunge emulators Flowers for the Dead headline Friday’s show with Omni closing out Saturday’s. Details.
Sweeping Promises, Fri. 6 p.m., Union Stage, $27
Taut duo put out one of the year’s best records with “You Say I Romanticize,” honing their eccentric, arty punk with even tighter hooks. Add a drummer and a stage and they’re just as sharp, highlighted by bassist Lira Mondal’s acrobatic vocals. She’ll screech and growl, croon and seduce, or just wail. Details.
Protomartyr, Fri. 8 p.m. Black Cat, $31.93
Detroit band is Webster’s post-punk – the dark side – with an edgy, blue collar take on rock ‘n’ roll that just feels like its hometown. Singer Joe Casey fronts like you can’t imagine, coming from someone who looks like your dad’s divorced friend. Dressed in cocktail lounge casual with a sport court, no tie — maybe jeans and a mock turtle neck? — he surveys the room and punctuates his spoken-sung lyrics like Tony Clifton while the band drives with precision. Excellent live. Details.
Radiator Hospital, Fri. 9:30 p.m., Comet Ping Pong, $25.05 ($20 at the door)
Sam Cook Parrott, an arena-ambitious bedroom singer-songwriter, dabbles in post-punk, too, but his Philly band is versatile, covering power pop and lo-fi rock with touches of folk, jazz and pawn shop electronics. Details.
Getty Images
Getty Images Fruit Bats (photo: Getty Images)
Fruit Bats, 10 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 Club, $40.65
Eric D. Johnson’s long-running folk-rock project plays inviting, mellow pop rock leaning toward alt-country and lo-fi Americana. The singer-songwriter (and hired gun multi-instrumentalist — Califone, The Shins) has a gift for affecting storytelling. Details.
