No plans for the weekend? No problem! We have you covered with the best of the best going on around the DMV region this weekend. From family-friendly brunch excursions with Santa to Ugly Sweater contests at a brewery — you’ll have a chance to indulge in all of the holiday festivities.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
The holidays are in full swing around Maryland, from the Annapolis Holiday Market on the waterfront to gift markets and bazaars galore. If “Santa” is in search of some last-minute gifts, then get ready for an all-day shopping affair!
Annapolis Holiday Market
Where? Dock Street, Annapolis
When? December 12th-15th
The Annapolis Holiday Market has free admission for all, so invite your favorite group of shopping buddies and start crossing names off of your nice list. This four-day affair gives everyone plenty of opportunity to swing by and peruse the selection. The market will be situated on the historic waterfront of Annapolis, which is the perfect location to soak in the Christmas vibes. The town will be beautifully decorated with holiday greens, wreaths, and festive storefront windows. Shoppers will find a wide array of arts, crafts, food, and handmade gift items from local and regional artists, crafters, and vendors. 2024 marks the third season for this holiday market, so make sure to come out and support the 100+ vendors.
Takoma Park Gift Market
Where? 201 Ethan Allen Avenue, Takoma Park
When? December 13th
Get ready to celebrate the holidays under the stars and be surrounded by beautiful lights at the Takoma Park Gift Market from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM this Friday! Visitors will have a special evening with a variety of local and handmade gifts, delicious foods, and festive libations. Join in on the fun with dinner by the fire from local food trucks or grab dinner on the block from eateries like Soko, Seoul Food, Spring Mill Bread Co., or Cheros Grill. There will also be a pop-up Bang Bar hosted by Scissor and Comb Salon. That’s not all, either! You can get your tarot read and see what your future may hold with a personalized reading by Spacecraft Tarot. There is no admission cost and the gift market is open to the public thanks to TPSS Co-Op.
Santa’s Brunch
Where? 8529 Liberty Road, Frederick
When? December 14th
Join Santa for brunch at the Ceresville Mansion this Saturday! Visitors will have the chance to meet Santa, write letters, do crafts, and even hear a story from everybody’s favorite villain — the Grinch! Ages 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. There will be a professional photographer on site to capture your moment with Santa. Tickets won’t be available onsite, so make sure to book yours in advance! Children ages 2 and under can attend for free. There is free venue parking and the festivities are scheduled from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with doors opening at 10:30 AM.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Where? 526 North Market Street, Frederick
When? December 14th
The annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party is back and better than ever in Frederick at Olde Mother Brewing Co. Come dressed in your best worst holiday sweater and enjoy an evening of festive vibes with a DJ, drinks, and even smash burgers! The party is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and attendees are highly encouraged to don their most creative sweaters to enter into the contest for a chance to win an awesome prize. To enter, snap a photo in the brewery, post the photo, and tag #OMuglysweater2024. Photos will be received on December 17th and a winner will be chosen.
2nd Annual GMHS Winter Bazaar
Where? 21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills
When? December 14th
The 2nd Annual GMHS Winter Bazaar will be hosted this Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The bazaar is a great place to do some last-minute holiday shopping, so come on out and cross some names off of your shopping list to help Santa out this year. The event will be held on the same day as the Winter Festival of the Arts, so you can also peruse magnificent art pieces and listen to live festive music created by talented students. The bazaar will be held in the high school auditorium and parking is free.
Santa & A Movie: The Polar Express
Where? 5445 Landover Road, Hyattsville
When? December 15th
Bring the kids out to the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse this Sunday for a visit with Santa and a screening of The Polar Express — one of everybody’s favorite classic holiday flicks! The event is designed for ages 3 through 12, along with their guardians, and tickets are priced at $6. This is a fun way to get out and about with the family this December while greeting familiar faces and meeting all new ones. Children will have the chance to take a photo with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole to finalize his Christmas itinerary. There will be coloring activities, as well as a short animated movie to entertain the little ones before the feature film. Everybody must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
Annual Winter Fest
Where? 171 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill
When? December 15th
This Sunday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, join the Hemophilia Foundation of Maryland for their Winterfest celebration. There will be a breakfast reception and educational presentation at The Westin, National Harbor. After the reception, hop on over to the Gaylord and enjoy complimentary tickets to the show: Cirque: Spirit of Christmas. The show will be followed by admission to ICE! Featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is a dazzling, immersive holiday experience that brings a beloved story to life before your eyes. This special Winterfest event is open to patients with a bleeding disorder and their immediate family only. Organizers ask that you RSVP responsibly and with intention — as no-shows and late cancellations impact valuable resources. Parking is not provided, so please plan accordingly. There are multiple local garages in the nearby vicinity.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
Washington D.C. is never without plenty to do. This weekend, check out the biggest holiday bar crawl in the city and wear your best Santa gear or cheer on the Capitals as they battle it out on the ice against the Sabres.
Jungle Book
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? December 13th-16th
The Jungle Book will be presented at the Terrace Theatre this weekend. Families of all ages will enjoy this colorful opera that steps into the jungle with Mowgli, who is on a quest to find both courage and friendship. The beloved story will get a contemporary twist with music from South Asian and Western music traditions, as well as a mesmerizing Bollywood dance from Indian classical dance company: Taal. The approximate runtime of the show is set at 80 minutes, which includes a 20-minute intermission. Tickets are priced ranging from $25 to $69, so grab yours now and get the family excited for a trip to the opera! Showtimes range from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, so make sure to select the one that best suits your family’s schedule!
DC Santa Fest — Bar Crawl
Where? 1223 Connecticut Avenue NW
When? December 14th
Join the festive madness for the largest holiday bar crawl in the city this Saturday. Kicking off at 2:00 PM, this is sure to be a full-day extravaganza not for the faint of heart. The DC SantaCon invites attendees to don their best Santa Claus suit, zip up their Christmas onesies, or throw on their ugliest holiday sweater to hit the city and party all day. Enjoy drink specials, DJs, giveaways, and costume contests to keep the vibes high. Invite your friends out with the promise of all-day drink deals — such as $3 beers, $4 Grinch shots, and $5 mixed drinks. Participating bars at this year’s Santa Fest include Decades, Rewind, 12 After 12, 1831, Blue Moon Lounge, Zebbies Garden, and more to come! All participants must be 21 and up and IDs will be checked at every participating bar.
Washington Capitals vs. Buffalo Sabres: 50th Anniversary Era Night
Where? 601 F Street NW
When? December 14th
Get loud as the Washington Capitals take the ice at the Capital One Arena against the Buffalo Sabres this weekend. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM and tickets are still available, so select your seats today! Doors open at 6:00 PM, so arrive early and get your favorite game day concessions on your way to your seats. The Capitals will take a look back into history, celebrating their biggest moments between 1984 to 1994 for their 50th Anniversary Era Night. All fans in attendance will receive a Mike Gartner and Rod Langway duo bobblehead.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Northern Virginia has plenty to keep you busy this weekend, from the Holiday Adult Night at the LEGO Discovery Center and the inaugural Jingle Bell 5K if you want to get a jump on your New Year’s resolution to hit 10,000 steps per day!
Holiday Adult Night at LEGO Discovery Center
Where? 6563 Springfield Town Center, Springfield
When? December 13th
Pull on your ugliest sweater and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Holiday Bricktacular Adult Night at the LEGO Discovery Center. The event is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM and tickets are priced at $24.99. This 18-and-up night is a great chance to enjoy holiday-themed builds and explore the attractions sans kiddos. Adult Night will feature a building competition, an ugly sweater contest, a Lazer Maze challenge, awesome LEGO prizes, access to all zones, movies in the 4D theatre, and more!
Capital Art and Craft Festival
Where? Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
When? December 13th-15th
Join over 300 artists and vendors, along with thousands of attendees at the Winter Capital Art and Craft Festival this weekend. Attendees can enjoy shopping for beautiful, unique art, jewelry, clothing, furnishings, pottery, decor, and more that you won’t find anywhere else. Tickets are available and prices begin at $11 for general admission. Children ages 12 and under are free. Hours are scheduled for 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with the festival closing an hour earlier at 4:00 PM on Sunday. Concession stands will be open during show hours, so arrive with an appetite or take a break for lunch and return to the festival by showing your return pass.
Alexandria A Cappella Collective Holiday Show
Where? 3900 King Street, Alexandria
When? December 14th & 15th
The Alexandria A Cappella Collective will be performing their Holiday Show this Saturday at the Fairlington United Methodist Church. Get ready for a night filled with festive tunes and holiday cheer at 6:00 PM on Saturday and 3:30 PM on Sunday. The Collective will feature unforgettable performances from the Harmonizers and Metro Voices, as well as special guests from the Workman Family Singers. Grab your tickets today for $20 plus fees.
Old Town Run Club Jingle Bell 5K
Where? 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria
When? December 15th
The inaugural Old Town Jingle Bell 5K is happening this Sunday in Alexandria, so lace up your sneakers and stretch your legs! The Old Town Run Club is hosting the event at the Cameron Run Trail. The course will take racers through the picturesque woods and the post-race celebration will be held at Atlas Brew Works. Participants will also be able to pick up their packets at the Brew Works on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM unless they opt for onsite registration and packet pickup on race day. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. All runners or walkers who finish the race will receive a medal, so make sure to grab yours as a commemorative reminder of your holiday fun!
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
Enjoy your weekend out in the DMV region! From festive Maryland events to fun in the capital city, there’s always plenty to do around the area. Don’t forget to swing by the Capital Art and Craft Festival in Northern Virginia for some last-minute shopping for Christmas! Visit us again next week for an updated list of area happenings.