Looking for things to add to your calendar this weekend across the DMV? Check out the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza in La Plata or invite a date to the Stand-Up Showcase in DC. In Northern Virginia, you can find the Winter Solstice Festival this weekend — so be sure to check it out!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Maryland is bustling with holiday-themed activities and festive events this weekend. With Christmas only a matter of days away now, get your last-minute shopping done at the Annual Holiday Show or one of the local markets.
Savage Mill Yuletide
Where? 8600 Foundry Street, Savage
When? December 20th-22nd
This is the final weekend to check out the Savage Mill Yuletide. Whether you have some last-minute gift-giving to take care of or you just want to enjoy the festive ambiance, this is a great opportunity to visit the maker’s market! At the market, you’ll find a curated selection of holiday gift items like unique jewelry, pottery, body products, crocheted and knitted pieces, and even jams and jellies! This Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, enjoy the sounds of Alex Barnett on the classical guitar at the New Weave Building Bridge. Barnett is an Annapolis-based guitarist who plays a wide range of styles from classical, Latin, and even pop arrangements by Coldplay and Queen.
Latkes and Lights: A Hanukkah Cooking Class
Where? 14624 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons
When? December 21st
This Latkes and Lights cooking class will be hosted by No Thyme to Cook. Participants will learn all about the history and traditions of the Hanukkah holiday while they prepare their favorite Jewish dishes. The chef instructor will share fascinating insights into the meaning behind the holiday, all the way from the symbolism of the menorah to the significance of latkes. Whether you consider yourself a proficient home cook or someone who struggles in the kitchen, this class is designed to help you learn a new menu! The starter course will be matzo ball soup and the main course will consist of brisket with glazed carrots, apple cranberry noodle kugel, and latkes with applesauce and sour cream. For dessert, you’ll watch the demonstration on how to make a raspberry and apricot rugelach. The class will last approximately three hours.
2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Extravaganza on the Farm
Where? 8645 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata
When? December 21st & 28th
Join in on the fun at the farm this weekend for an unforgettable festive display featuring everyone’s favorite furry friends. Charity’s Hope Family Farm is excited to host their 2nd Winter Wonderland Extravaganza for two days this December. From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, enjoy the Holiday Movie-thon. Tickets can be purchased for $8 online or $12 at the door. Children ages 2 and under are free and parking is complimentary onsite. General admission includes a light display, a petting zoo, a children’s playground, and a variety of indoor and outdoor games such as cornhole, Jenga, giant chess and checkers, board games, and more. There will also be festive music and access to the clubhouse, where you’ll find air hockey, ping pong, and the movie theatre.
National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Where? 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor
When? Through December 22nd
The National Harbor Christmas Market is wrapping up this weekend, so catch it before it’s gone! Experience the magic of the holiday season this Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at National Harbor. Shop a unique and rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters and enjoy an array of delectable holiday sweets and desserts. The festive atmosphere is perfect for creating lasting holiday memories, all while you spend quality time with loved ones and shop for that perfect gift for that special someone.
The Nutcracker: Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Where? 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
When? Through December 22nd
With Christmas just around the corner now, The Nutcracker’s season is coming to a close at Maryland Hall. Catch it one last time this weekend and become enthralled as this timeless holiday tradition unfolds before your very eyes as Clara goes on an adventure to rescue her beloved nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. The audience will travel with Clara through the Kingdoms of Snow and Sweets to magical destinations this Christmas. Showtimes are scheduled across Saturday and Sunday, including afternoon performances that are perfect for parents with younger kiddos in tow.
Annual Holiday Show
Where? 41652 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown
When? Through December 31st
North End Gallery’s 38th Annual Holiday Show will be on display through the end of the month. Make this weekend count by taking advantage of the gallery’s festive decorations and the full display of small works that make for the perfect holiday gift. Visitors can explore the treasure trove of ceramics, small paintings, silkscreen prints, pastels, photography, and much, much more! Whether you’re looking for last-minute gift ideas or you simply enjoy perusing unique goods, this is the perfect opportunity to pay the gallery a visit before the year comes to a close.
Winter Lights Festival
Where? 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
When? Through December 31st
You’ll only have one more weekend to enjoy the Winter Lights Festival this holiday season! Check out the stunning display at Seneca Creek State Park, which is open nightly through the end of the month. The festival is closed on Christmas Day. Visitors of all ages will love the 3.5-mile drive through the park, featuring a whopping 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees. The state park is conveniently accessible from I-270 and visitors must purchase tickets in advance for a specific date. The number of daily tickets sold is limited to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Prices are set at $25 on the weekend or $15 Monday through Thursday!
Related Post: The Best Holiday Light Displays in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city is hosting an array of festive events for your weekend itinerary, such as The Spirit of Kwanzaa and Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe!
Stand-Up Showcase
Where? 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW
When? December 20th & 21st
The Stand-Up Showcase in downtown DC will feature top talent from the DMV region and beyond. The audience will enjoy a variety of styles and get up close with some of the stars of tomorrow in the Lounge Showroom. Support local talent and local businesses, all while laughing with your friends. Showcases generally last 90 minutes. This weekend’s features include Owen Vacheron, Jenny Cavallero, Alex Barbag, Umar Khan, and Patrice DeVeaux. The price of tickets is $22 and there will be four showtimes across the weekend, beginning at 7:30 PM and 9:45 PM on Friday and 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM on Saturday.
The Spirit of Kwanzaa
Where? 1333 H Street NE
When? December 20th-22nd
Head over to the Dance Institute of Washington’s (DIW) most popular and longest-running cultural arts production, The Spirit of Kwanzaa! The celebration focuses on the agricultural ceremonies of Africa. DIW has adapted the seven principles of Kwanzaa to convey both the struggles and creativity of the Black diaspora. The production is intended to highlight the principles of the holiday with dance, song, live drumming, and spoken word. Showtimes are scheduled for 6:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday and 3:00 PM on Sunday. The venue for The Spirit of Kwanzaa will be the Lange Theatre at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. General admission tickets are priced at $34.25, which includes a service fee of $4.25.
Breakfast with Santa
Where? 999 East Street NW
When? December 21st
Breakfast with Santa will be hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, so make a plan to enjoy a meal with the man of the hour this weekend. This intimate morning event is filled with surprises, stockings, and of course — Santa Claus! Little ones will be amazed at being able to see Santa up close and personal and they’ll have the opportunity to ask for that special gift that they hope to find under the Christmas tree. There will be a fun craft project for the kids, as well as stockings filled with treats, and a delicious buffet featuring hot dishes, cold items and beverages. Adult tickets are priced at $40 and little ones ages three and above require a $25 ticket. All children under two years of age can attend free of charge with the purchase of an adult ticket with a limit of two children per adult.
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? Through December 23rd
This beloved improv group is back due to popular demand. The Improvised Shakespeare Company will be creating a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before the audience’s eyes. This is the final weekend to catch the improv show, so grab your tickets today so you don’t miss out! The approximate runtime of the show is 120 minutes. Attendees should note that this performance is recommended for mature audiences. Ticket prices range from $35 to $54. Friday’s show is scheduled for 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday will each have two showtimes, with the first at 3:00 PM and the second at 8:00 PM.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
No plans this weekend? Think again! If you’re near Northern Virginia, check out one of the few remaining weekends of the Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons or check out the festivities at Winter Wonderland in Alexandria.
Winter Lantern Festival
Where? 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons
When? Recurring Dates
The 2025 Winter Lantern Festival will feature more lanterns than ever before, as well as brand new famous acrobatic performances by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe. With over 1,000 Chinese lanterns, visitors of all ages are bound to be delighted by the stunning display. Tickets include the luminescent night walk, as well as access to various rides and the bounce house! You can reserve your parking ahead of time here. You can receive a guaranteed parking space at a discounted rate of $15 when you book in advance. The Winter Lantern Festival will be recurring through January 12th from Thursdays through Sundays, so you still have time to make it out if this weekend doesn’t work! The festival is open from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with the last entrance at 8:30 PM.
Singing to the Moon Winter Solstice Festival
Where? 10420 Main Street, Fairfax
When? December 21st
The Singing to the Moon Winter Solstice Festival will kick off at 5:00 PM on Saturday. Don’t miss out on Jillian Matundan’s album release and Yule extravaganza, as well as incredible performances by Marcy Cochran, Florencia & The Feeling, Rob Hinkal & Kristen Jones, Eli Lev, and more! Matundan’s long-awaited, first full-length album debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Folk Radio Chart in March and now it’s time to celebrate its release with some of the fantastic musicians featured on the album. Guests can enjoy great music, food, and company on the shortest day of the year.
Winter Wonderland
Where? 4701 Seminary Road Suite 104, Alexandria
When? December 20th
Winter Wonderland at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in Alexandria is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM on Friday. The event will feature face painting, seasonal crafts, and an array of delicious treats. All ages are encouraged to participate in the wonderland magic. Families are welcome at this special holiday event. The branch has parking available or you can check out the public transit options that make stops nearby! After Winter Wonderland, make sure to browse for a few new books to enjoy on a cozy evening at home this winter.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
Christmas is barely a week away, so we hope you’ve gotten all of your shopping done in the nick of time! This weekend, check out the array of festive, holiday-themed events, shows, performances, and activities occurring across the DMV. Whether you call Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia home — these are the best places and spaces to check out this weekend.
Related Post: The Best Holiday Light Displays in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia