Now that Christmas has passed and family members have returned home, you may be left wondering what you’re supposed to do now! Check out these fun events, activities, and performances across the DMV region to fill the interim gap between the holidays and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Maryland counties are still in the holiday spirit this weekend, with the awesome ICE! festivities at the Gaylord National in National Harbor and a Kwanzaa celebration in Frederick.
Ujima! A Kwanzaa Celebration for All
Where? 6907 Baltimore National Pike, Frederick
When? December 28th
This Kwanzaa Celebration welcomes all to join in on the festivities at the Aya Cultural Arts Studio, which will also be celebrating its grand opening on Saturday. Enjoy the sounds of the drum circle and crafting projects from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and music and celebration to follow until 8:00 PM. Ujima is the Swahili word that means “collective work and responsibility,” which is a principle of Kwanzaa that emphasizes the importance of the community coming together to solve problems. This Kwanzaa event is perfect for kids and adults alike and is free for friends, family, and community members looking to learn more. There will be complimentary venue parking for those wishing to attend.
Track & Stacks: Build-a-Thon
Where? 21677 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boulevard, Lexington Park
When? December 28th
The Lexington Park Library is hosting its Tracks & Stacks: Build-a-Thon workshop this Saturday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Young engineers are invited to design a train track, stack magnets, and explore the joys of building at the library with new friends. Drop in for a little bit or stay a while as you enjoy this hands-on morning activity, complete with interactive play for preschool to elementary ages. Parents should register with a valid email address beforehand so that organizers know how many kiddos to expect. Seats are limited, so grab yours while there’s still a handful available! This is a great opportunity to introduce your little one to STEAM concepts. Keep an eye out for upcoming events that build on these foundation blocks and that foster creativity, problem-solving, and curiosity.
Annmarie Garden In Lights
Where? 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons
When? Through January 1st
Tickets are on sale now for the Annmarie Garden in Lights through the start of the new year. This is a unique holiday experience that represents the true magic of the season. Admire the sculpture garden as it’s transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Each year, the Garden in Lights display features new sculptures handmade by talented staff members, as well as enchanting photo ops, activities, and even food trucks! This year, visitors will be entranced as they frolic through the four seasons, embark on an underseas voyage, and meditate in the Zen Garden. Advance tickets are required for this event, which are priced at $18 per person or $23 at the gate (if not sold out). Kids ages 2 and under are free but must have a ticket to secure their spot.
ICE!
Where? 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor
When? Through January 5th
Gaylord National is presenting its ICE exhibit, featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” through Sunday. Catch it before it’s gone for the season! Experience the dazzling displays, the tempting treats, the holiday shows, and the array of festive activities. Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate for a little bit longer! The signature attraction, ICE!, features beloved scenes from Charlie Brown brought to life through colorful, colossal ice sculptures. Whether you plan to stay the night or you’re just visiting for the day, families of all ages will love this holiday tradition. Admire the 55-foot Starlight Christmas tree and make sure to check out the nightly light show. You can even warm up with a cup of hot cocoa or zoom down the snow lanes on the thrilling ice tube ride. For half price tickets, use the code “surprise” at checkout!
Garden of Lights
Where? 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton
When? Through January 5th
Tickets for the Garden of Lights are now on sale. This year’s magical show is set to run through the beginning of January, so you’ll still have one more weekend to catch the magic at Brookside Gardens. The magical winter wonderland invites visitors to stroll through the half-mile walk-through exhibit while they enjoy twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays that adorn the flowerbeds and grounds across the 50-acre property. Before you leave, swing by the gift shop to peruse unique seasonal items. Tickets are priced at $10 per person and everyone ages 5 and older must have a ticket. You’ll receive a timed entry slot for a specific day, which keeps the gardens from becoming overcrowded.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city still has a handful of holiday events and celebrations to check out before the turn of the new year, as well as a popular comedy showcase from John Oliver himself. You can also watch the Wizards as they take on the Knicks at home!
John Oliver
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? December 27th-31st
Celebrate the end of 2024 with John Oliver, who’s heading to The Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall this weekend to charm audiences with his warm, witty jokes in his all-new stand-up set. Oliver is an Emmy and Writers Guild Award-winning writer and comedian. He also serves as the host and producer of the HBO show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Oliver’s show is intended for mature audiences, so snag a babysitter for the little ones and enjoy a parent’s night out in D.C. this weekend. Oliver frequently sells out shows, so grab the remaining tickets before they’re gone! Tickets for the late shows on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday are still available.
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks
Where? 601 F Street NW
When? December 28th
The Washington Wizards are defending their home court at the Capital One Arena this Saturday against the New York Knicks. The game tips off at 7:00 PM. There will be a rematch between the two teams on Monday at 7:00 PM as well, which doubles as the final Wizards game of 2024! Doors open at 6:00 PM, so arrive early to find your seats and grab something tasty at the concessions before the action starts. Directions and parking information for the arena can be found here.
Extraordinary Cinema: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? December 29th
Head to The Kennedy Center for a free film screening in the Justice Forum at the REACH. As the holidays come to an end, catch Clark Griswold as he prepares for a festive celebration with his family. The only plot twist is that things never run as smoothly for the family as they would hope. This American Christmas slapstick comedy film is a fan-favorite and a classic amongst many viewers during the holiday season. Online advance registrations for a given performance date will open on a rolling basis, so make sure to grab yours before they’re all gone. Patrons who make advance reservations can pick up their tickets at the box office on the day of the film, beginning one hour prior to the 3:00 PM performance time.
Tingle Bells Exhibit
Where? 1238 Maryland Avenue SW
When? Through January 5th
The Tingle Bells Exhibit at ARTECHOUSE Studio is an immersive, one-of-a-kind ASMR-inspired experience that’s designed to soothe your senses and warm your spirit. Visitors will enjoy calming soundscapes, captivating visuals, and interactive digital installations. Tingle Bells is a serene escape amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As a new bonus addition this year, check out the Spectacular Factory in the Immersion Gallery. This dazzling imaginary world of a holiday gift factory is brought to life, captivating the attention and imagination of visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a date night, or even just a festive holiday gathering with friends — Tingle Bells is the perfect destination for all.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Northern Virginia has a diverse selection of weekend options for you, including a bar spoon and mixology workshop, a Winter Circus Adventure the whole family can enjoy, and even a live comedy event that will leave you laughing until you cry!
Twist It: Barspoon Making & Mixology
Where? 1112 King Street (First Floor), Alexandria
When? December 27th
Refresh your weekend plans with this unique two-hour workshop where participants will learn how to craft their own bar spoon while learning the art of mixology. Twist It is put on by Wear Ever Jewelry in Alexandria and this Friday’s activity is scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with doors open at 3:30 PM. During the first hour, participants will embark on their metalsmithing journey where they’ll learn how to use a hammer and a circle cutter on their bar spoon before personalizing their disks with unique letters and symbol stamps. This is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike! During the second hour, a mixologist will lead the workshop in creating a variety of delicious drinks, from wine-based cocktails to refreshing NA options. This is a 21 and up event and there will be paid venue parking.
Live Comedy Starring Casey James Salengo
Where? 529 23rd Street South, Arlington
When? December 27th
This live comedy showcase will be held at the Crystal City Sports Pub in the 3rd floor lounge kicking off this Friday at 8:00 PM. There will be a full dinner and drink service, so make it a date or simply a fun night out with friends. The headliner, Casey James Salengo, is an NYC-based comedian who has been featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live, This Week at the Cellar, and HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. Additional performers include Courtney Maginnis and Glenn Lawrence. Grab your tickets now for $20 (general admission) plus a $3.18 fee or upgrade to VIP for $25 plus a $3.52 fee. Sales end this Friday.
Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure
Where? 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles
When? Through December 29th
Watch the Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure under the big top for this all-new winter performance. The circus is direct from Europe and will run through the end of December at the Dulles Town Center. Families of all ages will enjoy this modern twist on the beloved classic circus, featuring an international company of award-winning, world-class circus artists. Tickets are priced from $35 to $95 for adults, depending on where you choose to sit and whether you upgrade to the VIP experience, and $28 to $75 for children. You can purchase your tickets online or at the onsite box office until the event is sold out. Notable performers at the Winter Circus Adventure include tight-wire acrobat, Geoffrey Berhault and the All-Star FMX Ultimate Circus riders.
Harry Potter All Day Movie Festival
Where? 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
When? December 29th
Do you love all things Hogwarts? Check out this Harry Potter All Day Movie Festival at the Arlington Drafthouse. Purchase your day pass for $15 or pay $8 for a single movie. The all-day fest will feature the final four films, beginning with The Order of the Phoenix at 11:30 AM. There will also be a costume contest, trivia, and specials throughout the day — so brush up on your HP knowledge and play to win. Admission is 21 and over unless accompanied by a parent. If you’re planning to attend with a larger group of 5 or more who purchased tickets separately, add a note in the comment section of your group so everyone can be seated together. All sales are final and refunds will not be available. Use the promo code “POTTER50” for half price tickets, which are good for all-day tickets or individual films.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
Now that the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday has died down and New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, it’s time to relax, unwind and get ready for 2025! Enjoy a leisurely weekend around town or go cheer on an NBA game. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you’ve had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Check back next week for an updated collection of things to do around the DMV — this time, for the first weekend of the new year!