Our end-of-the-week picks for Dec. 5-7, 2025
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
It's time to celebrate history in a whole new way! The Countdown to DC250 check-in challenge is here, a month-long adventure that takes you through historic landmarks, museums and hidden gems throughout DC in celebration of America's 250th.
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Friday
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
L'Annexe
DC Cocktail Week
During the first week of December, dozens of DC restaurants will participate in this celebration of mixology curated by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. DC Cocktail Week showcases innovative drinks, letting local bartenders put their creative brains to work. These tasty creations are paired with dishes to inspire flavor explosions that you will not want to miss. Local distilleries get in on the act as well.
Shop locally in the District
Find the perfect gift at only-in-DC small businesses, museum gift shops, vintage spots, local boutiques, holiday markets, neighborhood shops and more.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
The 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats.
Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
Winter Wonderfest
Celebrate the season with days of magical merriment at Nationals Park, which will transform into the city's headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling and fantastically fun. Activities include a 100-foot tubing slide, a Northern Lights Experience, a winter train ride, LED see-saws, a putt-putt challenge, curling lanes, a snowball speed throw challenge and a sculpture garden. There will even be a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy. Tickets are available now. Use the code "VISITDC" for $5.50 off each ticket purchased.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show combines clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance.
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Dijon
With two critically acclaimed albums under his belt and a memorable performance in this year’s One Battle After Another now on his resume, Dijon’s star continues to rise. Catch the multitalented alternative R&B artist as he brings his stage show to The Fillmore Silver Spring.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Burna Boy
The first African artist to have two albums earn more than one billion streams on Spotify, Burna Boy is an international superstar with multiple Grammys to his name. The global sensation fuses pop, R&B, hip-hop, reggae and Afrobeat into his own distinct sound, which makes for an incredible live music experience at Capital One Arena.
8:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Georgetown Jingle
Spend a festive day in DC’s oldest neighborhood at its first-ever holiday music event. Wander through historic Georgetown’s cobbled streets to take in live music performances at outdoor locations along M Street and beyond. Expect an array of genres, from holiday a cappella and jazz to current pop and alternative. The neighborhood will be alive with cheer as more than 40 businesses offer discounts and pop-ups. You can cap it all off by following the St. Lucia Choir as they process toward Washington Harbour, where holiday treats await at the Embassy of Sweden.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Frost Fair
Inspired by frost fairs held in London from the 1600s-1800s when the River Thames would freeze over, the Folger Frost Fair (Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2026) is a month-long winter festival filled with holiday music, decorations, walk-up tours, seek-and-find games, holiday gift shopping, craft stations, printing press demonstrations and much more. The Folger Shakespeare Library offers free admission and pay-what-you-will timed-entry passes.
More Info
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
ZooLights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal
The Folger Consort showcases holiday music from Spain and Portugal in a beloved annual tradition, including multi-voiced choral renditions of works by 16th-century Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano, considered to be the first published Black composer of European music. The performance will also feature early Spanish Christmas carols and odes to prominent Spanish composers of the 1500s.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Wharf's Holiday Boat Parade & Party
Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the The Wharf. You can observe the parade free of charge, and there are holiday festivities to enjoy beforehand, including winter drink sampling, chances to meet Santa, ornament decorating and more. Prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels and the night will conclude with fireworks and live music.
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
A Christmas Carol
In this time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital, acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
Santa Suite at the Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown
Celebrate the holiday season at the elegant Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, which hosts a Santa Suite on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be accompanied by gingerbread displays, hot chocolate and other treats, gorgeously decorated trees and a beautifully decorated table for an eclectic roster of special guests. Admission is just $10 per person.
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Tickets
Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, 2401 M. Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
DowntownDC Holiday Market
This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing just before Christmas.
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Some Like It Hot
Take a trip back to Prohibition-era Chicago and join two musicians in a fantastic musical adventure. After the duo witnesses a mob hit, they must run for their lives in a colorful production that combines comedy, action, song and dance. The show won more theater awards than any in its season and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
