There’s no denying that it’s looking a lot like the holidays this weekend. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is switching on the electricity at two of its biggest annual attractions: the Bull Run Festival of Lights and Ice and Lights at Cameron Run. (They join the festive Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, which made its debut Nov. 7.) The D.C. Holiday Market, which launched in Dupont Circle last year, is returning to a traffic-free block of New Hampshire Avenue on Saturday, where it will stay until a few days before Christmas. Elsewhere, there’s a market and holiday celebration at the Parks at Walter Reed, which features music as well as more than 30 vendors, and the Museums & Makers Holiday Market at Strathmore, which has small museums like Hillwood and Brookside Gardens selling items from their shops alongside local artisans.
There’s no denying that it’s looking a lot like the holidays this weekend. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is switching on the electricity at two of its biggest annual attractions: the Bull Run Festival of Lights and Ice and Lights at Cameron Run. (They join the festive Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, which made its debut Nov. 7.) The D.C. Holiday Market, which launched in Dupont Circle last year, is returning to a traffic-free block of New Hampshire Avenue on Saturday, where it will stay until a few days before Christmas. Elsewhere, there’s a market and holiday celebration at the Parks at Walter Reed, which features music as well as more than 30 vendors, and the Museums & Makers Holiday Market at Strathmore, which has small museums like Hillwood and Brookside Gardens selling items from their shops alongside local artisans.
Too much holiday spirit? Barrel House is devoting a week of events to “Wicked,” including a cabaret and trivia; the annual Side Yards carnival brings magicians, contortionists and lucha libre wrestlers back to Yards Park; a clothing swap at Right Proper Brewing lets you refresh your wardrobe for cuffing season and — oh yes — there’s a Cuffing Season singles party in Arlington with tips about dating off the apps and in real life. Fun runs ranging from .5K to 2K allow for a bit of exercise while raising money for good causes.
Museums & Makers Holiday Market at the Mansion at Strathmore
It’s not too early to get a jump on finding gifts for the holiday season, especially if you want to skip big-box stores for something unique that supports local nonprofit museums and arts organizations. Comb through items from multiple museum gift shops at the Museums & Makers Holiday Market, put on by Maryland’s performing arts center Strathmore. The Phillips Collection, Hillwood Museum, Brookside Gardens, Woodend Nature Shop, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum, and, of course, the Shop at Strathmore will all be under one roof during the three-day shopping event, joined by local artists and makers selling their wares, too. Through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free; $10 suggested donation. RSVP online.
Wicked Week at Barrel House
It’s just over a week until the release of “Wicked: For Good,” and the 14th Street cafe and bar has an event lineup to get you in the mood for another dose of the musical. Things kick off Thursday with a dance party featuring Broadway hits (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) and resumes Saturday night with Club Oz, a late-night party with acrobats, go-go dancers and remixes of songs from the show. Costumes are encouraged (10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.). A “Wicked”-themed brunch cabaret is sold out, but Tuesday brings a final chance to prove yourself worthy of the wizard: a themed trivia night on Broadway, “Wicked” and pop culture. Prizes will be awarded to top teams (7 to 9 p.m.). Through Tuesday. Free.
Cuffing Season at Continental Pool Lounge
Cuffing season — the urge to find a romantic partner during the colder months of fall and winter — is an actual thing, and Psychology Today recently suggested there are scientific explanations for this urge. At Rosslyn BID’s Cuffing Season kickoff at Continental Pool Lounge, attendees get general tips and individual advice about meeting offline from the matchmakers of local dating service the Court. Plus, people can find insights during a tarot reading from self-proclaimed witch Skye Miranda. Tickets include a welcome drink. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $12.51; $15 at the door.
‘Yes Chef: Stories About Food, Family and Drama’ at Penn Social
Two weeks ahead of the ultimate “food, family and drama” holiday, Story District brings a timely event that asks speakers to share their experiences from around the table. Laugh, cringe or ponder the ways food brings us together — maybe over a drink or snack from the bar. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $35.
Harvest Party at Primrose
The wine-focused Brookland bistro celebrates the fruits of fall at this annual gathering. Sip the latest offerings from the Old Westminster and Lightwell Survey wineries, and hear from winemakers, while snacking on delicacies from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op, Darden Country Ham, Rappahannock Oyster Company and Roseda Beef. 6 to 9 p.m. $100.
Alison Roman at Sixth & I
One of the biggest names in the food scene is out on a book tour with a stop at Sixth & I in November. Best-selling cookbook author, social media star and grocer Alison Roman graces the historic synagogue to discuss her life and newest cookbook, “Something From Nothing,” consisting of recipes based on handy pantry staples. All in-person tickets have been sold. 7 p.m. $19 for virtual admission; $54 for virtual admission and a signed book.
Romanian Film Festival at AMC Georgetown 14
The sixth edition of the Romanian Film Festival, sponsored by the Embassy of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute, brings a half-dozen films to the Georgetown theater over three days. Highlights include “Nasty — More Than Just Tennis,” about the flamboyant and controversial 1970s tennis star Ilie Nastase, and the drama “Comatogen,” which is followed by a Q&A with star Daniela Nane. Through Sunday. All films free.
Shochu on the Rocks at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
The fourth annual Shochu Day, hosted by distributors D.C. Sake cō, presents, for the first time, a film screening. The documentary “The Spirit of Japan” follows a Japanese family in Kagoshima who have made the clear liquor for five generations — since the 1850s. Stick around after the screening for a Q&A with the director, Joseph Overbey, and tastings of Honkaku shochu curated by the team from the Japan Distilled Podcast. 6:30 p.m. $45.
Side Yards at Yards Park
Sword swallowers, magicians, jugglers and acrobats amaze and delight children of all ages at the 10th annual Side Yards carnival, held along the river in Yards Park. After a splashy debut last year, organizers are bringing back a ring for performances by masked lucha libre wrestlers. Kids can have their faces painted and get glitter tattoos, while a DJ keeps the vibes high. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free.
Wale at the Anthem
Wale will celebrate the release of his first album for Def Jam, “Everything Is a Lot,” in style, calling on artists who have helped shape his music: his early collaborators in go-go band TOB and R & B singer Jeremih, who provides the hooks on two of Wale’s most-loved tracks. Now on the other side of 40, D.C.’s finest knows how hard it is to fill hip-hop’s attention deficit. “It’s become increasingly harder in this day and age, where fans are rewiring themselves to only like what the algorithm tells them to like,” he told Billboard. “It’s an uphill battle, so it’s a blessing to be in the conversation still.” 8 p.m. $61.25.
Give a Can, Get a Can at Astro Beer Hall
We’ve all heard that “a good deed is its own reward,” and while that may be true, we admit that rewards are fun, too. Like this one: During Friday happy hour, the Astro Beer Hall locations in D.C. and Shirlington are collecting nonperishable canned goods for local food banks. For every can of food you donate, you’ll receive a free canned beer. 4 to 7 p.m. Free.
Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park
The Bull Run Festival of Lights lets you enjoy a 2½-mile trail of animated light displays from the comfort (and warmth) of your car, before ending up at the Holiday Village, which includes a petting zoo with camel rides; a carnival with a Ferris wheel, rides and games; and bonfires for roasting s’mores. Through Jan. 4. $30 per vehicle in advance; $40 at the gate.
Thanksgiving cookie decorating at the Roost
Cookie decorating isn’t only for December holidays. Join chef Hannah Surratt at the Roost’s Southeast playspace Mulberry Lane to decorate some Thanksgiving-themed snacks, followed by arts and crafts and playtime. Tickets include admission for a child and one grown-up. 6 to 7 p.m. $25.
Holiday Market and Celebration at the Parks at Walter Reed
The Parks at Walter Reed’s Holiday Market and Celebration is not just about browsing. More than 30 vendors set up on the development’s spacious main plaza with housewares, jewelry, greeting cards, clothing and beauty products, and entertainment includes holiday songs by the Gracie Jessup Trio and Urban Nation Youth Choir, along with food trucks and a pop-up bookstore. When you’re finished, grab an early chance to check out the Juneberry Garage bar and restaurant’s indoor space, which reopened Thursday. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle
Back for a second year in Dupont Circle, the DC Holiday Market is a five-week-long outdoor market created by the former organizers of the Downtown Holiday Market. The location has moved one block east and is now situated on a wider, pedestrianized New Hampshire Avenue NW directly above the circle. Some of the artists and crafters at the 35 booths will rotate out at the end of November, making this worth multiple visits. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., then open daily through Dec. 23, except Thanksgiving Day and Dec. 1. Free.
Ice and Lights at Cameron Run Regional Park
Ice and Lights at Alexandria’s Cameron Run Regional Park is usually a knockout date idea or family activity, as it combines the Winter Village, which offers large seasonal displays like a 100-foot tunnel of lights; fires for making s’mores; plus, for an extra fee, skating at an ice rink. However, there’s no skating until Nov. 28, so this weekend, you’ll have to get your exercise walking around and taking pictures of lights. Winter Village open Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m., then Nov. 22-23. Winter Village and ice skating open daily from Nov. 28-Dec. 30. $10.30 Winter Village admission; $22.80 Winter Village and ice skating.
‘Snowglow’ at the Dome at Hi-Lawn
If you’ve ever wanted to hang out inside a swirling snow globe, Hi-Lawn is the place to go to make your dreams come true. The bar perched on the rooftop of Union Market is once again erecting a 50- foot spherical dome tent and decking it out for the holidays with a “Snowglow” theme. Australian digital artist Laura Alice created a custom animation that can be projected all around the interior walls of the globe, creating cozy scenes of firelight, floating candles, starry winter skies and an illuminated Christmas tree. The 90- minute visual show in the heated dome also includes an augmented reality experience. The dome will be very hygge, thanks to twinkling lights, tartan textiles and ornaments. More holiday cheer comes in the form of classic drinks like spiced eggnog, torched marshmallow-topped cherry hot chocolate and applejack toddies, along with throwback snacks like cheese fondue and sweet rum balls. If you don’t snag a ticket to the Dome pop-up, you can order from the same menu at Hi-Lawn’s adjacent Snowglow lounge, which is free to enter. Through Jan. $29 per person, with food and drink sold a la carte.
Harvest Jam Festival at Bridge District
One of the year’s final fall festivals belongs to Bridge District, the new neighborhood in Ward 8 at the foot of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. A makers market sells tchotchkes from local artisans, including candles, skin care and jewelry; artists from across the DMV deliver spoken word and acoustic sets; and a pumpkin patch includes a hay bale maze and kits craft zone. Grab bites from on-site food trucks Don Churro and Phowheels, or snag a craft brew from the recently opened Atlas Brew Works’ Bridge District location. 1 to 4 p.m. Free.
Clothing Swap at Right Proper Brewing
Bring up to 10 pre-loved items to the Northwest brewery and trade them for a new-to-you collection at this event hosted by Swap Season. A DJ enlivens the scene, where you can grab a brew while you shop. Note that the item limit is strictly enforced, and that paying via cash or Venmo at the door avoids Eventbrite fees. Noon to 3 p.m. $10.
40 years of Universal Madness at Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library
If Chuck Brown and Rare Essence provided the soundtrack for D.C.’s go-go scene in the ’80s and ’90s, then streetwear entrepreneurs like Universal Madness set the look. The company sold the flyest designs out of its trunks at go-go shows, got musicians to wear its gear to build hype, and expanded into storefronts and malls. As part of its Go-Go Preservation Week, the D.C. Public Library celebrates the 40th anniversary of Universal Madness with a talk by founders Ed Van, Ty Johnson and Larry Bowden, delving into the history of D.C. fashion. (Yes, there will also be a pop-up shop with limited-edition merchandise.) After the talk, the Soul Searchers and Push Play bands perform. Audience members are invited to bring personal photos from go-go shows, whether that’s musicians onstage or regular folks posing for the camera, to be added to the library’s Go-Go Archive. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Free.
Bold Fork Books turns 5
Mount Pleasant’s favorite specialty bookstore turns five this Saturday, and it’s celebrating with coffee, ice cream, pastry and wine vendors on-site. The bake sale benefits the American Library Association. Shop for cookbooks, kitchenware and food-related novels for 15 percent off. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free.
Artists Against Apartheid Fest at Transmission
The newly opened venue in the former Rock and Roll Hotel’s H Street location is hosting a two-day festival with panels, workshops and a makers market. Vendors take over the second floor for the weekend selling jewelry, art, zines and more. Saturday brings a stencil-making workshop and an artists’ panel on cultural spaces as sites of resistance. On Sundays, there’s a wheatpasting demo and dispatch using political posters and images, and poetry hour. Bring your own clothes for a linocut block-printing workshop offered both days. Stick around after hours for DJ sets. Proceeds support mutual aid efforts for Palestinians. Through Sunday. $28 for one day; $44 for two-day pass.
‘The Life and Music of George Michael’ at the National Theatre
For one night only, the “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” singer gets the Broadway treatment in D.C. with a concert-style tribute show at the National. Audience members are invited to dance and sing along to George Michael’s greatest hits from his solo career, like “Faith” and “Father Figure,” as well as favorites from his time with the pop band Wham. 7:30 p.m. $110-$328.
‘American Railroad’ at the Music Center at Strathmore
Silkroad, the touring ensemble founded by Yo-Yo Ma and now under the leadership of artistic director Rhiannon Giddens, is known for blending musical styles from across the world. For its “American Railroad” program headed to Strathmore this weekend, the group creates a soundtrack honoring those who built the nation’s tracks, including music from Indigenous peoples and African Americans as well as Chinese, Irish, Japanese and other immigrant communities. This eight piece group includes instruments like guitar, accordion and Japanese flutes, with a headlining turn by Wu Man, one of the world’s best players of the pipa, a Chinese string instrument akin to a lute. 7 p.m. $28-$88.
Daybreaker at Flash
You could roll out of bed late and head straight to bottomless brunch on Sunday morning. Or you could head to Daybreaker at Flash for some yoga or breathwork alongside free coffee and matcha shots. Once your head’s clear, hit the dance floor while a DJ spins and performers drop in. Seems like a much better way to fight the Sunday scaries. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $39.
Del Ray .5K at Del Ray Pizzeria
The first .5K hosted by Del Ray Pizzeria is more of a fundraiser than a race. This year, the beneficiary of proceeds from every entry ticket, race entry and raffle ticket is the Mother of Light Center, whose mission is to feed 450 families on Thanksgiving Day. The extremely serious run takes place in the pizzeria’s parking lot. Runners and viewers can grab food and drinks at a discount, listen to live music, play “lawn” games or participate in a raffle for prizes. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. $7 for general admission; $13 for race entry.
DC Brau Beer2K at DC Brau
Here’s another fun run we can get behind: The annual Beer2K requires competitors to run a 2K “race” around the DC Brau brewery parking lot while consuming beers. Five beers. There are divisions for solo runners and teams of two or four, with all entry fees benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Don’t think you have a 2K in you? Come out and sip beers (including DC Brau’s nonalcoholic pale ale), cheer on the participants and laugh at the team costumes. Registration at 11 a.m.; Heats begin at noon. $25 per participant; donation of $5 to $20 suggested for spectators.
Sippin’ Santa at Hank’s Oyster Bar
One of the most festive holiday bars around is heading to Dupont Circle for the first time. Sippin’ Santa, a national chain of pop-ups serving seasonal tiki cocktails, is cruising into Hank’s Oyster Bar after previous stints at Archipelago and Black Whiskey. Expect drinks like the Sugar Plum Mai Tai, Hot Buttered Grog and Coco Ho Ho Ho served in extremely Instagrammable glasses. Hank’s promises tacky, beach-inspired holiday decor as well as an outdoor snow globe to drink in. Reservations are strongly recommended, and limited to 90 minutes per group. This is only offered at Hank’s in Dupont Circle, and not in Alexandria or at the Wharf. Through Dec. 31. $10 cover charge; includes a “secret Santa gift” and a donation to Food and Friends.
Half-Price Happy Hour at Upstate FTW
If you’ve been meaning to try the new Buffalo-inspired menu at Upstate FTW, the pop-up at U Street’s Sport and Social, here’s the nudge you need: The bar just introduced a daily, half-price happy hour with 50 percent off domestic beers, canned cocktails, crushes, house cocktails and wines by the glass. Upstate’s French bread pizza is also included, making it $6. 4 to 7 p.m. Free admission.
Digable Planets at Lincoln Theatre
Dig deep in hip-hop history to when rap faced a crossroads and you’ll find Digable Planets, one of the key groups that sought to bring the then-young sounds of rap back to its jazz world heritage. The trio has reunited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its best album, “Blowout Comb.” 8 p.m. $56.35.
Astronomy on Tap at DC9
Astronomy on Tap — the educational and entertaining bar night that features space scientists delivering short, snappy presentations about black holes, deep-space research missions, and the latest discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope — has been hosting sporadic events in 2025. The most recent event was in July, butthe series returns to DC9 this Tuesday, and even though organizers haven’t posted a list of subjects yet, it’s worth turning up for trivia contests, bingo and giveaways. It’s free, and you might learn something before the night is done. 7:30 p.m. Free.
NMWA Nights: ‘Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750’
The National Museum of Women in the Arts opens its doors after hours for visitors to view “Women Artists From Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750,” an exhibit centering boundary-pushing women artists in the 17th and 18th centuries. Holley Simmons, the founder and owner of the D.C.-based flower shop She Loves Me, leads a talk on floral imagery and the art of flower arranging. Try your hand at still life drawing of bouquets with the exhibit as inspiration, reflex a tulip to take home, and listen to a “smooth international” DJ set. Two drink tickets are included with admission. 5:30 to 8 p.m. $25; $22 for students, seniors and D.C. residents.
Thanksgiving Dinner for Families in Need at Puerto Rico Cafe
The Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Puerto Rican Alliance of Northern Virginia Inc. and Manassas’s Puerto Rico Cafe is an annual tradition, and volunteers are needed to accomplish this year’s goal of putting together more than 1,100 meals. Sign up for a volunteer time slot throughout the day to work on projects like packaging food, serving, delivering and cleaning up. The event is in collaboration with Manassas City Public Schools and Prince William County Public Schools, and food and drink donations are also in demand. 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with shifts at various times. Free; register online.
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