Get crafty at the National Portrait Gallery’s Open Studio session on Friday
Monday – Head to DC’s big train station to check out the little trains. Union Station’s annual Holiday Train Show is back in the Main Hall, featuring an elaborate mountain landscape, plus vintage cars, trees and people, even dogs and cats. After (or before), grab a bite to eat or pop over to the Postal Museum next door.
Tuesday – Venture up to Baltimore for Thrifty Tuesday at Port Discovery. From 1-4:30pm, it only costs $8 (regularly $13.95) to enjoy the multiple levels of awesome hands-on exhibits and programs. It opens at 9:30am if you want to enjoy morning hours, too. (Happy Chanukah to everyone celebrating!)
Wednesday – Bundle up and hit the trail. Great Falls is a great place to hike and enjoy the outdoors any time of the year. Whether you opt for the Maryland or Virginia side of the park along a breathtaking stretch of the Potomac, you’re guaranteed some of the best vistas in the area. Be sure to stop in the Visitor Center where you can learn about the history and nature of the area. Hours are 7am – dark. The Visitor Centers are open from 10am – 4pm. Admission is $5/vehicle.
Thursday – Catch a performance of Arts on the Horizon’s Snow Day at the Atlas on H Street. Recommended for ages 2-6, the nonverbal world premiere production features live music and lots of wintertime fun. Showtime is 10:30am, and tickets are $8. It’s running at the Atlas through December 22. In the evening from 6-8:30pm, head to Pentagon Row for Chanukah on Ice, a festive celebration with latkes, kosher hot dogs, and ice skating! Admission is $10 in advance, $13 at the door.
Friday – Get creative at a National Portrait Gallery Open Studio Friday session. All ages are welcome to explore a different art medium each week with all kinds of fun projects. Drop in anytime from 1-4pm. Admission is free. Before or after your artsy outing, check out the Downtown Holiday Market, located right outside the museum at 8th & F Streets NW — do some shopping, enjoy tasty treats, and maybe even catch some live entertainment. It’s open 12-8pm daily through December 23.
