DC Weekend November 30 – December 1

Tag Archives: DC Weekend November 30 – December 1

November 27, 2024 · 7:21 pm

The Weekend Round-Up:
November 28 – December 1

Don’t miss the festive, fun DowntownDC Holiday Market

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Posts full of ideas for mainstay DC activities:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Indoor Action
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Thanksgiving Day Play
Where: Around the DC area
When: Thursday (and beyond)
Admission: Varies by activity
How about a side of recreation to go with your Thanksgiving meal? If you’re looking for pre- or post-feast activities, this post suggests some ways to complement the main event of the day.

#OptOutside
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
This initiative started by REI a bunch of years ago was so good it became one of the most popular hashtags… Skip the Black Friday shopping (or do it off-hours online) and get out to enjoy some family QT outdoors. You’ve got your pick of places around the DC-Metro for adventures in the fresh air. Take a hike, hit a playground, explore a garden, or see what else there is to do al fresco in this post with loads of inspiration for fun in the sun.

Season’s Greenings
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Through January 5, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
DC’s most popular holiday attraction just opened for the season. The highlight is the garden railway, which never fails to impress and enchant with intricate, imaginative designs — all of them constructed of plant materials. A pollinator theme is back this year, and it’s adorable — kids will love seeing model trains chug around The conservatory exhibit features Washington landmarks also constructed from plant materials with some new ones added this year.

Let There Be (Holiday) Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: Evenings throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Several parks and gardens in the area have transformed into sparkling wonderlands. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. If you opt for the latter, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate — it doesn’t get much cozier than that.

DowntownDC Holiday Market
Where: 8th & F Streets NW | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
The holiday market in the heart of Penn Quarter is festive as ever, and great to walk around with the fam. Browse a variety of vendor booths along the bustling, closed-to-traffic street, and enjoy some bites and treats and photo ops, to boot. After you’ve done your shopping, you can pop into the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum that are literally right next to the market.

Caps vs. Islanders
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 3pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Watch some sports action on ice. The Caps are hosting the Islanders on Friday afternoon. Plan on a pre-game lunch in Penn Quarter — there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood — or check out the DowntownDC Holiday Market, right across from the arena.

Holiday Tree Lighting + Santa Firetruck Parade
Where: Mosaic District | Fairfax, VA
When: Friday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
Join the Mosaic District to welcome the arrival of the holiday season with a merry and bright tree lighting. Bring your family and friends to experience the Jolly Man’s arrival on a firetruck. Visitors can also meet and greet Santa in the Target lobby after the tree lighting and enjoy live entertainment from 6-9pm and a holiday parade from 6:30-6:45pm. The Tree Lighting is at 7:15pm.

Small Business Saturday
Where: Around the DC area
When: Saturday
Admission: Free, but plan to buy & support local
If you’re planning to do some holiday shopping this weekend, make a point of going to local, independent stores, both to score great, unique gifts and to support people and places that help make our communities thrive. The KFDC Holiday Gift Guide: DC-Inspired has all kinds of suggestions for gifts from many local businesses.

Holly Trolley Fest
Where: National Capitol Trolley Museum | Colesville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $10.75 – $12.75
Explore a unique DC area museum this holiday season. Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia, & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Reservations required!

College Hoops
Where: Universities around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The college basketball season has begun, and with so many schools in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on — and it’s also a great time for families. Here are some games you can catch this weekend:
* GW men vs Virginia Military Institue on Friday at 2pm
* Howard men vs Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday at 12pm
* Maryland women vs George Mason on Saturday at 3:30pm (Navy Classic Tourney)
* Georgetown men vs Albany on Saturday at 4pm
* Maryland men vs Alcorn State on Sunday at 12pm
* Howard women vs. Georgetown on Sunday at 2pm
* American men vs Notre Bame of Maryland on Sunday at 4pm

Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
With sunny skies and cool temps in part of the forecast, csome of the upcoming days should be great for outdoor ice skating. Many ice rinks have already opened for the season, and at east one is opening this weekend. See this post for details on all of the places you can glide the day (and night) away!

11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Where: CityCenter | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 5-7pm
Admission: Free
CityCenterDC’s annual holiday tree lighting will include a joyful music performance by headliner, Jordin Sparks, alongside the incredible American Pops Orchestra, balloon artists, face painters, holiday treats and more. NBC4’s Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree, visit two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the spirit of the holidays with a photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation!

Holidays on the Stage
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
If you’re looking for holiday-inspired entertainment to get into the spirit, it’s starting! The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre is a classic that will enchant audiences of all ages. Or take littles to see a version on strings at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Get details on these shows and see what else is coming up soon in the 2024 Guide to the Holiday Season.

Makers’ Market and Free Community Day
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free — reserve a spot
he first Sunday of the month is Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Visit with free admission to the museum and exhibitions, and this weekend, check out a makers’ market in the Great Hall to shop from vendors that highlight women and gender-expansive makers and businesses selling handmade jewelry, art, ceramics, and vintage finds. You can also join NMWA educators in the studio, for free, self-directed drop-in art-making activities inspired by artworks on view.

Chocolate Binge Festival
Where: Downtown Annapolis, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $5, free/12 & under
Everyone loves chocolate and Annapolis will be celebrating by filling West Street with all things chocolate to help chocoholics get through the holiday season. Prepare your sweet tooth with an afternoon of chocolate decadence as over 20 local and regional chocolatiers vend their specialties, plus make s’mores at a bonfire in the street, and enjoy hot cocoa. The Festival will also feature family friendly entertainment, lots of holiday shopping, and the lighting of West Street’s BGE Holiday Light Canopy.

Toy Story Hosts Kids & Family Festival
Where: Shipgarten | Tysons, VA
When: Sunday, 12pm
Admission: Free
Step into a world of family-friendly fun fo this Toy Story. themed festival. Bring the whole crew for an unforgettable experience. Little ones can enjoy FREE face painting and arts & crafts, plus there’s live music, great drinks, moonbounces, and a full outdoor playground to ensure everyone has a blast. Dogs are welcome, too, on-leash or in our off-leash dog park.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* There are a LOT of holiday happenings coming up over the next month, so be sure to read the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season to help plan your fun and reserve tickets.

* If you’re doing some online holiday shopping, start with this list of great sales — several new ones have been added.

* For some active fun and a challenge with the kids this weekend: Sportrock Climbing Centers have special (extra) hours, plus no-school camp on Friday.

* I read that this is the new hot toy for kids (and can see why)!

* And these 3-D puzzles for adults look so cool!

* Ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers.

* Just got this splurgy item for my birthday, and it really is as amazing as they say! It’s currently on super sale, so now is the time to go for it if you’ve been coveting or want to gift it.

* The New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2024.

* How about a castle stay for you next vacay?

* A Thanksgiving playlist I threw together (kind of random, but maybe you’ll like it).

* Wicked Thanksgiving lol

The Weekend Round-Up: November 30 – December 1

Thanksgiving Weekend in Wintergreen

With the big feast behind you, it’s time to get out and take advantage of the long weekend. Keep the brood entertained at a theatre — there are several live shows on local stages. Enjoy extended hours at the museums. Embrace the holiday spirit at a seasonal event. Bundle up for an outdoor adventure. Or find a place to hang in the great indoors. I, for one, am thankful for all these great options the DC-Metro has to offer. Happy Weekend!

Nights at the Museums
Where: Smithsonian Museums
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
If you’re making the rounds at the museums on the Mall, save Natural History, American History, and Air & Space for last. The three Smithsonian favorites will have extended hours through the weekend, open until 7:30pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Holiday Cheer
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies be venue
This weekend is the start of many big holiday events around DC — Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden, Christmas on the Potomac, Christmas at Mount Vernon, wonderful train and light displays. If you hope to hit ’em all during the season, you should get going now. For the complete rundown on all of them, see the 2013 Guide to the Holidays in DC.

Lyle the Crocodile
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12+
Recommended for ages 4-12, Lyle the Crocodile will run through January 10: When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, they are quite surprised to find a crocodile in their bathtub! But Lyle is a rather extraordinary crocodile and quickly becomes part of the family. Unfortunately, a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile. He thinks poor Lyle is unfit for the neighborhood simply because he’s different. After a parade, a trip to the department store, and a stint in the zoo, Lyle saves the day and earns his place as a beloved friend and neighbor.

From Here to There
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12
This show for ages 2-5 runs through January 5: Two friends build bridges from cardboard boxes and use rhythm and vocal play to create a catchy tune. It’s like jumping inside the world of a child’s imagination! Performances are followed by a “free play” session, allowing the audience to explore some of the props.

Angelina Ballerina, The Very Merry Holiday Musical
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: Saturday, 1pm
Tickets: $14
Take a memorable and lively Thanksgiving weekend outing with family and friends! In this charming musical, Angelina and her friends plan an absolutely positively spectacular holiday dance pageant: the best in all of Mouseland! When plans go awry, they work together to save the show and discover the true spirit of the holidays. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Pre-show party before the show, with snacks and arts activities starting at noon. Meet Angelina and her friends after the show!

More Holidays on the Stage
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Much of the live entertainment on local stages right now is holiday-inspired. Enjoy the ultimate holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Washington Ballet at THEARC or catch a tot-friendly version at The Puppet Co. Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead Scrooge on A Christmas Carol journey at Ford’s Theatre. Enjoy The Twelve Days of Christmas at Adventure Theatre. Get details on these shows and others in the 2013 Holiday Guide.

Rainbow Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Saturday, 10:30am & Sunday, 11am
Admission: $8, $25/family 4-pack
Get ready for all the excitement and fun that you get at a Kate Moran Band show, shrunk down to size for little rockers! The Rainbow Lady (Kate Moran), Princess Fiddlesticks (Lynn Rovelli), Captain Toe Tappin (Kevin de Souza), and Guitarmony Gus (Derek Evry) will entertain little ones with a combination of classic and original children’s tunes. This crew will keep kids bopping in their socks until they just can’t rock anymore. Always on hand, inside the box of fun, tambourines, shakers and more for your little one to join in the fun, and if they are feeling like completing their rock star appearance, how about a nice little temporary Rainbow tattoo, from none other than Pattycake Patty (Patty Moran) or the lovely Rockin Rox Anna (Anna Goist)!

Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Sunday, 1:30pm & 4pm
Admission: $25
Best friends Gerald and Piggie find themselves on an excellent musical adventure in this world premiere stage adaptation of Mo Willems’s award-winning Elephant & Piggie books. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Night Lights
Where: Around the area
When: Evenings
Admission: Varies by locale
Twinkling lights forming enchanting displays are easily a holiday season favorite. Visit one of several parks or gardens (or the Zoo!) in the area that has transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Some you can walk through for an up-close experience, others you tour by car. If you opt for the latter, dress the kids in PJ’s, turn up the holiday tunes, and bring along a thermos of hot chocolate — it doesn’t get much cozier than that!

Winter Christmas Festival
Where: Ticonderoga Farms
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $6.95/person, free for children under 2
The annual festival includes hayrides to the white pine fields with access to all of the farm attractions — swings, forts, slides, tunnels, and more. Fire pits are inviting to keep you warm and make some s’ mores or roast hot dogs. Cut down your Christmas tree while you’re there or buy one from the lot. Read more about the Festival in this post from last year.

Name that Panda
Where: National Zoo
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Free
The National Zoo will finally reveal the name, determined by public vote, of the new panda cub in a ceremony on Sunday. Lion dancers, music, and Chinese treats will apparently be part of the events, too. Get there early if you hope to see it, as space will be limited.

Portrait Story Days
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about Pocahontas, a Virginia Indian chief’s daughter, in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.

Stormtroopers at the Capitol!
Where: Capitol Reflecting Pool
When: Sunday, 9am
Admission: Free
Yep, you read that right. Stormtroopers will be at the Capitol on Sunday morning. Apparently, there are plans for a Museum of Science Fiction to open in DC, and promoters have organized this attention-getting event to help raise awareness and funds for it. Watch as members of the 501st Legion shoot a video by the Reflecting Pool, and look for them in other areas around town. Word has it they’ll be making stops at Gallery Place Metro and the Air & Space Museum, too.