With the first week of December comes a wide mix of community events in the District, ranging from holiday celebrations and parades to educational workshops, family programs, and food assistance opportunities.
To learn more about the fun events around town, and keep your social life lit, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Dec. 4
End-of-Year Holiday Networking Celebration
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | $25
Melrose Georgetown Hotel,2430 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20037
This collaborative holiday networking event — hosted by Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC), Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC), and French‑American Chamber of Commerce — unites professionals, entrepreneurs, and community business leaders from across the region for an evening of connection and celebration.
Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary drink ticket and will have the opportunity to purchase food on-site. The event offers a relaxed, festive atmosphere ideal for building relationships, forging new partnerships, and reflecting on the year’s achievements.
Entrepreneurial Workshops with Naomi Brown from Her Corner
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Free
Driskell Recreation Building, 3911 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Presented by Her Corner, in partnership with the youth-center program of the City of Hyattsville, this workshop will engage students in grades 6–12 in hands-on, interactive activities designed to introduce them to entrepreneurship.
From brainstorming business ideas, to learning marketing basics, time management, budgeting, networking, leadership, and teamwork, the immersive afternoon works in a mission to develop the next class of leaders spanning the DMV.
Naomi Brown, CEO of Her Corner, a company that provides training and support for women entrepreneurs, holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, along with additional certifications in small business management and diversity coaching from institutions including Georgetown University and Howard University. Brown’s professional background includes work in sales, financial planning, internal consulting, and real estate investment. Through Her Corner, she leads programs that focus on operational planning, marketing fundamentals, and business growth strategies for early-stage and expanding business owners.
Friday, Dec. 5
2025 Father Daughter Dinner Dance and Jazzy Sneaker Ball
7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $97.88
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707
At the 15th annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dance and Jazzy Sneaker Ball, fathers, father figures, grandfathers, and male guardians can share a special evening with their daughters ages 3–16.
Organized in partnership with the Theta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Ivy Vine Charities hosts the program featuring dinner, music, and dancing, with a “sneaker ball” dress code that pairs formal or semi-formal attire with decorative or stylish sneakers.
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Free
St. Camillus Food Pantry,1500 Saint Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20903
This weekly distribution event provides free food assistance to families, adults, and seniors.
The Friday event offers pre-packaged food— such as nonperishables and pantry staples— for those in need.
Recipients should bring bags for the groceries. The distribution is first-come, first-served until supplies run out. Identification or proof of address may be required if picking up for more than one household.
Saturday, Dec. 6
54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free
Old Town Alexandria, 532 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The 54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade celebrates Alexandria’s Scottish heritage dating back to its founding in 1749.
The parade features dozens of Scottish clans dressed in vibrant tartans, accompanied by pipe-and-drum bands, Scottish dancers, terriers and hounds, community groups, classic cars and more.
Spectators may view the parade from anywhere along the mile‑long route. While there are no reserved seats, attendees may bring pop‑up chairs.
The Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Free
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
Looking to ‘tis the season in style? Tap into the Holiday Boat Parade and Party at The Wharf, featuring more than 60 festively decorated vessels cruising along the Washington Channel.
Among the variety of free, family‑friendly activities includes: live music, holiday karaoke, ornament decorating, visits with Santa, s’mores at a waterfront firepit, and more. Plus, seasonal drinks and food are available for purchase, as visitors bask in the holiday spirit and take photos with a 45‑foot nautical Christmas tree and other festive displays along Wharf Street.
This free and open event culminates with a 8 p.m. fireworks display over the Channel, with waterfront viewing available along The Wharf’s piers and public spaces.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Families Together: Meet Ups: Oceans
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | $35
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20560
The “Oceans” Meet‑Up is designed for families with children from infancy through early elementary age, bringing an opportunity to explore marine life with hands-on play stations and an educator-led museum tour, including exhibits at the museum’s Sant Ocean Hall.
Hosted by the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, the session focuses on ocean animals and habitats, providing interactive learning experiences for children and their caregivers.
Registration is required, and one ticket covers the entire family. The program runs for approximately 90 minutes, beginning in the classroom before transitioning to exhibits in the museum.
The Howard Gospel Choir Holiday Show
6 p.m. | $19.59+
The Hamilton, 600 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
The Howard Gospel Choir, founded in 1968, honors decades of tradition, excellence and community-centered performance with a dynamic evening of gospel, contemporary inspirational music, and seasonal favorites – delivered with the ensemble’s signature energy and artistry.
An annual seasonal treat, the Howard Gospel Choir Holiday Show presents a warm, celebratory atmosphere for families, alumni, and music lovers alike, while providing exposure to the Choir’s longstanding mission of sharing joy and inspiration through song, signature energy and artistry.
Founded in 1968, the Howard Gospel Choir honors decades of tradition, excellence and community-centered performance with a dynamic evening of gospel, contemporary inspirational music, and seasonal favorites – all within one of D.C.’s most intimate live music venues.
Don’t miss out on a prime opportunity to kick off the winter holidays!