As the year comes to a close, the last weekend of events promises holiday cheer, family bonding and a series of cultural education. From Anacostia Arts Museum’s week-long Kwanzaa initiative to the celebrations of New Year’s Eve and Day, check out a handful of the many local events kicking off 2025 the right way.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar, and remember — there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Anacostia Community Museum
Noon – 2 p.m. | Free
Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl, SE Washington, D.C., 20020
The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) is celebrating the seven days of Kwanzaa with performances, storytelling, and craft and dance workshops. Events take place daily at ACM from noon to 2 p.m., kicking off on Dec. 26 with the Kwanzaa Opening Ceremony, Umoja (Unity).
This afternoon gathering unites families and communities, as storyteller and griot Mama Ayo leads the traditional candle-lighting ceremony, pours the libation honoring ancestors and shares the history of Kwanzaa. Taratibu Youth Association, a performing arts group for the youth of the African diaspora, will follow.
Visitors of all ages are welcome to join the week-long free, family events. Registration is requested and can be completed by visiting: anacostia.si.edu/kwanzaa
View full schedule of events here.
Friday, Dec. 27
5 – 9:30 p.m. | $15+
Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Dr, Kettering, MD 20774
From the comfort of your own car, bring the family to experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights–open until January 1, 2025..
Online ticket price is $15 for car/van, and $20 at the gate. Prices vary for car/van, limos and big buses, and hayrides.
Online sales end daily at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Laurel’s House of Horror (A Christmas Nightmare)
7 p.m. | $29.49
Laurel’s House of Horror, 935 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD 20707
‘Tis the season to face your fear in a whole new way!
Laurel’s House of Horror presents “A Christmas Nightmare” – a ‘Krampus and Holiday-Haunted House’ experience located in the back right corner of Laurel’s Shopping Center.
Built inside of an abandoned movie theater, A Christmas Nightmare is uniquely adapted for the holidays in a terrifying twist of fear and good cheer. This year the event comes with added and upgraded experiences including more sensory overload, themed light shows, gruesome make-up, interactive characters, and chilling scenes of anticipation around every corner of the 28,000 sq. ft. attraction.
8 p.m. | $38.52+
Silver Springs Black Box Theater, 8641 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Audiences delight in the laughs and wonder of “The Magic Duel,” a one-of-a-kind 90-minute show blending comedy and magic with crowd participation.
Two master magicians wield wit and sleight-of-hand as they face off in a live battle of tricks, vying for audience members’ votes. Spectators get in on the act, concocting the challenges and judging each feat before voting for their favorite.
With two skilled illusionists, lively banter, and lots of surprises, The Magic Duel provides an evening of non-stop entertainment for the whole family.
Sunday, Dec. 29
Sacred Start: New Year’s Sound Bath, Movement, & Reiki
1 p.m. | $42.40
Yoga Heights Georgia Ave., 3506 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20010
What are you ready to release from 2024? What is calling into your life in 2025? Let this session be your Sacred Start for the new year.
This afternoon offering includes gentle movement to release, journaling, and a reiki-infused sound bath to step into the new year with fresh, manifesting energy. Save your spot to rest, receive, and replenish yourself—in community.
Start 2025 Off Right: TTD New Year’s Edition
Tuesday, Dec. 31
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free with registration
The Yards Sundeck, 355 Water St SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
The Yards is bringing back Noon Yards Eve, the community’s favorite bedtime-friendly New Year’s celebration for young ones to ring in 2025.
Celebrate with family-friendly, free activities for all ages to enjoy, including trackless train rides, bounce houses, glitter tattoos, and carnival games. Guests are invited to groove to beats from a DJ, dive into arts and crafts, enjoy a specialty magic show, capture the last moments of 2024 in a photo booth and more.
The event will culminate with the highly-anticipated countdown and balloon drop celebration at noon, allowing kids of all ages to ring in the New Year.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
3 – 9 p.m. | $30
1360 Okie St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
The return of Speakeasy DC New Year’s Day – Part comedy show, part concert, part dance party; but a whole vibe!
Featuring comedians: Actor Freddie Ricks (“Shaft,” 2000) and (“Baby Boy,” 2001); Eddie Bryant, who has appeared on “Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand Up” (STARZ Network) and “One Mic Stand with Kevin Hart” (BET Network); and Maria Sanchez, a compelling storyteller whose character is big, bawdy, explicit and compassionate.
Music provided by DJ Biggs and DJ Crank; Live performance by special guest.
7:30 p.m. | $20+
Capital Plaza, 6200 Annapolis Road, Landover Hills, MD 20784
Come and experience the mesmerizing world of “Do Portugal Circus,” a combination of excellence and magic sure to take you on a journey of laughter and pure amazement.
Witness the incredible skill of aerialists and jugglers, hold your breath as fearless performers ride motorcycles inside the Globe of Death, and prepare to be delighted and laugh at hilarious clowns. The show is a captivating spectacle that guarantees to leave audiences of all ages in awe and wonder.
Tickets are $20 for children, $30 for adults.
