The DMV comes alive this weekend with a variety of festive and community-focused events that celebrate the season in style.
From laugh-out-loud comedy and immersive ice attractions to holiday markets, live theater, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the District
To learn more about all the happenings around town and keep your social life lit, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Everlasting Light: The Story of the Humble King
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $9.87
Museum of the Bible, 400 4th Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
“Everlasting Light: The Story of the Humble King” returns to the Museum of the Bible this week, offering a live theatrical retelling of the Christmas story through music, narration and visual storytelling.
The production centers on the birth of Jesus, emphasizing themes of humility, hope and light in a contemporary stage format. Presented inside the museum’s World Stage Theater, the performance blends scripture with artistic elements designed to engage audiences of all ages during the holiday season.
7:30 p.m. | $51+
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Jess Hilarious headlines a stand-up comedy engagement at DC Improv beginning Dec. 18 and going through the weekend, bringing her high-energy, unfiltered humor to downtown Washington.
The Baltimore native is known for blending personal stories with sharp social observations, a style that has earned her national recognition through appearances on “Wild ’N Out” and Comedy Central. She also co-hosts the popular radio show “The Breakfast Club.”
The show is presented by DC Improv, a longstanding comedy venue that regularly hosts nationally touring comedians.
Checking out Jess Hilarious at DC Improv offers local audiences the opportunity to see a nationally recognized comedian in an intimate club setting, adding to the District’s live entertainment and comedy scene.
All performances are 18 and older and the venue enforces a two-item minimum per guest. Doors typically open about 75 minutes before showtime.
Friday, Dec. 19
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
The Holiday Market will transform Union Station into a seasonal marketplace filled with local vendors, artisans and holiday-themed goods.
The market features a rotating selection of small businesses offering handmade crafts, gifts, artwork and specialty items, creating a festive shopping experience for commuters, residents and visitors passing through one of Washington’s busiest transit hubs.
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
The Stacks, 101 V Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
The Holiday Collective: Ugly Sweater Party is inviting guests to celebrate the season with festive attire, music and a high-energy social atmosphere.
The event encourages attendees to don their most creative or outrageous holiday sweaters while enjoying a night centered on community, dancing and seasonal celebration. The party features a curated soundtrack and a casual, late-evening vibe designed to bring together young professionals and creatives for a holiday send-off.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Discover Holiday Magic at ICE!
9 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. | $48
Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
“ICE!” transforms the resort into a winter attraction carved entirely from ice.
The seasonal exhibition features walk-through scenes made from thousands of hand-carved ice blocks, illuminated with colorful lighting and kept at subfreezing temperatures. Visitors explore immersive displays inspired by holiday themes while wearing provided parkas to stay warm inside the attraction.
Timed-entry tickets are required and available in advance, and guests should plan to arrive early for check-in and coat distribution.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free
New Deal Cafe, 113 Centerway Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt, MD 20770
The Poetry Open Mic offers a welcoming space for writers, listeners and literary enthusiasts to gather around the spoken word.
The event invites participants to share original poetry, read other people’s work or simply connect with fellow creatives in an informal, community-centered setting. Open to all experience levels, the night emphasizes expression, experimentation and conversation through poetry.
This open mic features Barbara DeCesare as the evening’s guest poet. Based in York, Pennsylvania, DeCesare writes poetry, fiction and short plays, with work published in numerous journals and performed widely.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | $24.99
LEGO® Discovery Center, 6563 Springfield Mall, Suite 12004, Springfield, VA 22150
Check out a festive twist to the indoor attraction through holiday-themed LEGO builds and seasonal activities.
The experience invites families to explore decorated displays, participate in hands-on building stations and enjoy a winter-inspired atmosphere designed to blend creativity with holiday cheer.
Best of The DMV 2025 Winners Celebration and Fundraiser
5 p.m.- 9 p.m. | $61
Busboys and Poets Anacostia, 2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
Join The Washington Informer for an evening celebrating this year’s Best of The DMV winners and supporting local journalism.
Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music from Elijah Jamal Balbed and The JoGo Project, sets from Best of the DMV finalist DJ Lance Reynolds, and a community-focused program recognizing standout businesses, creators, and organizations across the region.
Tickets include two drink vouchers and access to the full program, including winner announcements and the introduction of the James Wright Memorial Scholarship.
As the year winds down, come connect with finalists, supporters, Informer staff, and the community at-large for an evening celebrating the Black Press and DMV excellence.