The holiday season is in full swing, and so are the winter-themed festivities and annual traditions in the DMV.
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 area to keep your spirit – and social life – lit.
Thursday, Dec. 12
CJM After Sunset: Light Up the Night
6 – 9 p.m. | $11.63+
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Light up the night with an early Hanukkah party at Capital Jewish Museum After Sunset.
Sip on olive oil martinis, compete in a dreidel tournament, delight in an olive oil tasting, enjoy pop-up spotlight talks with museum curators, and make your own wrapping paper for the best dressed gift under the menorah.
KEM With National Symphony Orchestra
8 p.m. | $102.35+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Add some soul to your holiday season with the one-and-only KEM. The Platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter treats Kennedy Center audiences to an evening of holiday magic and jazzy love songs with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Celebrate the season of joy at this intimate, uplifting concert event with music from KEM’s acclaimed album “What Christmas Means,” fan favorites from his prolific career, fresh takes on comforting Christmas classics, and more.
Friday, Dec. 13
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $10
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902
The Garden of Lights display is an outdoor, rain or shine event that transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland.
Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton. The gift shop also includes unique seasonal items for shoppers.
Tickets are timed entry with a specific day and entrance time for your arrival. Every person ages 5 and older must have a ticket. Only available to purchase online.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
7 p.m. | $129
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!‘s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears.
Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear – along with DJ Nutcracker ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family.
This holiday show tradition will be at Arena Stage until Dec. 22.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | $26+
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
This season, immerse yourself in the ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special Tingle Bells, a one-of-a-kind ASMR-inspired experience designed to soothe senses and warm spirit. With calming soundscapes, captivating visuals, and interactive digital installations, Tingle Bells creates a serene oasis amidst the holiday hustle.
Additionally, ARTECHOUSE is making the experience even more magical with the addition of Spectacular Factory, where guests can step into the dazzling imaginary world of a holiday gift factory brought to life. The factory features dreamlike visuals and heartwarming holiday themes to captivate imaginations of all ages.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or looking to spark holiday joy, Tingle Bells and Spectacular Factory together create a multi-sensory holiday wonderland—perfect for families, date nights, or festive gatherings with friends.
For children ages 4 to 15, ticket prices start at $16. The exhibit will be open until Jan. 5.
Noon – 8 p.m. | Free entry, activation prices vary
Anthem Row, 8th Street NW between K and I Streets, Washington, D.C., 20001
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) will host its second weekend activation of “Mistletoe Mingle,” a vibrant new outdoor holiday experience available in the heart of the city. Designed for residents and visitors to embrace the festive spirit downtown, the event will feature live entertainment, fine wine, local craftsmanship, and a “Holiday Marketini” showcasing local small businesses.
Mistletoe Mingle encourages visitors to gather in Downtown D.C., all against the backdrop of the newly launched National Mistletoe, an aerial holiday art installation by multi-disciplinary artist My Ly.
The BID encourages attendees to explore the District’s restaurants, shops, and attractions, fostering community connections and driving economic activity in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
PLEASE NOTE: While event entry is free, event activations require ticket purchasing. See workshop schedule and pricing here.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure
1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. | Prices vary
Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Cir Suite 234, Dulles, VA 20166
Dulles Town Center, located in the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia, will host the first-in-America Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure, an unforgettable experience with thrilling performances, mesmerizing lights, and whimsical delights under the big top.
Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure puts a modern twist on a beloved classic circus. Staged in the European winter circus format, this all-new production features an international company of award-winning, world-class circus artists. See this re-energized and reinvigorated production for the first time in Dulles.
Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure will run through Dec. 29, with no performances on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Tickets begin at $35 per adult, and $20 per child.
Babyface at Live! Castino & Hotel Maryland
7 p.m. | $81+
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle Hanover, MD 21076
Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds is a 12-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, producer, and one of the most celebrated creative forces in music history. He is the only producer to win the ‘Producer of the Year’ category four times, three times of which was in consecutive years (1995-1997) – a record he holds to this day.
Edmonds is also co-founder of the legendary record label LaFace, which launched the careers of artists like Usher, Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast, and Pink.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
