It’s officially December and there’s still a week left until finals, so now is the time to get in the holiday spirit and start daydreaming of winter break. Finish up (or start) your shopping, attend a tree lighting ceremony and more this weekend!
Head to Van Ness this weekend for all of your holiday shopping needs at the Made in DC Pop Up Shop, where you can purchase jewelry and accessories, clothing, coffee and much more! All of the vendors are based in the DC area, so it is a great way to shop small and support local businesses. The pop up shop is free to attend, featuring retailers including Beridan Naturals, JSquared Candle Co., and Miks Letterpress +, to name just a few.
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (runs every weekend until Dec. 17)
Where: 4430 Connecticut Avenue NW
Metro: Red line, Van-Ness UDC Station
The Heurich House is hosting their annual Christkindlmarkt this weekend, a traditional German Christmas market with products for sale from DC, Maryland and Virginia. Vendors include Cultured Concepts, Handmade Habitat, Stitch & Rivet and many more. Admission is $10, which gives you access to the market as well as entry to the museum, which is all decorated for the season. Even if you’re just browsing, be sure to bring a bit of extra cash for delicious baked goods and other treats. All proceeds benefit the Heurich House Museum.
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Metro: Red line, Dupont Circle Station
Bundle up and grab some hot cocoa before heading down to the Wharf on Friday evening for their first tree lighting ceremony. Walk along the waterfront to enjoy the holiday lights and shops, snag some free s’mores or listen to performances by the Children’s Choir and AU’s very own Treble in Paradise acapella group.
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 690 Water Street SW
Metro: Green line, Waterfront-SEU Station
The ultimate festive event has to be this weekend’s Smithsonian Holiday Festival at the National Museum of American History. Even though it is a family-oriented event, there is something special for everyone to enjoy, including live music by the U.S. Air Force Band, gift wrapping, cooking demonstrations, holiday films, treats and more. The festival is free to attend.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Metro: Red line, Metro Center Station
If you haven’t checked out ZooLights yet, you don’t want to miss out on this classic holiday event. Thousands of people flock to the National Zoo every year as it is transformed for the season, complete with music performances, shopping and 500,000 lights throughout the zoo. ZooLights is free and a no brainer to attend -- the only choice you’ll have to make is whether you want eggnog or cider!
When: Runs through Monday, Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
Metro: Red line, Woodley Park Station
