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9 things to do in DC, Maryland and Virginia this weekend | Dec. 16-18

Celebrate the season and kick off Hanukkah with a nationwide celebration, a holiday ugly sweater party, fireworks, afternoon tea and more, all this weekend!

WASHINGTON — This weekend, Hannukah celebrations hit the DMV and Christmas events kick into high gear with the big day only a week away! There are plenty of festivities across the area to get in that last-minute holiday shopping, head to a party or live music, see beautiful lights, or experience a wintry cruise not too far in the coming days.

Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. 

Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.

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DC

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Ugly Sweater Party at Metrobar

  • Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
  • Metrobar DC, 640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast Washington, DC 20002
  • Admission: Free
  • Organizer: Metrobar DC

"Sweater you're ready or not, it's time to party!" Said organizers of this festive event. 

"Join us for the biggest and best outdoor Ugly Sweater Holiday Party . . . Come celebrate the season with hot drinks AND a live DJ! Plus, great vibes and food trucks available all evening long."

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Holiday nights and caroling concert in Adams Morgan

Celebrate the season in Adams Morgan this weekend where visitors are invited to shop, dine and support more than 230 local small businesses, according to organizers. Those in attendance can also enjoy the seasonal interactive light display, holiday carolers and festive decorations.

Find carolers in Dickensian costumes and the Capital Classics Quartet (members of the Capital Chorus) in the plaza to hear the sounds of the season.

Credit: National Menorah Media

National Menorah on the Ellipse

  • Sunday, Dec. 18 from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
  • The Ellipse, Washington, DC 20502
  • Admission: Free, in-person and virtual viewing
  • Organizer: National Menorah Council  

"The annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of 'Chanukah – Festival of Lights' in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally," this national event description reads.

"This lighting of the world’s largest menorah is viewed by tens of millions across the nation and around the world via news broadcasts and other media, many of them hundreds of miles from any Jewish community, which makes it very difficult for them to otherwise celebrate and enjoy Chanukah properly."

Organizers share that prominent guests including the president, vice president, members of the cabinet, congress and the diplomatic corps, along with other international dignitaries and celebrities will be in attendance to celebrate. The annual event will have live presentations, music, food and more.

MARYLAND

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Fireworks and light show at the National Harbor

  • Saturday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
  • 165 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 
  • Admission: Free
  • Organizer: National Harbor

Catch the fireworks this weekend after a tree-lighting ceremony at National Harbor!

"Watch our brand new 60-foot RGB tree come to life nightly. The breathtaking light show dances alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band," organizers share.

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Annapolis Jolly Express Cruise

  • Friday, Dec. 15 at varying times from 2 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17 from 3 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 from 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
  • Slip 2, Annapolis City Dock 1 Dock St. Annapolis MD, 21401
  • Admission: General $25, children $13
  • Organizer: Watermark

"Annapolis' favorite holiday activity makes its return for the 2022 holiday season," according to organizers, where riders can enjoy the Christmas spirit during a 45-minute trip which will include hot chocolate and holiday music. 

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Disney's Beauty and the Beast

  • Recurring; Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. 
  • 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd Olney, MD 20832
  • Admission: Price varies based on date, time and seat section. Check ticket prices here.
  • Organizer: Olney Theatre Center

Enjoy a classic performance of Beauty and the Beast this weekend at Olney Theatre!

"Now Jade Jones (Belle) and Evan Ruggiero (Beast) are back in a revival of the production that won hearts and attracted the admiration of audiences from around the country. Be our guest along with other returning cast members Bobby Smith (Lumiere), Dylan Arredondo (Cogsworth), Michael Burrell (Gaston) and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away," organizers said.

VIRGINIA

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Bull Run Festival of Lights

  • Recurring; Friday, Dec. 16 Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Bull Run Regional Park 7700 Bull Run Drive Centreville, VA 20121
  • Admission: $30 per car online, $40 at the door
  • Organizer: NOVA Parks

This 2.5-mile drive-through of festive light displays also includes a walk-through Christmas village and carnival. The show is open nightly from Nov. 11, 2022 through Jan. 8, 2023.

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Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

  • Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
  • Admission: Adult Member: $48, Adult general public: $58
    Youth member: $26, Youth general public: $36
  • Organizer: Mount Vernon

"Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music," said organizers from this historic estate.

"Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit Aladdin the camel, and chat with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment. George Washington will also be on-site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. Watch as colonial artisans demonstrate the 18th-century process of creating chocolate. Keep toasty by warming up by a bonfire, enjoy hot chocolate or cider, and visit the Museum and Education Center (open from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)."

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Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

  • Recurring; Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday,  Dec. 18 with two seatings at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m
  • The Ritz-Carlton at Tysons Corner; Entyse, Wine Bar & Lounge, 1700 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA 22102 
  • Admission: Starts at $66
  • Organizer: The Ritz-Carlton at Tysons Corner

"Enjoy the timeless ritual of Afternoon Tea served at Entyse Lounge, at the legendary Ritz-Carlton, organizers advertise.

"To start, enjoy a lavish selection of tea sandwiches including egg salad, grilled vegetable tart, classic English cucumber, and smoked salmon rosette. An assortment of fresh fruits, flavorful scones, and a sumptuous display of sweets are a delicious complement. Our tea selection includes traditional Earl Gray, as well as Chamomile, Green Tea and English Breakfast as well as many other varieties. Add a glass of French Sparkling Rose Wine for a royal treat."

  

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