WASHINGTON — Another December week has come and gone. Take in the festive spirit of the holiday season and make the most of the last days of 2022 with a range of things to do this weekend. A popular musical at the Kennedy Center, big northern Virginia Christmas markets, a cookie tour and more live music around town; it's a great time to get out and explore!
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.
DC
- Recurring; Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- Runtime is approximately 2 hours & 50 minutes, with one intermission
- 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
- Admission: Tickets vary from $59.00 to $349.00 based on day, time and seat location
- Organizer: The Kennedy Center in partnership with Altria
"The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… from a different angle," the Kennedy Center shares about this popular classic.
"Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one 'good,' and the other one 'wicked.'"
Don't worry if you can't snag a ticket right away -- they're selling out fast -- Wicked will be showing through the end of January!
- Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Admission: $35 per person
- Georgetown 1357 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20007
- Organizer: Georgetown Main Street
Grab one ticket worth one dozen cookies at this sweet Georgetown event.
"Take a delicious tour of Georgetown small businesses and collect holiday cookies along the way. Georgetown Main Street is pairing a Georgetown-based small bakery with an independent retailer to create a unique opportunity to introduce you to amazing local businesses through the love of cookies," organizers share.
- Recurring; Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- 17th and C St NW by the sign for DAR Constitution Hall. Tour ends on the north side of the White House.
- Admission: This tour is name your own price. You'll pay the guide what you thought it was worth at the end of the tour. Reservations required.
- The $3 per person booking fee will be donated to DC's Toys for Tots.
- Organizer: DC By Foot
Check out beautiful lights and holiday decorations illuminating the city on this walking tour.
"We weave history and holiday lights together for this outdoor walking tour. We'll see the National Christmas Tree, Willard Hotel, DAR decorations and more!" the event description reads.
Plus if you'd rather tour on wheels, there is a bus holiday lights tour as well.
MARYLAND
- Friday, Dec. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Locations vary across city, see website for details
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Bethesda Urban Partnership
Take part in this Bethesda event to take in original artwork from four downtown galleries and studios.
"Attendees are invited to delight in the artwork, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and shop at these unique and inspiring galleries. Participating galleries include Gallery B, Studio B, Triangle Art Studios, and the Waverly Street Galleries."
- Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Ellsworth Plaza’s Center Stage, 8661 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Downtown Silver Spring
"Experience the fun and festivities of the holiday season with some of our favorite traditions!" Organizers invite.
"Get into the holiday spirit with performances by talented school and community music groups all season long on Ellsworth Plaza’s Dazzling Center Stage."
Saturday's show features performances from the School of Rock at noon, and the Eastern Middle School Chorus at 3 p.m.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Sounds of the Season while shopping and dining in downtown Silver Spring, along with holiday workshops, pop-up hot cocoa and s’mores stations and more!
- Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Canopy by Hilton Washington DC Bethesda North, 940 Rose Avenue North Bethesda, MD 20852
- Admission: $75
- Organizer: Canopy by Hilton Washington DC Bethesda North
"Come join us in building your own charcuterie box while sipping on mimosas and enjoying light appetizers!" organizers shared.
"This 1-hour event will include a step-by-step demonstration on how to build your own charcuterie box, led by Julia of Charjuterie. You'll begin with your foundation of meats and cheeses and finish with sweet and savory accompaniments that will round out your beautifully crafted charcuterie box. By the end of class, you’ll be an expert in cheese arrangements and salami folding!"
Organizers add that the class will include everything needed for your take-home charcuterie box as well as bottomless mimosas.
VIRGINIA
- Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- 121 N Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Organizer: NOVA Parks
- Admission: $12/adult; $4/children (ages 6-12)
"Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House focusing on how the Carlyles and their enslaved workers observed the holidays during the 18th century," this historical space offers visitors.
The Carlyle House is home to an 18th-century historic house museum in Old Town Alexandria.
"John Carlyle, a wealthy merchant and a founder of Alexandria, completed his elegant stone mansion in 1753," the website shares. "Today, Carlyle House is one of the nation’s finest examples of Georgian residential architecture."
- Friday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151
- Admission: $10 in advance; $12 at the door, senior discount available; children under 12 free
- Organizer: SPARGO, Inc
This weekend festival will feature art in more than a dozen mediums including glass, jewelry, leather, paintings, prints, photography, pottery, wearable art and wood, according to organizers.
According to show manager Judy Spargo, this event is “perfect for those looking for a holiday gift that is one-of-a-kind and doesn’t need to be ordered online.” She added, “Our artisans are from all over country bringing their latest works in time for Christmas and Hannukah presents.”
- Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 300 John Carlyle St #300 Alexandria, VA 22314
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Chic Events DC
110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses will share their works with Alexandria's visitors this weekend, just in time for the holidays!
"From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, our vendors have everything you wish to surprise your loved ones with!" organizers said.