National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
DC’s version of NYC’s rink at Rockefeller Center sits encircled by monumental sculptures on the National Mall. Ringed with fairy lights, the outdoor venue is Insta-perfect, especially after dark when its commanding neighbor, the National Archives, is illuminated. Admission is good for a two-hour skate; sessions begin on the hour. The rink offers a wide range of lessons to help toddlers, would-be hockey heroes, wobbly adults and experienced jumpers master new skills. Private lessons are also on offer. Warm up post-skate with cocoa, beer, wine and nibbles ranging from pastries to pizzas at the Pavilion Café. Get them while you can—the café will be closed throughout January 2016 for renovations.
A Christmas Carol
Ford’s Theatre has produced some version of the Charles Dickens classic for 34 years running. This year, the music-infused performance features acclaimed local thespian Edward Gero as Scrooge and includes familiar holiday songs and dancing. Arrive early to explore the adjoining museum, where you’ll find historical artifacts, including the clothing Abraham Lincoln wore the night he was shot by John Wilkes Booth. Through Dec 31 (except Dec 15, 24, 25); $44–$91.
Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
The annual Scottish Christmas Walk, now in its 45th year, brings a flurry of tartan, kilts, bagpipes and Santa hats to the streets of Old Town Alexandria. But the real excitement takes place during the events leading up to the parade, which include a wreath sale, a holiday marketplace and a rare Scotch tasting with food pairings. Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5.
Smithsonian Holiday Festival
Perhaps the most quintessentially DC Christmas event, the Smithsonian Holiday Festival is a two-day extravaganza concentrated around the National Mall. The many family-friendly activities on offer include a sampling of space foods at the National Air and Space Museum and tours of the Smithsonian Castle led by the secretary of the Smithsonian.National Mall. Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, 10am–5:30pm; free.
The Nutcracker
For this production of The Nutcracker from the Washington Ballet, performed at the Warner Theatre, artistic director Septime Webre has incorporated historical characters like Harriet Tubman, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson into the cast. This all-American version of the classic ballet is set in Georgetown, and cherry blossom petals mingle with snowflakes. Through Dec 27; $35–$130.
Downtown Holiday Market
Much like your grandmother’s attic, you never know what you’ll find at the open-air Downtown Holiday Market. (Translation: Bring a warm coat and some hand sanitizer and expect to stay a while.) More than 150 vendors turn the intersection of 8th and F Streets into a retail wonderland, with paintings, antiques and knitwear from artisans from DC and beyond. At 8th and F Sts (202-543-3370). Through Dec 23, daily noon–8pm; free.
Rock-N-Shop
When you can’t handle one more note of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas,” turn to this garage sale–like market at the Black Cat, full of vinyl from some of the city’s best record shops. Held in the main stage of the legendary music hall, Rock-N-Shop is a fun way to please all the music enthusiasts on your shopping list. Sun Dec 20, 7:30pm; free.
