Happy Thanksgiving!

Staying in DC around the holidays is fun. You can explore the city without the crowds, find parking fairly easily wherever you go, and have the opportunity to chill out. I hope that wherever you are, you do something that lights you up inside.

I'll be hosting my parents, cooking Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken instead of a turkey (10/10 recommend), and hopefully Lil Mikey will be earning a new BARK Ranger badge!

I'm continuing with highlighting more events that are put on regularly to help you not only meet new people but have a regular space for you to hang out.

Valerie

Thank you to everyone who came out to help pack groceries at Food For All DC on Monday morning!

We packed ~180 bags of groceries for homebound DC residents and won the award for the group who was filled with the most laughter out of any of their past volunteer groups. Thank you for bringing so much joy!

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!
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This Weekend

• Spend a Grandiose Thanksgiving at The Park on 14th for pre-thanksgiving happy hour specials and bottle service. Wednesday 11/27. Free RSVP before 11 PM.
• Relax and unwind with a poolside silent disco at this Friendsgiving Night at Balian Springs. 11/27. Free RSVP, $130 general admission.
• Not sure what to do for Thanksgiving? Edgewood Community Farm is hosting an Orphansgiving potluck. They provide the turkey, you bring whatever you fancy. Thursday 11/28. Free.
• Looking to sweat? Get 50 minutes of combined HIIT, breathwork, and yoga with Timbo and Sara. Thursday 11/28. Free.
• Get moving before you feast with this outdoor Zumba twerk. Thursday 11/28. Free.
• ​The Season's Greenings holiday display is back at the US Botanic Garden with model trains, holiday decorations, and DC landmarks built using plants from Conservatory. Open from 11/28 to 1/5, except on 12/25.​
• If you have off on Friday, take advantage of the opportunity to get the C&O Canal BARK Ranger badge at Great Falls Tavern (MD). Friday 11/28. Free.
• The DC Holiday Hunt is a scavenger hunt throughout DC neighborhoods for the holidays. Win prizes as you explore & support local businesses. 11/29-1/5. Free.
• ​The Magic Duel will come live on stage at Pinstripes to fool you with some funny magic. This Friday 11/29. $40+.
• Support the next generation of female rock stars at the Camper Cover Show featuring Outerloop, Lud Roes, Ari Voxx, and Chyna. Saturday 11/30. $12.
• Start your day with coffee at Hypergoat, have lunch at Sundara, and then enjoy a walk through Old Town Alexandria along with other foodies from Asian Food and Culture Group DMV. Saturday 11/30. Free.
• Bring your dog to Dumbarton Oaks Park for a Rock Creek Park BARK Ranger swearing in ceremony. Saturday 11/30. Free.
• Take a historic trolley ride with (or without) Santa and a holiday model railroad at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Select dates Saturday 11/30-12/20. $13.
• It's the CityCenterDC tree lighting. Come celebrate one of the tallest Christmas trees in town be lit up. Saturday 11/30. Free.
• Tired of your same old puzzles and board games? Freshen up your game collection with new ones or drop old ones for donation at the library. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• Don't miss this chance to see the queen of Christmas Mariah Carey live at her annual Christmas tour. Tickets might sell out soon! Sunday 12/1. $60+
• Learn how to create pressed flower ornaments as seen on the hit show Love is Blind and take home 3 of your creations. Sunday 12/1. $45.
• DC's Hobby Swap Collective has a puzzle swap series where you can bring any type of puzzle and swap it for a new challenge. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• Enjoy an afternoon tea at the Willard Hotel along with other foodie folks from Food Finds from French Fries to Foie Gras. 12/1. $90+.
• Need supplies for your holiday designs? Drop by the Labs at MLK Library and get a winter stamping kit for some home creativity. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• Join the action and awareness against AIDS and spend a Day With(OUT) Art with oral history listening sessions, film screenings, and panel discussions at MLK Library. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• ​Swap plants, pots, and accessories with fellow green thumbs or buy some plant goods from invited vendors. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• Join Season's Treatings in decorating gingerbread houses and bring your edible pieces home. Sunday 12/1. $35+.

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Next Week

• Play games to improve your Spanish speaking skills with native speakers and learners from Learn Spanish in Community! Tuesday 12/3. Free.
• Learn international transit systems from Cairo, Egypt, Taipei, and Taiwan along with Transit Enthusiasts of DC. Tuesday 12/3. Free.
• If you're a fan of theatre, there's an upcoming Broadway Show: A Beautiful Noise at the National Theatre featuring stories behind the songs that defined Neil Diamond's career. Runs from 12/3 to 12/8. $100+.
• Attend a free Mongolian Classic Concert next Wednesday 12/4.
• DC Gaming Group is hosting a switch + board game night with a random secret Santa exchange for some festive feels. Wednesday 12/4. Free.
• The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House is an annual tradition (and source of commuter frustration). Thursday 12/5. Free.
• Explore the beautiful building of the National Academy of Sciences with their last science speakeasy of the year. Learn over cocktails and nibbles. These sell out quickly! Friday 12/6. $25.
• The Heurich House Christmas Markt only has small businesses. It's a week-long event this year, and if you go on weekdays, you can get a holiday house tour. 12/6-12/13. $8+.
• ​Join hikers from Arlington Walk and Roll as they walk a 1.5 out and 1.5 back mile along the Potomac River. Saturday 12/7. Free.
• Lots of holiday festivities in Alexandria with the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Saturday 12/7. Free.
• Over 60+ boats will pass through the Washington Channel for the Holiday Boat Parade and Party. Enjoy the festivities with karaoke, s'mores, fireworks, a Santa photo op, and party at the pier. Saturday 12/7. Free.
• Listen along 40 creative artists at the Catalytic Sound Festival with musicians like Josh Berman, Eli Wallace, and Ishmael Ali. Saturday 12/7. $20+
• The Swedish Embassy (House of Sweden) hosts their holiday market and St. Lucia concert, the largest event they host each year. Tickets aren't yet available, but mark your calendar. Saturday 12/7. ~$10.
• Celebrate La Noche De Las Velitas along 4th Street NE and enjoy sweet treats from Michelin restaurants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Saturday 12/7. Free.
• ​Find the perfect wine for your holiday celebrations and explore the taste of 30 fine sparkling wines. Saturday 12/7. $45.
• You can visit the Season's Greenings in the morning and not have to wait for public opening hours for a sensory-friendly and more relaxed holiday experience. Only on Sunday 12/8. Free, but registration required.
• ​Meet dog lovers, pose with Santa in the holiday photo booth, and enjoy $5 craft beer specials. All proceeds benefit the Kingsman Dog Park. Sunday 12/8. $10 suggested donation.
• Walk around Foggy Bottom to US Botanical Garden and meet new friends from the Hiking and Other Stuff community. Sunday 12/8. Free.

Further Out

• Design your own moon-themed quilt block while learning about the history of sewing in space exploration with astronaut Karen Nyberg and get the chance to be selected for display at the Lunar Quilt at the Kennedy Center next spring. Submissions open through Tuesday 12/10. Free.
• If you love meteors, astronomy, and all things universe-related, you can go with other geeks from Geek Nite Out on an engaging astronomy talk plus a dinner option if you're interested. Thursday 12/12. Free.
• ​Craft your own scented candle for the winter holidays on Thursday 12/12. Free.
• If you love Talking Heads, the Start Making Sense tribute band will be back in the area and put on a really fun show. Friday 12/13. $20.
• After their holiday market, join in on the Cleveland Park Santa Bar Crawl. Costumes/ugly sweaters encouraged. Saturday 12/14.
• Closet too full or boring? Swap your clothes, shoes, or accessories for gently used ones with Zen Swap. Saturday 12/14. Free.
• Shop with girls from The Comfy Connection for local and international holiday gifts and treats at the holiday market. Sunday 12/15. Free.
• Off the Mall Tours has a 1.5-hour hotel walking tour that lets you walk through downtown DC hotels and learn their history. Sunday 12/15. $30.
• Have a unique indoor winter fun as the National Building Museum turns to an ice skating rink this holiday season. Monday 12/16-1/4.
• ​Check out Cafe Unido in DC with coffee enthusiasts from the Espresso community, then go for beers at a brewery. Saturday 12/21. Free.
• ​The Bagel Ball lets you meet and hang with other Jews on Christmas Eve with DJ beats, drink specials, and bagel snacks served all night long. Tuesday 12/24. $18+.
• Relive old Paris on New Year's Eve at the Boudoir Bohéme Masquerade Ball and meet the most infamous figures at the time. Tuesday 12/31. $60.
• ​Watch 5 ballet dancers bring the story of Sleeping Beauty to life through traditional ballet and a glow-in-the-dark show. Friday 1/10. $48+
• A John Waters Christmas is sold out, but if you want an irreverent celebration of love, check out A Date With John Waters on Valentine's Day in his home town of Baltimore. Friday 2/14.

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!