Our end-of-the-week picks for Nov. 28-30, 2025
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
It's time to celebrate history in a whole new way! The Countdown to DC250 check-in challenge is here, a month-long adventure that takes you through historic landmarks, museums and hidden gems throughout DC in celebration of America's 250th.
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Friday
Shop locally in the District
Find the perfect gift at only-in-DC small businesses, museum gift shops, vintage spots, local boutiques, holiday markets, neighborhood shops and more.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
The 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats.
Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Take to George Washington's former estate for a tour guided by candlelight. Hear of holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia, learn about the build-up to the American Revolution and enjoy the estate's array of seasonal activities, including greeting Aladdin the Christmas Camel, dancing in the greenhouse and spiced cider.
Tickets
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Winter Wonderfest
Celebrate the season with days of magical merriment at Nationals Park, which will transform into the city's headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling and fantastically fun. Activities include a 100-foot tubing slide, a Northern Lights Experience, a winter train ride, LED see-saws, a putt-putt challenge, curling lanes, a snowball speed throw challenge and a sculpture garden. There will even be a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy. Tickets are available now. Use the code "VISITDC" for $5.50 off each ticket purchased.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
ZooLights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Saturday
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Frost Fair
Inspired by frost fairs held in London from the 1600s-1800s when the River Thames would freeze over, the Folger Frost Fair (Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2026) is a month-long winter festival filled with holiday music, decorations, walk-up tours, seek-and-find games, holiday gift shopping, craft stations, printing press demonstrations and much more. The Folger Shakespeare Library offers free admission and pay-what-you-will timed-entry passes.
More Info
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
DowntownDC Holiday Market
This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing just before Christmas.
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC lights its jaw-dropping 75-foot Christmas tree during a cheerful (and free) event hosted by NBC4's Eun Yang. The ceremony features a countdown, a performance headlined by Grammy Award-winning singer Michelle Williams and the American Pops Orchestra, balloon artists, face painters and plenty of other holiday-themed activities. You can enjoy the tree throughout the holiday season, as well as gorgeous lights along Palmer Alley.
5-7 p.m. | Free Admission
The Park at CityCenter, 1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
A Christmas Carol
In this time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital, acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Some Like It Hot
Take a trip back to Prohibition-era Chicago and join two musicians in a fantastic musical adventure. After the duo witnesses a mob hit, they must run for their lives in a colorful production that combines comedy, action, song and dance. The show won more theater awards than any in its season and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Ambe J. Photography
Fremont Ave.
A daring production at Arena Stage pits three generations of Black men against each other in a game of Spades. At the center is the family’s matriarch, who’s equal parts beloved and feared. Raw and emotional, what begins as a night at the card table turns into a powerful reckoning with masculinity, identity and family secrets.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
