It is holiday season in the Washington DC Metro Area! Usually that would mean holiday-themed pop up bars and several Christmas events and festivities! After Thanksgiving, it’s like the jolly holly elves puked all over D.C. This year of course is a tad different; the Covid-19 Grinch is still around and getting worse. There are not many events and the ones left are outside or virtual. Alas, you can still have Winder Wonderland Holiday fun in D.C. with these 5 events:
- The annual Downtown Holiday Market is still on and free! This year the space has been expanded to account for social distancing. Located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the holiday market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. There will be one entrance at 8th and F streets and guests will walk one-way through the market. You get to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, eat tasty treats, drink hot beverages and enjoy live music performances. Is there anything more you need – be sure to check it out with all of its holiday splendor! Please make sure to read the market’s safety information before your visit.
- WHEN: Open through Wednesday, December 23
WHERE: F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW Entrance is outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum; see site map with entrance provided. - HOURS: 12:00PM to 8:00PM (Closed Mondays Nov 30, Dec 7 and 14.)
- COST: Free
2. Check out this year’s WINTERFEST which is a series of events over three weekends, hosted by Wunder Garten in DC’s NoMa neighborhood. They are really getting creative with the events this holiday season, like Drag Queen Trivia, Garland-Making Workshop and a Holi-gay Party! For all the dates, times and details visit their Eventbrite page.
3. ‘Crystalline: A Submerge by ARTECHOUSE Experience’ closes out 2020 by focusing on Pantone’s Color of the Year: Classic Blue. This exhibit dives into blue’s connection with earth, crystals and adventure through a wondrous castle. Expect a merging of the surreal and reality as you wander through the castle’s rooms, which will be filled with creative curiosities. Make sure to review ARTECHOUSE’s COVID-19 procedures before purchasing your ticket to this immersive experience. Consumers can use the code “BLUEDC” for a 10% discount and 40% of proceeds will go to the American Experience Foundation, which enriches the lives of students through inspirational travel experiences and educational opportunities.
- WHEN: Open through Jan. 3, 2021
WHERE: ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 - HOURS: Monday – Thursday: 12-8 p.m. | Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- COST: Tickets
4. ZooLights Express hosted by the Smithsonian features a 24-foot truck, festively decorated with light displays and “Panda Claws”, that travels all over the District through Dec. 19. The Express will visit one ward in DC each Friday and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. For a full schedule and routes through each ward, visit the Zoo’s website.
- WHEN: Open through Dec. 19
- WHERE: Follow the location of the ZooLights Express truck in real time via Google Maps.
- HOURS: Fridays & Saturdays, 6-8 p.m.
- COST: Free
Check out another City Vibes blog post: Where to go Wednesdays: D.C. Holiday Lights for other D.C. light shows.
5. Winter Igloos at the Watergate Hotel DC Spend an elegant night this winter season in their cozy winter igloos. They have heated igloos on the patio of the Next Whisky Bar and can accommodate up to six guests each. This outing will check everything on your holiday event hitlist, it is classy, Christmasy, and creative. However, it will come at a cost, their drinks and tiny appetizers are a bit pricey, but you are paying for the amazing atmosphere. Over your budget? Don’t fret winter igloos popping up all over the city, check out another blog post about it, City Vibes: Apres Ski DC.
