Whether you want to deck the halls, shop at a holiday market or make plans for New Year’s Eve check out our curated list of local events in December.
The Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show
This event provides everything a foodie – or a foodie-wan-to-be could ask for! Cooking demos and books signings by celebrity chefs – including Martha Stewart, pop up cooking schools, food samples from over 50 local restaurants, a beer garden. And get your shopping done for the foodie on your shopping list from hundreds of food vendors in the marketplace.
Dec 4-5| Washington Convention Center,
Christmas in Middleburg
Spend the day in Middleburg experiencing everything Christmas. In the morning have breakfast with Santa. Then head over to Washington St for the Middleburg Mounted Hunt and Hounds review followed by the Christmas Parade. In the afternoon enjoy The Spirits of Middleburg – progressive food, wine and spirit tasting from one end of town to the other.
Dec 4 | Various locations on Middleburg, VA.
50th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
Come out and enjoy the celebration of Scottish culture at the Scottish Christmas Walk. Parade will include lots of colorful participants including several Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, hounds and terriers and much more. The parade begins at 11 AM and will take place rain or shine with a modified parade route departing from St. Asaph St. and heading north, then east from Queen St., south from Fairfax Street and west from King Street, ending in front of Alexandria City Hall.
Dec 4 | Parade route beginning from St. Asaph Street.
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade
Start the holiday season off at the DC boat parade. Enjoy the parade of over 60 boats decorated for the holiday along the Washington waterway. There is lots to do including visit with Santa, enjoy live music and stay warm by the fire pit. Fireworks follow the parade at 8:00.
Dec 4 |DC Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights
The 21st Annual Alexandria oat parade is here. Enjoy the parade of holiday lit boats as they parade over the Potomac River in Alexandria. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire boat at The Torpedo Factory for the Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival. Other festivities include a Letters to Santa postcard station as well as a holiday ornament activity. Boat parade begins at 5:30 PM. There will also be holiday music and a beer garden.
Dec 4th| Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, Alexandria, VA
The Nutcracker
The Ravel Dance Company brings its performance of this classic Christmas ballet to Capital One Hall.
Dec 5| Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, Virginia
FUTUREs Exhibit
Check out this massive, 32,000 sq foot interactive exhibit featuring objects, artwork, ideas, and historical moments. The show is part of the Smithsonian’s institution-wide 175th anniversary celebrations and pinpoints the future use of the historic Smithsonian Arts and Industries building – closed since 2004. So just seeing the inside of the building will be a unique experience.
Through July 6th| National Mall, Washington, DC
Omnium Circus
Send in the clowns! Celebrating its multi-racial and multi-abled performers – the Ominum Circus is the world’s first fully inclusive circus. The circus celebrates diversity and brings it fun show to Tyson’s.
Through Jan 9th |Omnium Circus Big Top| 2000 Galleria Dr., McLean, VA
Holiday Candlelight Tour of Lee-Fendall House
A great opportunity to experiencing a Victorian Christmas and tour this beautiful and historic Alexandria property by candlelight.
Dec 4,11,18| Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
This musical tells the story and rise to fame of Grammy and Tony winner Carole King from her beginning as a teenage girl in Brooklyn to her chart topping hits and collaboration with husband Gerry Goffin.
Dec 14 – Jan 2 |Kennedy Center| The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
Become part of the show with this improve comedy team crate a live show based on audience suggestions.
Dec 7-19 | Kennedy Center| The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Holiday Markets and Craft Shows
Downtown Holiday Market
Finish your holiday shopping at this outdoor holiday market with over 70 vendors displaying their wares. Come down and support local small owned businesses and enjoy live music while you shop.
Through Dec 23| F Street in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery between 7th & 9th Streets, NW
Del Ray Fine Art and Craft Holiday Market
A wonderful offering of local artisans that specialize on one-of-a-kind gifts abound at this holiday market in Del Ray.
Weekends in December | 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival
Ship local with gifts for everyone at this local craft show.
Dec 3-5|McLean Community Center| 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101
Fairfax City Holiday Market
Dec 3-5, 10-12 |Old Town Square, 10415 Main Street, Fairfax City, VA
Occoquan Holiday Fest
Local artist and vendors sell their wares at this holiday fest. Other activities include visits with Santa (who will arrive by boat) and a gingerbread contest.
Dec 4-5| 407 Mill St., Occoquan, VA
Notable Concerts in December
DMV R&B Fest – EagleBank Arena – December 5th
NSO at The Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert – The Anthem – December 8th
Eric Church: The Gather Again Tour – The Anthem – Dec 10th and 11th
Andrea Bocelli Believe World Tour – Capital One Arena – December 12th
Jingle Ball – Capital One Arena – December 14th
Jennifer Nettles – Broadway Under the Mistletoe – Capital One Hall – December 16th
Kenny G The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour – December 20th – State Theater
Trans Siberian Orchestra – Capital One Arena – December 23rd
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
A Night at Studio 54: NYE 2021
Go back in time and celebrate a 70’s New Year’s Eve at NYC’s most iconic nightclub. Hotel Washington hosts A Night At Studio 54 to remember.
9th Annual Tropical Ultimate New Year’s Eve Festival
The tropical-themed extravaganza includes 10 DJs, 8 dance rooms, musical performances, two VIP areas, a rooftop VIP event and a LED countdown.
The Seldom Scene – The Birchmere – December 31st
Rainbow Kitten Surprise – New Year’s Eve at The Anthem! – December 31st
NYE 80’s Glow Party with DJ D – Jammin Java – December 31st
White Ford Bronco: DC’s All ’90s Band at the 9:30 Club – December 31st
