Looking for fun stuff to do? Here's what's happening in the DMV this weekend!

After the turkey's been put away and the food comas have worn off, it'll be time to have some fun! Here's what's going on in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia this weekend!

Maryland

Baltimore German Christmas Village | Baltimore Inner Harbor | Every day, ongoing

Starting Thursday (yes, Thanksgiving), the authentic German Christmas Village will be open every day this weekend, featuring live entertainment, music, food and drink vendors, and more. Modeled after the traditional Christmas markets in Germany, this event is such a unique, authentic German experience that the whole family will love. Plus, we hear there’s a Ferris wheel this year! Read our full recap of the Baltimore German Christmas Village.

Lights on the Bay | Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis | Every day, ongoing

Pile everyone into your car for the annual Lights on the Bay! For the 24th year, you can take a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay to see all kinds of light displays — both animated and stationary. Kids can take part in a scavenger hunt, too. Admission begins at 5 p.m. Learn more here!

Elf the Musical | Olney Theatre Center, Olney | Friday–Sunday

Based on the Will Ferrell movie we all know and love, Elf the Musical is playing in Olney this holiday season! The story of Buddy the “elf” has captured hearts all over the world and is a great way to get you into the holiday spirit. Buy tickets here, and then read OCN’s review of Elf the Musical!

Pandora Ice Rink | Baltimore Inner Harbor | Every day, ongoing

Nothing screams winter and the holidays quite like ice skating! Bundle up the kids (or your significant other) and take them down to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the Pandora Ice Rink. Check the ice rink’s website for more information.

Washington, D.C.

ZooLights | National Zoo | Starts Friday, ongoing

Starting Friday, take the fam to see ZooLights at the National Zoo, in all its 500,000 LED light glory. This year, make sure you check out their new attraction, the Symphony of Lights — where an interactive light canopy responds to music! Read more about it here.

Season's Greetings Holiday Train Show | United States Botanic Gardens | Starts Thursday, ongoing

Every year the Botanic Garden puts on a holiday show, and this year they’ll be showcasing famous train stations around our nation, decorated (of course) with the most stunning holiday-themed details. And the best part? It’s completely free. The show starts Thanksgiving Day and will take place every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the Botanic Garden’s website for more information.

D.C. Downtown Holiday Market | 8th and F Streets | Starts Saturday, ongoing

Looking for a quaint, fun holiday outing with friends and family? Don’t miss the Downtown Holiday Market this season in Penn Quarter/Chinatown. Featuring 150 local and regional vendors, the market will be open from noon to 8 p.m. every single day. Read more information about the D.C. Downtown Holiday Market.

5th Annual CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting | CityCenterDC | Saturday

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, CityCenterDC will host their 5th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a 75-foot holiday tree, 25-foot reindeer (Rudolph has nothing on this one!), an overhead holiday display, balloon artists, face painters, and more! Read more about it here.

DC Brau’s Holiday Market | DC Brau, 3178-B Bladensburg Road NE, Washington, D.C. | Saturday

Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping for gifts at DC Brau’s Holiday Market. Over 40 local artists and crafters will display their work, along with at least five D.C. food trucks! From sassy letterpress cards to handmade soy candles, you’ve got a bunch of vendors who make some wonderful stuff. For a full list of vendors, visit the event website.

A Christmas Carol | Ford’s Theatre | Friday–Sunday, ongoing

Directed by Michael Baron, the Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol follows the same beloved story we all know, only with songs and music intertwined into the show! The performance is ideal for theatre-goers aged 5 and up, too, so treat the whole family. 

Anastasia | Kennedy Center | Friday–Sunday

Experience the hypnotic music and timeless story of Anastasia, a girl trying her hardest to unravel her memories. This classic tale is sure to enchant your entire family, especially if your kids loved the Disney version. The amazing new score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens is the perfect counterpoint to playwright Terrence McNally’s storyline. This is your last weekend to see it before it's gone! 

Virginia

VB Ice | 3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach | Every day, ongoing

Virginia Beach’s first outdoor ice rink is open! The cost is $15 per person (including skate rental) or $7 per person if you have your own skates. This is bound to be a very popular attraction this holiday season, so expect crowds and be prepared to practice some patience. 

Pentagon Row Ice Rink | 1201 S. Joyce Street, Arlington | Every day, ongoing

At over 68,000 square feet, Pentagon Row Ice Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating facility in Northern Virginia. Nestled between the restaurants and shops of Pentagon Row, the ice skating rink is a favorite with locals for a great family outing. Don’t have skates? Not to worry: all sizes are available for rent. 

LightUP Fest | One Loudoun, Ashburn | Nightly, ongoing

Featuring traditional Chinese lanterns and state-of-the-art lighting technology, LightUP Fest is a light festival that celebrates a rich cultural heritage. Entertainers of all types, foods from all over the world, and more than 70 light displays are all key to making this event an incredible experience for the whole family.