Happy New Year!
With the new year on its way, it's tempting to put away the holiday decorations and throw out the tree (insert crying emoji). But before you get started on those resolutions, enjoy some last-minute holiday fun! This weekend, we've got a performance of The Nutcracker, a craft beer winter warmer, and Christmas lights from here until next Tuesday.
Here is your weekend roundup for Friday, December 27, to Sunday, December 29.
Winter Lights Festival
Seneca Creek State Park | 11950 Clopper Road | Gaithersburg, MD | Ongoing
Christmas may be over, but it's never too late to enjoy Christmas lights! Drive through over three miles of brightly-lit displays along the scenic Seneca Creek State Park. Family and friends will love seeing the Christmas trees lit up! The event runs until December 31. Tickets start at $12 and vary by day and vehicle type. Check it out here!
Virginia Ballet Company & School's The Nutcracker
Updated Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater | 8333 Little River Turnpike | Annandale, VA | Friday–Sunday
Complete your holiday checklist with a performance of The Nutcracker! The famous story of Clara defeating the sinister Mouse King features amazing visuals and the iconic score. (Everyone needs to hear "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" at least once!). As one of the longest-running productions in the country, audiences are in for a treat. Catch this for one weekend only! Tickets are $20 for kids and $30 for adults. Buy them here!
Washington Enchant Christmas
Nationals Park | 1500 S. Capitol Street SE | Washington, D.C. | Friday–Sunday
The most 'enchanting' Christmas maze and market is happening right here in D.C.! At Nationals Park, guests can explore a magical Christmas maze, huddle up with a hot chocolate, or glide around on ice skates. Pick up something special for you or a friend at their artisanal craft market. Hurry—this event ends on December 29! Adult admission is $19.99-$33.99. Reserve your tickets here!
A Christmas Carol
Ford's Theatre | 511 10th Street NW | Washington, D.C. | Ongoing
The beloved tale by Charles Dickens is getting the stage treatment! Watch the upstanding Craig Wallace as he portrays the miserly businessman, who experiences the ultimate transformation from Christmas Present, Past, and Future. This production only runs until New Year's Day, so don't miss it! The show runs for two hours with an intermission in between. Tickets begin at $32, and they're selling fast. You can order them here!
Fager's Island Winter Warmer
201 60th Street | Ocean City, MD | Saturday
Drive out the winter chill with Ocean City's ultimate craft beer extravaganza! Enjoy quality brews from over 17 breweries and dine on all-you-can-eat BBQ (wings! ribs!). Don't forget the oysters on a half shell! Live music will be supplied by the local group Side Project. Advance tickets are $52. Buy them here!
Winter Walk of Lights
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court | Vienna, VA | Ongoing
This lively light display is what holiday dreams are made of! Gather with family and friends for a half-mile landscape of twinkling lights and festive installations. Finish off the walk with a delicious hot chocolate and s'mores around a fire! Tickets are $8-$11 for kids and $14.50-$17 for adults. Grab them here today!
GWAR
9:30 Club | 815 V Street NW | Washington, D.C. | Friday
Prepare yourself: GWAR is back on tour! See the heavy metal icons perform off their new record The Blood of the Gods, as well as fan favorites "Ham on the Bone" and "Sick of You." Bring earplugs—you're going to need them! Tickets are $25. Purchase them here!
WWE Live Holiday Tour
Royal Farms Arena | 201 W. Baltimore Street | Baltimore, MD | Friday
Experience WWE, holiday-style! Watch Seth Rollins duke it out with Kevin Owens, an epic Women's Tag Team Championship Match, and appearances from all your faves—check out the full lineup here! It'll be the ultimate New Year's slam-dunk! Tickets start at $24. Grab them here!
Festival of Lights
Watkins Regional Park | 301 Watkins Park Drive | Upper Marlboro, MD | Ongoing
Everything we love about the holidays can be found in this drive-through light show! Immerse yourself in the season with cheerful light displays, including one of the tallest Christmas trees in Maryland and over a million lights! Admission varies by vehicle, with cars starting at $10. A discount is offered for online purchases. Check it out here!
Holiday Light Spectacular
Washington National Cathedral | 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW | Washington, D.C. | Friday–Saturday
One of D.C.'s most treasured institutions is transforming into a winter wonderland! Experience an enchanting light show inside the cathedral set to classic Christmas songs like "Carol of the Bells" and "Walking in a Winter Wonderland". There will also be a screening of The Snowman, a charming animated film about a boy and his snowman. Admission is $40. Find out more here!
What are your weekend plans? Share them with us in the comments!
