Our end-of-the-week picks for Jan. 3-5, 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.
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Friday
Season's Greenings
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. The exhibit also includes a spectacular addition: a Blue Rooster model by designer Brian Sentman created in honor the famous Hahn/Cock sculpture located on the roof of the National Gallery of Art's Eats Building. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Sheryl Underwood & Friends – Jan. 3-5
A legend of DC comedy, Sheryl Underwood made her first appearance at the DC Improv in the 1990s. Since then, she's built a media empire, co-hosted "The Talk," a daily panel show on CBS, made regular appearances on the Steve Harvey Morning Show, hosted Sheryl Underwood Radio and serves as CEO of Pack Rat Productions. On stage, Sheryl continues to push the envelope, getting into relationships, politics, current events and culture.
Tickets
DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Saturday
DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), the National Building Museum and Events DC have arranged to offer a free indoor synthetic ice rink set in the museum’s Great Hall. Be there for special guest appearances, food and lots of fun family activities. Skating is free and skates can be rented for just $5. There will also be special skating sessions for toddlers and young children as well as themed skate nights. Note that the rink will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
More Information | Free Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
ARTECHOUSE
Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special
Join ARTECHOUSE for a holiday celebration where tradition meets innovation. The warmth of the holidays is reimagined through cutting-edge digital artistry. Let Tingle Bells be your space for reflection, relaxation and the rediscovery of joy. Step into a world of serenity and sensory wonder this holiday season with an immersive digital exhibition designed to soothe your senses and warm your spirit. Use the code 'AEF10' at the link below.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
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 $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
& Juliet
Fresh takes on much-loved classics are in no short supply this winter. If you want to know what happens in the “happy ending” version of Romeo and Juliet (which doesn’t mean “happily ever after”!), this retelling is not to be missed. Follow Juliet in her new beginning as imagined by the Emmy Award-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Curren$y – Jan. 4
One of the most prolific artists in hip-hop, Curren$y can shine on one of his solo efforts or as a collaborator; he’s worked with a wide range of rappers and producers, including The Alchemist, Wiz Khalifa and Freddie Gibbs. The hallowed halls of DC’s historic Howard Theatre will welcome the wordsmith, making for a great Saturday night party to kick off the new year in the nation’s capital.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sunday
O Tree Jubilee – Through Jan. 8
Even outside of the holiday season, the Mansion on O Street is a wonder to behold—a mind-bending, multilevel miracle that rewards repeated visits to search for its secret doors and hidden treasures. Add some of the District’s most creative Christmas trees to the mix and you’re sure to be dazzled. These trees (and wreaths and gingerbread houses) are created and donated by volunteers, landscape architects and florists, and you can try to win your favorites! Who wouldn’t want Oscar the Grouch as a tree?
Tickets
O Museum in the Mansion, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts – Jan. 5 & 8
The recently expanded National Museum of Women in the Arts welcomes visitors with free admission twice each month. Acquaint yourself with one of the coolest art collections in the District without paying a cent. You’ll have some extra cash left over to explore the museum’s jaw-dropping gift shop.
Register
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Life of Pi
Based on Yann Martel’s beloved novel, this Tony- and Olivier-Award-winning play will leave you exhilarated. Shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean, 16-year-old Pi must survive on a lifeboat with four hungry animal companions, Royal Bengal tiger included. A singular story of hope and perseverance, the stage adaptation uses world-class puppetry and stunning visuals.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
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.
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