Now that the cold’s set in and we’ve made it through November in D.C., we have a month of cozy, sparkly-light festivities to enjoy. Take advantage of all that December in D.C. has to offer as the year winds to a close.
Get Ghostly At a Christmas Show
Who says October’s the only time you can commune with ghosts? Certainly not Mr. Scrooge. Ford’s Theatre’s Christmas Carol plays until the end of the month, but if you’d rather skip the supernatural, the National Symphony Orchestra invites you to break out your knitwear for their annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert.
Take Advantage of a Less Touristy DC
When the visitors are gone, the residents can play! While the tourist scene is quieter, make your way to one of the exhibitions that normally have untenably long lines, like Pictures of Belonging at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Hirshhorn’s OSGEMEOS: Endless Story by Brazilian street artists, and Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment at the National Gallery of Art.
A much quieter National Gallery of Art (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast)
Watch the Army v. Navy Football Game
For the 125th time, the Army and Navy’s football teams will meet to battle it out at Northwest Field in Landover, MD — which is also where the Commanders play — on Dec. 14. Get into the pomp and circumstance of the competition by watching in person, tailgating, or from the comfort of a sports bar (which is where I’ll be; not all of us can brave the December weather, guys).
Treat DC Like The Backdrop Of A RomCom
‘Tis the season … for dopey movies! Pretend you’re in your own “Christmas in Washington” film and take a romantic skate around the National Gallery Sculpture Garden’s ice rink with that friend from high school you didn’t know was back in town, or go solo and adorably bump into an attractive stranger. Or there are light shows to hold hands and admire together, like the Temple of Latter Day Saints in Kensington or the lavishly decorated houses at the north end of Rock Creek Park that are perfect for a stroll arm-in-arm.
Bundle Up for the DC Winter Wonderland
Lean into the imagery of D.C.’s frosty days with your longest, warmest, main-character coat and clutching a hot mug of cocoa (or something stronger) to meander D.C., or even check out the hidden secrets of the city’s alleyways.
Follow Your Stomach
It’s cold and it’s dark and it just may not be the time to toil over your stove for hours, especially after presents have been opened. If you’re anything like us, this season has you heading to your favorite dim sum and hot pot places, and embracing that favorite of holiday traditions: ordering Chinese takeout.
