Despite the holiday cheer seeping through campus leading up to winter break, GW can start to feel lonely come Dec. 20 when the majority of students leave the District for the holidays.
But if you’re staying on campus through winter break and searching for events to keep yourself occupied in the holiday spirit, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of enticing holiday events taking place around D.C. over winter break so you don’t have to:
The Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – Nov. 25 to Dec. 30.
This classic Christmas story, told this year with exciting D.C. tidbits at the historic Warner Theatre, takes you through a magical adventure you don’t want to miss. From a family holiday party to a sparkling snow scene to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Land of the Sweets, “The Nutcracker” is absolutely dazzling from beginning to end. Performed by students and trainees of The Washington Ballet, this production will be sure to entrance the audience, leaving them humming the iconic Tchaikovsky score the whole way home.
Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW. 7 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $49. Find more information here.
Georgetown GLOW – Nov. 26 to Jan. 22.
The annual Georgetown GLOW expands throughout each street and storefront of Georgetown’s Commercial District, making the installation an absolute must-see this holiday season. With light installations produced by five national and international artists and more than 30 walking tours, Georgetown GLOW sends you to another world. This highly anticipated display’s long-running status begs you to pay a visit if you have yet to witness its holiday magic in its past seven installations. Between the silent disco, glow-in-the-dark Pilates and yoga classes and a one-night-only shopping event, there is no shortage of holiday cheer throughout this classic neighborhood-turned-winter wonderland.
Georgetown Commercial District. 5 to 10 p.m. Daily. Free. Find more information here.
Annual Downtown Holiday Market – Nov. 18 to Dec. 23.
Lining the Smithsonian American Art Museum, D.C.’s Annual Downtown Holiday Market boasts more than 70 vendors selling an assortment of clothing and eccentric holiday gifts. The market offers a host of fresh food, coffee, hot chocolate and winter treats that are certain to inspire holiday cheer. Support small local businesses and do some last-minute shopping for friends and family while showing off your holiday spirit in the heart of the District.
F Street NW between 7th and 9th streets NW. Noon to 8 p.m. Daily. Free. Find more information here.
U.S. Botanic Garden Season’s Greetings – Nov. 24 to Jan 2.
The extraordinary light display at the U.S. Botanic Garden includes fluorescent florals, remarkable holiday decor and D.C. landmark replications, like the U.S. Capitol Building and the Washington Monument, amid the greenery and nature that draws visitors all year long. As an added bonus, G-gauge model trains are available to ride throughout the gated outdoor gardens, navigating numerous agricultural displays from all over the world, ranging from California’s Artichoke Farm to Spain’s Olive Grove. The Season’s Greetings holiday display is a gorgeous excuse to enjoy nature during the holidays surrounded by one-of-a-kind shimmering scenery filled with stunning plants like Poinsettias that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily. Free. Find more information here.
The National Gallery of Art’s Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden – Nov. 26 to Mar. 5.
Each holiday season, a magical ice rink becomes the centerpiece of D.C.’s National Sculpture Garden, brought to life with large-scale sculptures from world-renowned artists Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois and Roy Lichtenstein. Skaters made up of residents from all over the DMV can take advantage of group or private lessons and season passes to get the most out of this once-a-year skating experience in the District. Lace up your skates and get out onto the ice over winter break. And don’t forget to warm up with some hot cocoa after.
Sculpture Garden, 7th St and Constitution Ave. NW. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday to Saturday. Tickets are $9 to $12. Find more information here.
