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9 things to do in DC, Maryland and Virginia this weekend to ring in December | Dec. 2-4

From traditional Christmas Markets to unique holiday parades and festive light shows, these events around town are sure to get you in the spirit.

WASHINGTON — Editor's Note: WUSA9 staff will be involved in two of this week's events, including coverage of the District's Holiday Boat Parade and Get Up DC Anchor Annie Yu as an announcer of the Manassas Christmas parade.

The last month of the year is finally here! Whether 2022 was your best year yet or you're hoping things improve come 2023, wrap up this past season by checking out something new around town. 

In the coming days, you'll find everything from Christmas markets celebrating local makers to holiday parades across the DMV.

Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. 

Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.

DC

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Heurich Christmas Markt

  • Friday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20036  
  • Admission: 
    • General: $14
    • Kids (ages 2-15): $2
    • Under age 2: Free
  • Organizer: Heurich House Museum

"Stroll through our festive German-style craft market from the Heurich House Museum’s garden up New Hampshire Avenue NW towards Dupont Circle with a Glühwein in hand and find the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones," organizers share of this festive market, which will feature more than 50 local small-scale makers, children’s ornament making and more.

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The District’s Holiday Boat Parade

  • Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6  p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 70 Wharf Street SW, Washington on District Pier
  • Admission: Free
  • Organizer: The Wharf

This annual event at the Wharf will feature ornament decorating, ice skating, face-painting, a fire pit for roasting s'mores, beer sampling and of course, the parade!

"Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features over sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel," The Wharf describes.

Plus, looking to enjoy a drink or two this weekend? DC Cocktail Week is back at over 50 locations

And see more lights this season at the National Zoo!

Related

The Wharf celebrates 5 years, slew of soon-to-come grand openings
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Tree Lighting Festival at City Ridge

  • Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • 14 Ridge Square NW, Washington, DC 20016
  • Admission: Free
  • Organizer: City Ridge DC

Celebrate the season this weekend with the new City Ridge neighborhood in Tenleytown, where you'll find retailers like Wegmans, Taco Bamba, Tatte and more contributing to the festivities at this first-ever tree lighting.

"The evening will offer attendees festive activities such as pictures with Santa, caroling and other live performances, ice carving demonstrations, and goodies and giveaways," organizers share.

The new community is located along bustling Wisconsin Avenue and includes new apartments, CAVA’s corporate headquarters, the recently-opened Wegmans and Tatte Bakery & Cafe.

MARYLAND

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A Merri Market Holiday Experience

  • Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 10970 Grantchester Way, Columbia, MD 21044
  • Admission: Free
  • Organizer: Merriweather District

This annual holiday market encourages visitors to support unique small businesses while venturing through a variety of holiday pop-ups from more than 20 regional vendors. 

A complete list of vendors and their schedules can be found here.

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LDS Temple Festival of Lights

The D.C. Temple invites visitors to take in the lights this weekend that will illuminate the grounds from dusk until 9 p.m. through Jan. 2. 

"We invite you to come and see beautiful Créche displays featuring nativities from around the world. Enjoy over 400,000 lights, beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, and a wide array of performances," organizers share.

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Silver Spring Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show

  • Sunday, Dec. 4 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place Silver Spring, MD 20910
  • Admission: Free
  • Organizer: Chic Events DC

"Over 70 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to presenting you their products, just in time for the holidays!" organizers invite.

"From unique, handmade jewelry, to bath & body products, candles and home decor, you can find an array of items to add to your holiday shopping list!"

VIRGINIA

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76th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

"The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade has been a fixture in the community for 75 years!" according to the group, "It has become one of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia with over 100 units- marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons and more!"

Organizers welcome the public to come to see the approximately 2,000 participants and more than 300 volunteers who bring the parade to life.

"The parade sets the mood for the holiday season and has become a family tradition with multiple generations lined up to watch!"

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Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

It's a part of Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend that many don't want to miss! The city shares that it was first founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. 

"Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade," the event description reads.

"Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds and more." 

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Succulent & Sangria Workshop 

  • Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • PlantHouse, 921 North Saint Asaph Street Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Admission:$40
  • Organizer: Planthouse

If you're looking to unwind after a busy November, this might just be the class for you. 

"Our most popular workshop is always a crowd-pleaser!" according to this plant shop. 

"The PlantHouse crew will provide an overview on succulent care and terrarium assembly."

Organizers say that the hour-and-a-half workshop includes:

  • One 8" glass bubble ball terrarium
  • Drainage rock, soil, sand, and decorative rock
  • A variety of decor (colored moss, dried florals, shells, driftwood)

"Once complete, your terrarium will be secured for safe travels home. Workshops are the perfect team event, get-togethers with friends, or date night."

Organizers also confirm that the workshop is for ages 16+

 


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