Radar: Things to Do in D.C. This Week

Your week, planned: Don’t miss our top picks for what to do in and around the District.

The Holiday season is in full swing, DC! It’s time to treat yourself, and unlock all the city has in store this winter. With the launch of cocktail week, be sure to check out special events and promotions sprinkled around bars. Also, soak up all the special holiday events and markets going on both downtown, and at the Wharf! Whether you unwind with yoga, cocktails, crafts, or taking in the sights with friends, we’ve got you covered. 

For the full list of things to do in the District in the coming week, check out our local events roundup below. And if you want more ideas, our full events calendar is right there waiting for you. Note: Some descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.

11.29

Happier Happy Hour at Bar Charley
Kickoff the start of DC cocktail week with a special celebration hosted by Bar Charley.  Known as one of DC’s best happy hour spots, the old-timey steakhouse has over 100 cocktail options. After 10 p.m., Bar Charley will be extending happy hour until close, complete with a complimentary family-style buffet. 10 p.m. Free. 1825 18th Street NW; barcharley.com // @barcharley

11.30

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
It’s finally time for the National Christmas Tree Lighting. One of the most iconic in the nation, gather around the White House for a glimpse of the 48 ft tree, and enjoy special performances from Darren Criss, Dionne Warwick, Renee Rap, the U.S coastguards Big Band, and more! Free. 15th St &, E St, NW, DC; thenationaltree.org // @nationalparkfoundation

12.1

Paws and Pints Holiday Party
It’s a dog holiday palooza at Kingsman Dog Park! Bring your furry friend and some spirit to enjoy craft beers on tap, food trucks, and a special santa photoshoot pop-up by metro mutts. 5:30 p.m. Free. Atlas Brew Works Ivy City Brewery & Taproom. 2052 West Virginia Ave. #102 NE, DC; kingsmanbark.mailchimpsites.com // @kingsmanbarkdc

12.2

District Holiday Boat Parade
Don’t miss one of the District’s iconic winter celebrations. Head down to The Wharf to see over 60 decorated boats, and take in fireworks, holiday karaoke, live music, and specialty food and drink. 6 p.m. Free. 45 Sutton Sq. SW, DC; wharfdc.com // @thewharfdc

12.3

Swedish Holiday Market
Looking for a traditional Nordic holiday market? Head on over to the House of Sweden for authentic Scandinavian desserts, cuisine, and a St. Lucia celebration full of cheer. 10 am. $10. 2900 K St. NW, DC; washingtondc.swea.org //@swedeninusa

12.4

Yoga in the Galleries
Open yourself up, move, and bend  in the Tiffany Gallery at Arlington’s Contemporary Museum of Art. This yoga practice concludes with a journaling session to drain your brain, and ignite your creativity and fuel self-expression. 10a.m. $10. Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. 3550 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA; mocaarlington.org // @mocaarlington

12.5

Repeal Day Party
Join Code Red’s 1933 Prohibition Party! Known for their, vintage speakeasy feel, this bar in the heart of Adam’s Morgan offers craft cocktails and small bites. The event will be celebrating Repeal Day with live music, a costume contest, trivia, and flight tastings. 7 p.m. Free. Code Red. 2440 18th Street NW, DC; codereddc.com // @codereddc

Last Week’s Radar Picks

11.22

Thanksgiving Eve Bash at Shaw’s Tavern
Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve without running into all your hometown’s old flames! Shaw Tavern is throwing a bash with karaoke, an open bar, and appetizer buffet. Specially festive for pre-holiday celebrations, you won’t want to miss out on the fun! 8:30 p.m. $50. 520 Florida Ave. NW, DC; shawstavern.com/ //@shawstavern

11.23

Capitol View Park 2023 Charity Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run
This Thanksgiving Day, Capitol View Park is hosting a morning 5k! Gather with friends and/or family to get in a jog, enter a costume contest, and celebrate giving! 9:00a.m. Free. Capitol View Park: 9819 Capitol View Ave. Silver Spring, MD; cvpca.community/ // @capitolviewpark

11.24

The 2023 #OptOutside Black Friday Collaborative Hike
Shopping not your vibe this Black Friday? Connect with nature instead! Get ready to hike through Rock Creek Park, explore outside, and connect with others over a bonfire with hot drinks and snacks. 9 a.m. Free. Rock Creek Park’s Picnic Pavilion 13. 5200 Glover Rd. NW, DC; eventbrite.com

11.25

Beach Fossils at 9:30 Club
One of the most definitive New York underground bands, their coming-of-age overlay on post-punk sounds serves up a cozy concert amidst the holiday lull. 6 p.m. $35. 815 V St. NW, DC; 930.com //@930club

11.26

Pressed Flower Holiday Ornaments Workshop w/ Wildry
Prep for holiday decorating by making your own pressed flower holiday ornaments! Learn new techniques and take home three handmade creations. 3 p.m. $40. Shop Made in DC Georgetown: 1304 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC; shopmadeindc.com/ // @shopmadeindc

11.27

Wine Tasting on Capitol Hill
Get a free wine tasting with the purchase of one entreé at Capitol Square Bar & Grill. Known for their specialty African and Caribbean dishes, enjoy exotic flavors or try one of their staple American dishes. 12:00p.m. Free. 1500 N Capitol St. NE, DC; capitolsquarebar.com //@capitolsquarebar

11.28

Grow Your Own Mushrooms Class at PLNTR
Head over to PLNTR to grow and learn about mushrooms. This class will delve into interesting fungi, tips for growing and maintaining, as well as packaging a grow-at-home kit for you to enjoy. 5:30 p.m. $38.1825 18th St. NW, DC; plntr.co/ //@plntrdc

District Fray staff