What's happening, updated every Wednesday.
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‍See this in a more scannable Google doc.

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see the future // consult the WEEKLY SCHEDULER online for more events

start reading so you can go to Lost City’s next bookclub, join the new Mahjongg social league!, Jennette McCurdy at Sixth & I (1/22), Mt. Plantry at Rhizome (1/31), tunes: bad bad hats anniversary tour (2/3), tunes: Electric Guest (2/9), Broke Royals (2/21), tunes: Blood Orange (3/3), tunes: Jordan Ward (4/19)

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Wednesday December 17

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Go rock girl

If we want rock to matter again, we need the gals. Girls Rock! DC hosts a benefit supporting its mission to connect DC youth to music and storytelling, ft. Flowerbomb, RenRiot, Taisha Estrada, and Lud Roes. (8pm)

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All dolled up

Santa’s elves aren’t the only ones making dolls this holiday season! Join the Phillips Collection for a hands-on doll-making workshop with Sherri Lumpkin using up-cycled and natural materials. (6:30pm)

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Also || tunes: FÖR, mah jong social, postcard making, monty python’s spamalot, tunes: the band solstice, Wicked screening at the library, union station holiday market, unsilent night, DC Silent Book Club at Sonny's, holiday music by Suspicious Cheese Lords, survivor finale watch party

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Thursday December 18

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For those who just noticed they play a sport in

I couldn’t tell you much except there’s long sticks and then they puck? The Capitals face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. (7pm)

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Good poems make good lectures

My little horse thinks it’s a little weird for me to stop by the Hill Center on one of the darkest nights of the year but… god, this poem hits. Veteran Robert Frost scholar Michael Manson digs into the poet’s most famous winter poems. (6pm)

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Also || a reading of Minotaur, alt comedy holiday show, improv show, holiday strings concert, antifascist bookclub, creatives club meetup, storytelling + open mic, comedy: John Mulaney, Janeese at City State Brewing for Chanukah launch party, catch the lights on the 10th annual holiday run

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Friday December 19

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Patti cake patti cake

Patti Smith is touring for her recently released memoir “Bread of Angels,” the most straightforwardly autobiographical book she’s published. Come hear her talk about the book at the Lincoln Theatre. (7pm)

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What’s more punk than supporting our Black Trans community?

Head to Rhizome for a jam-packed evening of punk, metal, grunge, and more, featuring acts like Albatross, Renriot, and Druid Stone. Ticket sales benefit the Miss Major Alexander L. Lee TGIJP Black Trans Cultural Center! (6pm)

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Also || tunes: Dogpark, ugly sweater party, wreath workshop, play: an irish carol, holiday acapella concert, art talk: Portrait of Yasuo Kuniyoshi in His Studio, dance: the spirit of Kwanzaa, tunes: Kendall Street Company, tunes: Starting Early (ep release), queer film screening: Velvet Goldmine, sip and paint, movie: It’s a Wonderful Life, drag: A Very ALASKA Christmas, Prometheu$ w/ MTL & Ronnie 3k at Pocket

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Saturday December 20

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Some like it hot

Head to the MoCo Immigrant Rights Collective’s holiday market, where you’ll find local vendors, food trucks, live music and more, with proceeds directly benefiting families impacted by ICE. (10am)

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SAAAANNNNTA, I KNOW HIM

See the classic movie Elf, with other elfanatics at Miracle Theatre. Recite earworm lines like “Bye, Buddy hope you find your dad!” and “Congrats! World’s best cup of coffee!” (2pm)

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Music, etc: tunes: Thievery Corporation, tunes: Jason Kao Hwang Critical Response, jazz at the kreeger, choral arts holiday concert, tunes: Satoshi Tomiie, tunes: handel’s messiah,

Holiday vibes: Cleveland Park Santa Bar Crawl, festive night at the O Museum

Sports: basketball: Howard vs St. Bonaventure, hockey: Capitals vs Red Wings

Comedy: comedy: John Mulaney, holiday comedy show: Julia Masli, comedy: A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS (sold out)

Other highlights: last show at the Pocket in 2025, baking class: macarons (sold out), flea market, screen printing: women of rock n’ roll, botanic garden holiday show

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Sunday December 21

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Forget what you’ve heard about firefighters and books

Bradbury fans, let out your breath: These ones love to read. Takoma Park Fire Department pairs up with People’s Book for storytime and a chat about fire safety. (9:30am)

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“With Hasan In Gaza”

Three MiniDV tapes of 2001 life in Gaza were recently rediscovered. The film follows the search for a former prison mate from 1989 leading to an unexpected road trip through Gaza with Hasan, a local guide whose fate remains unknown. See it at Suns Cinema. (6pm)

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Also || winter solstice celebration, movie: Home Alone, salsa and bachata party, festival of laughs improv showcase, winter solstice yoga + guided death meditation, best of DMV 2025 celebration + fundraiser, death cafe, hip hop nutcracker

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Monday December 22

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Even if I was Carol Singers I wouldn’t knock on your door

Unless maybe you had a beautiful gorgeous wreath on it. Join REWILD for a wreath making workshop and all your neighbors will PINE for your decor. (7pm)

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Jingle Bells, but make it sad

Tired of overly cheery holiday music? Check out Brad Linde’s Bleak Midwinter Ensemble for some sad Christmas songs and moody waltzes. Live at Rhizome! (7pm)

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Also || if you want to see 20 different kids sing “Golden”: kpop demon hunters karaoke, coral reef tank talk, tunes: TOB, tunes: Svetlana and the New York Collective, tunes: A Christmas Brass Spectacular

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Tuesday December 23

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Jazz in the (botanic) Garden

Head to the Botanical Gardens for their extended hours jazz night! Explore the beautiful conservatory while listening to local jazz, sipping a mocktail, or eating a botanical cookie. (5-8pm)

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Movies, remixed

Whether or not you’ve seen action-thriller The Long Kiss Goodnight before, this screening will feel brand new with a DJ mixing hip hop and more to score the film live while you watch! (7pm)

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Also || emo night, tunes: Renée Tannenbaum, hockey: Capitals vs Rangers, jazz jam sesh

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While We’re Gone:

Hit your Goodreads goal: Go on an Indie Bookstore Crawl or read some local authors (including this thriller about the DC housing market)
Find some new soup or stew recipes to keep you warm! Our favs include: African Peanut Stew or Dilly Bean Stew w/ Cabbage and Frizzled Onions YUM or tortellini soup
Go ice skating! The sculpture garden rink is open, and the rink at the Wharf
Learn about DC: And if you learn something cool, pitch a story to us!
Catch all the Oscar noms & more: Get 50% at AMC theatres on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or catch an end of year film at Suns Cinema
Daydream about a DC future: Free DC and “Dispatches from 2120”
Facetime your long-distance bestie or call your auntie (she misses you and might be more bored than you)
Check out all the DC holiday markets