A wet and dreary Saturday is on the horizon for the D.C. metro area, but Sunday’s weather may offer a brighter reprieve, with warmer temperatures and breaks of sunshine possible ahead of the Commanders’ Sunday night game. FOX 5 meteorologist Mike Thomas has the forecast.

Closing time! One last call for decking the hall and wrapping up your holiday cheer.

Celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lightings in Clarendon and National Landing and Kwanzaa at the Anacostia Community Museum and The Kennedy Center.

Though decorations are already deeply discounted, it’s your last weekend to check out plenty of Christmas classics, too.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is all about catching up. Get extra sleep, exchange those not-quite-right gifts and check out some cool stuff you may have missed in the holiday hustle. 

For one, it’s the finale weekend for the Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” We’re sorry to report that Tommy and Aimee Cho will not be on stage.

4 things to know about the weekend

See these holiday displays before they’re gone

Free pick
Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park
Through Fri., Woodbridge
🔗 Details

Stroll the boardwalk covered with lights, enjoying characters and a holiday market. It’s free to visit. It’s friendly to pets, strollers and wheelchairs.

Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park
Through New Year’s Eve, Gaithersburg
🔗 Details

Drive past hundreds of illuminated displays and trees on this 3.5-mile path. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $15 to $25 per vehicle.

Free pick
Seasons Greenings
Through Jan. 5, U.S. Botanic Garden
🔗 Details

The Conservatory and Garden have transformed into the ultimate holiday wonderland with botanical wreaths and décor, thousands of poinsettias and iconic D.C. landmarks made from plants.

Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special
Through Jan. 5, ARTECHOUSE DC in Southwest, $17+
🔗 Details

The holidays can be a bit much sometimes with all of the hustle and bustle. Take some time to soothe your mind by visiting Artechouse’s Holiday Special: Tingle Bells. The ASMR-inspired experience soothes your senses with calming soundscapes and captivating visuals.

The newest addition to the multi-sensory experience is the Spectacular Factory, where you’ll feel like you landed in a dream in a holiday gift factory that came to life.

Can’t-miss museum exhibits

Free pick
“OSGEMEOS: Endless Story”
Through August, Hirshhorn Museum

Colorful and whimsical, this exhibit of twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo’s art takes over a full floor of the Hirshhorn with an incredible amount of work from paintings and sketches to larger-than-life sculptures. Make sure to grab timed tickets and stop by the Basquiat × Banksy exhibit, too.

Free pick
“Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment”
Through Jan. 19, the National Gallery of Art in D.C.
🔗 Details

Don’t miss the only U.S. stop for this exhibit on the origins of the impressionist art movement. It’s filled with heavy hitters like  Paul Cézanne and Claude Monet, plus lesser-known artists. Stop by to warm up after a morning ice skating in the Sculpture Garden!

JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience
Through March 2025, Capital Jewish Museum, $10 (for non-members and those over 12 years old)
🔗 Details

In this new exhibit, you can explore 100 years of Jewish cartoons, comics, and graphic novels at the Capital Jewish Museum. Learn about the Jewish origins of iconic comic book superheroes from the 1930s through the 1960s.

A comic experience isn’t complete without reading a comic or two! After you’re done taking it all in, hang out in the reading room and enjoy comics, graphic novels, creator biographies, and works represented in the galleries.

Free pick
In Slavery’s Wake
Through June 8, 2025, National Museum of African American History and Culture, free (timed passes required for museum)
🔗 Details

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is opening its newest exhibit called “In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World.” The multi-lingual experience is the museum’s first international traveling exhibition and will explore how racial slavery, colonialism and Black freedom-making influence the world.

The exhibit will be split into six sections on Concourse Level C and features 100 objects, 250 images, and 10 multi-media interactives and films.

The Future Scene: New Year’s Eve with the family

Free pick
Noon Yards Eve
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Yards Park
🔗 Details

A balloon drop at noon? We’re in!  Let the little ones get in on the New Year’s Eve fun early with carnival games, a magic show, bounce houses and more. Take a selfie under the 13-foot illuminated Swinging Bells on The Yards’ Sun Deck, too.

First Night Alexandria
Starts at 2 p.m., $10-$22 to enter festival
🔗 Details

The longstanding family-friendly festival will celebrate its 30th year with music, arts and community at the center of Historic Old Town Alexandria. The festival will begin with performances for children and a day party for all ages.

The first round of fireworks is set to go off at 6 p.m. over the waterfront.

If you’re not ready for bed yet, explore Old Town for live music, comedy and more on 12 stages inside churches, stores and more until another round of fireworks at midnight.

Tickets for the festival range from $10 to $22 with free admission to children ages two and under.

Visit Alexandria has a list of great places for spotting fireworks even if you don’t go to the festival.

New Year’s Eve dance parties through the decades

Dance New Year’s Eve away with cover bands and DJs playing the greatest hits from their favorite eras.

Go old school cool with Peaches O’Dell and her 11-piece, big band orchestra at Black Cat’s New Year’s Eve Swing Ball. At The Anthem, Sammy Rae & The Friends blend indie rock band, jazz, soul and funk.

Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA at The Atlantis delivers a one-of-a-kind ’70s vibe while The Fillmore Silver Spring has a Black Sabbath cover band.

All about the ’80s? You’ll want to see The Legwarmers at the State Theatre in Falls Church, The Reagan Years at The Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg or the Ultimate 80’s NYE Dance Party with DJ D at Jammin Java in Vienna.

Show off your ’90s and Y2K fashion for White Ford Bronco at The Lincoln Theatre or Uncle Jesse, a ‘90s and early aughts cover band at Farm Brew Live in Manassas.

Love T.K.O., the Howard Theatre’s party with Mariah The Scientist, channels all eras of R&B.

If you’ve ever worn ripped tights as a fashion statement, maybe Indie Sleaze New Year’s Eve with Melina and Dahger at Songbyrd is your vibe.

Concerts this weekend

The Shirks, 8 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $20
D.C. band plays classic, ‘70s-style punk rock – short and fast. Opener Baby Alcatraz and the Aurelions offer early rock & roll inspired instrumentals. Details.

“Salad Days” 10th Anniversary Party, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $20
This celebration of the seminal documentary about D.C.’s punk scene features performances by D.C. supergroup Hammered Hulls, featuring Alec MacKaye and Mary Timony, and Birthday Girl DC – a terrific teen indie rock trio of D.C. alternative rock progeny with a bright future. Details.

More things to do in D.C.

Kwanzaa programs at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum: Events daily, Dec. 26-31, Southeast D.C., free

DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular: Through Jan. 4, National Building Museum (401 F Street NW), free

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink: Daily, National Gallery of Art, $12 ($6 for skate rentals)

National Christmas Tree: Through Jan. 1, The Ellipse at President’s Park, free

Light Yards: Through Jan. 1, The Yards Park, free

Hot To Go – A Chappell Roan party: Fri., 9 p.m., 9:30 Club, $22

Best of DC Comedy Showcase: Fri. and Sat., DC Improv, $22+

The Legacy of the Dibinga Sisters and OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center (Kwanzaa celebration): Fri., The Kennedy Center, free

Seasons Greenings: Through Jan. 5, U.S. Botanic Garden, free

& Juliet: Through Jan. 5, The Kennedy Center, $45-$239

Life of Pi: Through Jan. 5, The Kennedy Center, $49-$179

Things to do in Maryland

Washington DC Temple Festival of Lights: Through Jan. 1, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, free

Disco Biscuits: Fri. and Sat., Fillmore Silver Spring, $60+

Winter Wonderland Extravaganza on the Farm: Sat., Charity’s Hope Family Farm in LaPlata, $7.18

Things to do in Virginia

Silent Disco! at Punch Bowl Social Arlington: Sat., 4238 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington, $10+

Winter Walk of Lights: Nov. 8 to Jan. 5, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, $18-$22

Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure: Through Dec. 29, Dulles Town Center, $35+ (adult)/$28+ (child)

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Merry Christmas, Eastern North Carolina! As we spend these next few weeks setting up decorations and shopping for last minute presents, I hope you are able to spend this time with family, friends, and loved ones. This season of giving also provides many opportunities for folks to extend a helping hand to those in need. With so many wonderful organizations like Toys for Tots and blood donation drives making a difference in our community, I encourage you to take a moment amidst all the festivities to join in and spread the Christmas spirit. 

As we approach the end of the 119th Congress, I have stayed busy these past two weeks in Washington, hosting my 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable, working to pass meaningful legislation that strengthens our national security and improves the quality of life of our service members, as well as meeting with local stakeholders on issues important to our district. During my time back home this weekend, I had the honor of participating in the Wreaths Across America (WAA) Ceremony at the New Bern National Cemetery. WAA honors those who have served our country and have passed away by laying a wreath on their tombstone that will stay there until the second week in January. Their motto is “Remember, Honor and Teach.” 

I will continue fighting for the values of North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. If you wish to stay more engaged and aware of what is happening in Washington and our District, please follow me on my socials linked above or here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina

Three months ago, Hurricane Helene made landfall in our mountain communities, disrupting the livelihoods of families and leaving neighborhoods unrecognizable. In October, I had the opportunity to visit Western North Carolina to hear from local leaders and emergency personnel on the ongoing recovery efforts. Since then, I have remained dedicated to the recovery process and consistently communicate with federal, state, and local authorities, making it a priority in Washington to ensure our neighbors receive the federal assistance they need.  

This holiday season, we have seen Eastern North Carolina step up for those suffering in remarkable ways. We understand how challenging hurricane recovery can be, so it has been heartwarming to see countless volunteers travel west to help. Just this weekend, Greenville’s Capital Electric employees spent their Friday assembling care packages, so families in Western North Carolina can enjoy the Christmas season. The stories emerging from this difficult time reflect our tireless commitment to supporting those affected. 

FEMA, NC Emergency Management, and the NC Department of Transportation continue to assist folks on the ground. The State Emergency Response Team in Raleigh, the Joint Field Office in Hickory, and the Joint Field Branch Offices in Asheville, Wilkesboro, and Charlotte also continue to support those affected. Multi-agency Shelter Transition Teams are actively working in affected counties to assist those displaced, and nonprofits and volunteer groups have been essential in supporting survivors and feeding individuals in need. 

Access is steadily being restored to state-maintained roads, and power is being restored in affected areas. As the state rebuilds transportation routes, damage sites, bridges, and culverts are being addressed in the process. Hundreds of dump trucks, backhoes, and other heavy equipment are actively assisting with debris cleanup. Additionally, disaster recovery shelters remain open for affected residents with numerous federal assistance services available as well.  

In Washington, I remain dedicated to ensuring Western North Carolina receives the support it needs, so they can rebuild and heal in dignity. Our communities need this assistance now, not later. I am committed to supporting the necessary funding needed to repair and rebuild and will continue to keep you updated.

House GOP Discussion with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy 

I attended an excellent discussion with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to hear about their vision for DOGE to improve government efficiency and reduce costs.

Click here to hear my thoughts or on the video below. 

Urging Congress to Take Action Against Pharmacy Benefit Managers

American patients and local pharmacies are paying the price because of the extortion and greed of insurance companies through pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). As a physician of over 30 years, there have been countless times I have gotten calls back from patients, who I prescribed life-saving medicine to, saying their insurance does not cover it and it is too expensive. A prescription for long-term disease can give a life back, yet patients’ lives are being ruined because insurance companies want an extra dollar.

Our rural communities are being affected the worst by current PBM practices. Far too many pharmacies are closing because of rising drug costs and PBM’s interference with supply chains.

I will not let up my fight for policies that put patients first so they can get the help they need at an affordable price.

Read the press release here.

Hosting 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable

It was an honor to host a successful 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable! This year’s event brought together lawmakers, stakeholders, and students to discuss challenges to free expression on college campuses and solutions to support the First Amendment.

Congress plays a role in shaping higher education and must be attentive to the rapidly changing dynamics on campuses across the country. Free speech at American colleges and universities is critical to cultivating tolerant learning environments and well-rounded individuals.

I greatly appreciate everyone who attended, including my colleagues, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman Burgess Owens, and our collective efforts to protect free expression at institutions of higher education.

If you missed the event, click here to watch!

Read the press release here.

Meeting with North Carolina Community Health Center Association on Affordable Healthcare 

Thank you to the North Carolina Community Health Center Association for stopping by my office. In our meeting, we discussed ways Congress can support our health centers and their patients.

The association supports services at over 500 clinical health center sites in 88 counties across the state. Many of the patients the organization serves are in medically underserved communities, and a number of them were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Affordable health coverage is crucial in supporting disaster recovery, especially in our state.

Statement on the Passage of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act

I am pleased that Congress has passed a National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that empowers our military to safeguard the United States and takes care of our troops. This package robustly funds and modernizes our armed forces to prepare us against threats abroad, improves the quality of life for service members and their families, and refocuses the Pentagon’s mission on our national security and away from political distractions.

It is an honor to represent some of our nation’s greatest warfighters at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River. North Carolina’s 3rd District will benefit greatly from the $208 million in funding secured for military construction projects on our bases and $50 million in Impact Aid that will help our military community

Read the press release here and watch me speak on the floor in support of the bill here.

Fighting for the Improvement of Our Service Members’ Living Conditions

I am proud to join Congressman Joe Courtney in advocating for the bipartisan Healthy at Home on Base Act, which will improve the living conditions for our service members. Specifically, the bill will tackle the unacceptable mold problem in military housing.

This bill provides a much-needed solution to the hazardous conditions reported in a 2023 Army inspection, which identified mold in over 2,000 facilities. The U.S. Government Accountability Office also reported that service members from twelve groups indicated mold as a concern in the barracks. One individual even had to visit the emergency room three times for respiratory issues caused by the mold.

Our service members sacrifice so much for our safety and we must ensure our enlisted troops receive the support they require during service.

Meeting with UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership’s Dean Atkins

It was a pleasure to meet with UNC’s Dean of the School of Civic Life and Leadership, Jed Atkins, to discuss his vision for the school’s future. Free speech has been under attack, especially on college campuses, for many years now. Some college presidents, university chancellors, and faculty have abused their positions of authority to make students afraid to speak freely, especially if they are conservative. Dr. Atkins and I spoke about the school’s work, its alignment with national priorities on civic education, and how SCiLL’s approach prepares students for meaningful engagement in public life.

Congratulations Dean Atkins! I look forward to seeing the success you achieve.

In the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, we held a hearing with VA leadership, to investigate the VA’s reported budget shortfalls. This year, the VA requested and received $2.88 billion from Congress to address a claimed benefits funding shortfall, only to later disclose that the funds were unnecessary and unspent. Additionally, the VA initially requested $12 billion to address a healthcare budget shortfall expected for fiscal year 2025, but subsequently reduced that request to $6.6 billion.

The VA’s budgetary mismanagement and their leadership’s lack of transparency regarding funding are completely unacceptable. As a representative of over 76,000 veterans, I share the frustrations of many in my district regarding the VA’s management.

I questioned the panelists, specifically Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, about the VA’s inaccurate funding predictions and recommended a comprehensive forensic audit by an outside accounting agency to ensure proper financial management. We need an outside agency to come in and see what is happening with all the resources given to the VA.

Veterans receiving the benefits and care they deserve is contingent on a competent department and until the VA’s financial practices are fully addressed, I will continue to demand accountability.

Meeting with Duke Energy on Expanding American Nuclear Energy

Last week, I met with Duke Energy CEO, Lynn Good, to discuss the importance of American nuclear expansion. The United States must become a leader in nuclear energy production to power our future. We are facing a huge increase in energy needs in the future, especially with the demands for energy that Artificial Intelligence requires. I am a big proponent of nuclear energy. It is safe, clean and reliable.

Meeting with Monolith CEO on the Company’s Recent Innovations 

It was great meeting with Monolith CEO, Rob Hanson, and learning about recent developments in sustainable manufacturing. Specifically, their cutting-edge process called methane pyrolysis, which harnesses renewable electricity to create cleaner carbon products.

As a leader in sustainable energy solutions, Monolith’s commitment to developing clean hydrogen technology and promoting American energy independence is crucial for the future of manufacturing.

It was a pleasure hearing about the strides Monolith is achieving in manufacturing innovation.

Meeting with General Motors to Discuss the Challenges Facing the Automobile Industry

Last week, I met with General Motors to discuss the economic environment of our automobile industry.

Based in Detroit, Michigan, GM is a significant player in transportation, employing over 165,000 people across six continents. The company is well-known for owning and manufacturing Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the tax writing committee in Congress, I am committed to ensuring our tax code benefits all U.S. industry, so the industries can flourish and compete on a level playing field with foreign competitors.

Meeting with Ascension Health on Medicare Reform

I enjoyed meeting with Ascension Health to discuss the environment of our healthcare system, particularly the significant reductions in physician reimbursement.

The Medicare system needs substantial reform. Physician reimbursement has been cut, inflation adjusted, close to 30% over the last 20 years, driving doctors to retire early or be acquired by hospitals, insurance companies, or private equity. As someone who ran a surgical practice for many years, it became increasingly impossible to keep the practice solvent. I will continue advocating for our physicians and access to high-quality affordable care for patients.

 Meeting with Biogen Inc. on the Importance of Affordable Medicine 

It was a pleasure meeting with Biogen Inc. to discuss the impact their innovative therapies and medications are making in the lives of patients struggling with critical diseases.

Americans deserve access to life-saving innovations at an affordable price.

Meeting with Paragon Health Institute on the Need for Medicare Advantage Reform

It was wonderful to meet with Paragon Health Institute President, Brian Blase, to discuss the urgent need for policies that reform Medicare Advantage.

Originally intended to reduce costs and enhance care for beneficiaries, the Medicare Advantage program has evolved into a system that primarily benefits insurance companies and denies access to quality care. It is my top priority to ensure patients are put first. Several Medicare Advantage plans upcode claims and bilk the Medicare system out of hundreds of billions of dollars. We cannot keep allowing this nonsense to occur.

Meeting with DG Fuels CEO to Discuss Potential Production Facility in NC

It was great meeting with the CEO of DG Fuels, Michael Darcy, to discuss North Carolina’s role in sustainable aviation and the growth potential a new production facility could offer to the state’s economy.

We discussed the importance of U.S. investment in domestic fuel sources and the economic impact that expanding biofuels could bring to our rural communities.

Meeting with Lt. Gen. David Tabor on F-15s at Seymour Johnson

U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Lieutenant General David Tabor, stopped by my office to provide an update on the F-15 aircraft training at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

This week, the House voted on the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a provision that fully prohibits the Air Force from divesting the F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft at the base. I proudly voted YES on the bill so that America can stay the strongest military force in the world.

The F-15 is essential for national security, and I will continue fighting for their presence at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. I appreciate Lt. Gen. Tabor’s assistance in ensuring the aircraft are here to stay.