Washington, D.C

The Weekend Scene: Bounce to a huge inflatable park and more around DC through Dec. 21

Published

4 weeks ago

December 18, 2025

The Weekend Scene: Bounce to a huge inflatable park and more around DC through Dec. 21

This weekend is your last for Christmas shopping! We’ll share some unique markets worth checking out, both in the highlights and in our list of bonus events at the bottom of this page.

Weekend weather: Saturday will be chilly, but sunshine on Sunday will bring a little more warmth. Here’s the forecast.

The ‘DMV’s largest indoor bounce park’ jumps into Maryland

Family pick
Funbox Bowie
🔗 Details

Boasting the “DMV’s largest indoor bounce park,” Funbox jumps into Bowie with $4 tickets just in time for kids to get some energy out over winter break.

Funbox opens today, and the $4 grand opening deal runs until Dec. 28 (it also includes birthday parties starting at $99). Typically, it costs $22.95 to bounce.

Tackle a 23-foot slide, obstacle course or the battle beam where competitors tussle with soft tubes while wearing nonslip socks.

Holiday highlights

Free & family-friendly
Late hours for Season’s Greenings
Thurs., plus Dec. 23, 30 and Jan. 1
🔗 Details

The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Dino-Mite! holiday display is open until 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 (except Christmas Day), but you still have a few chances to visit during extended hours.

Tomorrow and on four other evenings, the Garden will stay open until 8 p.m. Live music plus food and drink vendors make it a cheap date night option.

Free pick
12 Days of Joy with Art to Go-Go
Through Dec. 22, Historic Anacostia
🔗 Details

Head to Anacostia to get in on 12 days of art, go-go, joy – and shopping!

Local businesses are hosting events like poetry readings, live music, games and classes every day of the week. Pick up a Joy Pass and visit over 15 participating businesses to find “Drops of Joy,” including discounts and neighborhood adventures, around Anacostia.

Drop into the UMOJA Market between noon and 8 p.m. to find small vendors selling giftable items from hand-painted journals to chocolate bars. You’ll find it at 2323 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Check the website for special events, including Selfies with Santa on Saturday (make sure to sign up in advance)!

Free pick
Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market
Through Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Northeast D.C.
🔗 Details

Whether you’re coming or going from Union Station, the holiday market in its majestic main hall is worth a stop.

Shop from over 40 local shops, artists and makers while enjoying live music.

Free pick
ROCK’N’SHOP
Sat., 2-6 p.m., Black Cat
🔗 Details

The Black Cat’s annual holiday shop says it’s one of the longest-running in D.C. You’ll find a mix of local crafters, record dealers, shops and junk sellers as DJs provide a great soundtrack, the Black Cat says.

Family-friendly
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)
🔗 Details

Fireworks over the Potomac River and sparkling lights make George Washington’s former estate a festive destination for the whole family.

You can meet George and Martha Washington, talk to Revolutionary War soldiers at the winter encampment, take a picture with Aladdin the Camel, plus play games and dance for an 18th-century celebration.

Mount Vernon recently reopened the first and second floors of Washington’s mansion after a $40 million renovation, and Christmas Illuminations visitors can be among the first to step inside.

Family-friendly
The Dad Games
Sun., 3-7 p.m., The St. James in Springfield, $5 suggested donation
🔗 Details

The whole family is invited for an afternoon of games and challenges testing dads’ skills with Legos, trash can basketball, golf and more (bad jokes not included).

The organizers say you don’t need any training – just show up and try to win prizes up to $250!

Family-friendly
Arlington Drafthouse Holiday Movie Festival
Sun., Arlington, $10 (adult)/$5 (child)
🔗 Details

The Arlington Drafthouse theater is showing Christmas movies of all stripes – from “It’s A Wonderful Life” to “Die Hard” – through Dec. 23.

On Sunday, you can grab a ticket, then come and go all day for a full day of classics like “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street” before the fest ends with holiday horror “Krampus.”

Sit back in theater seating, order food and drinks and enjoy an easygoing afternoon of holiday favorites.

Heads up, Commanders’ fans: Arlington Drafthouse will show Saturday’s game against the Eagles on the big screen. Admission is free!

Music Snob: Concerts and more

Patti Smith, 7 p.m. Friday, Lincoln Theatre, $68.40

Not a concert, but this book talk will rock. The icon of punk, prose and photography brings the new memoir of her fascinating life and career – “Bread of Angels” – to the historic Lincoln for discussion. Book included with ticket. Details.

The Max Levine Ensemble, 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $18

D.C.’s premiere pop punk band celebrates its 25th (!!!) anniversary. Not as active as a couple decades ago, it’s not as easy to catch this politically minded District institution these days. Among the openers is excellent indie rock singer-songwriter Oceanator. Details.

The Owners, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $18.75

Last-minute shopping? Stop by Black Cat for The Owners’ record release show. The venerable punk venue’s owners – and a couple of longtime employees – used pandemic free time and their empty club to put together one of D.C.’s best bands. Catchy, energetic garage-punk paradise. Details.

More to do in D.C.

Holiday shows and winter activities“

“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 31, Ford’s Theatre, $42+

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show: Through Dec. 23, Arena Stage, $49+ (see website for discounts)

A Very Improv Holiday: Through Dec. 28, Studio Theatre

National Symphony Orchestra – Handel’s “Messiah”: Thurs. to Sun., Kennedy Center

Procrastinator’s Holiday Market: Sat., Kraken on Rhode Island Main Street, free entry

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – The Holiday Show: Sat., Lincoln Theatre, $68.40

“The Nutcracker” by The Washington Ballet: Through Dec. 29, Warner Theatre, $63.50+

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink: Daily through winter, National Gallery of Art, $12-$15 admission and $7 skate rental

Light Yards: Through Jan. 2, The Yards Park, free

Downtown Holiday Market: Through Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free

Winter Wonderfest: Through Dec. 30, Nationals Park, $29.50

ZooLights: Through Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9

Frosted at Franklin Park: Through Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free

Theater – “ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” with Julia Masli: Through Dec. 21, Woolly Mammoth, $49

“Elf on the Shelf”-themed holiday pop-up bar: Through Dec. 30, Morris American Bar, $15 non-refundable reservation fee

Everything else:

Washington Capitals: Thurs. and Sat., Capital One Arena

Washington Wizards: Sun., Capital One Arena

Comedy – John Mulaney: Thurs. to Sun., The Anthem

More to do in Maryland

Winter Lights Festival: Through Dec. 21, Seneca Creek State Park, $15-$25 per vehicle

Children’s theater – “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Through Dec. 22, The Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo, $16 per person

ICE! featuring The Polar Express: Through Jan. 4, Gaylord National Harbor, $41+

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: Through Jan. 4, Wheaton, $13.99-$16.99 (free for kids under 5)

Theater – “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas”: Through Dec. 28, Olney Theatre Center, $63+

Holiday Toast2Peace!: Thurs., World of Beer Rockville, free entry (donations encouraged)

Winter Fest (with Santa photos for dogs and humans): Fri., Sat. and Sun., Song Dog Farm Distillery in Boyds, free entry

BabyCat Brewery ugly sweater holiday party: Fri. in Bethesda and Sat. in Kensington, free entry

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor, $41+

Merry Market: Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westbard Square in Bethesda, free entry

Hands on History – Festival of Lights: Sat., 10 a.m., Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park, $10

The Winter Jubilee: Sat., 1-4 p.m., Rockville’s Civic Center Park, $8-$10 (adult chaperones free)

Children’s theater – “The Snowman and the Snowdog”: Through Jan. 4, Imagination Stage in Bethesda, $15+

The ‘Lego Menorah’ Lighting at Bethesda Row: Sun., Bethesda Row, free

More to do in Virginia

Holiday Bricktacular at the LEGO Discovery Center: Through Dec. 24, Ashburn, $24.99+

Elf Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Thurs., Woodbridge, free

Holi-DIY Crafting & Gift Making Workshop (Sat., 3-6 p.m.) and Family-Friendly Workshop (Sun., 3-5 p.m.), AR Workshop Alexandria, prices vary by project

Tequila & Mezcal Cocktail Making Class: Sat., La Prensa Tacos & Tapas in Sterling, $103.22

Holiday on the Farm: Fri. and Sat., Frying Pan Farm Park, $15 in advance/$20 at door

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $28.80-$58 (free for kids 5 and under)

Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fairfax Station, $20 in advance/$25 at door

Holiday Train Rides: Through Dec. 21, Reston Town Center, $23.18

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.

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Washington, D.C

DC weather: Wintry mix, snow showers possible late Wednesday into Thursday

Published

8 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

DC weather: Wintry mix, snow showers possible late Wednesday into Thursday

WASHINGTON – A mild Tuesday is ahead for the Washington, D.C. region, with a brief chance of a wintry mix or even a few snow showers arriving late Wednesday into early Thursday.

What we know:

Tuesday starts cold, with temperatures in the 30s, but the day stays dry and warms into the low 50s with some afternoon sunshine.

Isolated showers move in Wednesday morning and linger at times throughout the day. FOX 5’s Taylor Grenda says colder air rushing into the region Wednesday into early Thursday could briefly flip that rain to a wintry mix or some light snow showers.

Any mix is expected to be brief and minimal. Snow chances should clear by early Thursday, leaving behind cold, blustery and dry conditions for the rest of the day.

What’s next:

Friday turns sunny but very cold, with highs only in the mid 30s. Saturday stays dry, and there’s a slight chance of snow showers returning on Sunday.

DC weather: Wintry mix, snow showers possible late Wednesday into Thursday

The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.

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Washington, D.C

Head of DC restaurant association warns 2026 could be another hard year for eateries – WTOP News

Published

20 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

Head of DC restaurant association warns 2026 could be another hard year for eateries – WTOP News

A record number of D.C. restaurants shut down last year, according to the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, and 2026 may not be much better.

D.C.’s thriving restaurant scene took a big hit in 2025, and the head of the city’s restaurant association is warning that 2026 could be another rough year.

A record number of eateries in the city shut down last year, according to the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. President Shawn Townsend said 92 restaurants closed in 2025, up from 73 in 2024, and almost double the number of closings in 2022.

He said it’s no secret why 2025 was such a bad year.

“Tariffs and inflation and other things that impact the industry — the federal workforce, the increase in law enforcement presence,” he said.

Townsend said in order to right the ship for the restaurant industry, the priority of city and government leaders must be to create new jobs in D.C.

“If we don’t find things to replace those bodies, that foot traffic cannot come back,” he said.

Restaurants openings have also slowed, down 30% in 2025, and Townsend said there will likely be fewer openings than normal in 2026. He said the restaurants that do open will not be what we’ve been used to in the thriving D.C. food scene.

“We’ll be seeing less full-service restaurants. It’s that middle market that’s being squeezed right now, and I think if things don’t change, we’ll continue to see that middle market vanish,” Townsend said

Townsend said getting a great meal in D.C. has never been a problem and is hopeful that innovation allows that to continue.

“We’ve got to figure out how to adapt, we’ve been good at adapting for so long. I think this is just one other phase where we all have to figure out how to move forward,” Townsend said.

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Washington, D.C

The Hottest Spot for Sunday Church Is a MAGA Dive Bar in Washington DC

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

Press Room

The Hottest Spot for Sunday Church Is a MAGA Dive Bar in Washington DC

But Welch and Palka aren’t fire-and-brimstone populists. They are careful. Disciplined. They speak moderation while building something more durable: nurturing a generation of young conservatives who will carry their teachings into agencies, congressional offices, the judiciary, and a returning Republican administration.

So does King’s function as a soft-power pipeline for young conservatives in Washington? Its leaders bristle at the suggestion.

“We have nothing to do with getting people jobs…. We have never, ever, ever done that,” says Palka. “I do think it could be a by-product, though.”

“Part of the Christian faith is that we don’t compartmentalize it,” says Welch. “So we want people to see that it does influence [your career], just like how your faith influences your family, your relationships, your kids, so that’s just natural to how the church operates—it’s not like this is the goal.”

King’s has done 250 baptisms in eight years. Palka jokes more than once that I could be baptized at their next ceremony. When I ask how long it takes to join the church, he smiles: “It could take 15 minutes, it could take 15 years.”

He believes Gen Z is drawn not to megachurch gimmicks like slingshots and zip-lining pastors but to ancient ritual. King’s recites the Nicene Creed weekly, rare among evangelical churches. Members must affirm nine core beliefs: God as Father, Son, Holy Ghost; Jesus fully God and fully human; born of a virgin; lived without sin; died; rose again; and will return to judge the living and the dead. Scripture is final. The church must carry out Christ’s mission until he returns.

“They’re looking to retrieve some of those anchors that have been lost,” Palka says. “That is something the young people are flocking to—the high church liturgy.”

Space, not attendance, is King’s real problem. Expansion plans to cities like Paris and Berlin are on hold until they secure a permanent space in DC, and they need money. Their flock consists largely of interns and junior staffers, earnest but broke.

Palka knows that securing a physical home would give King’s another ring of relevance, one more proof point that the church can be an institution.

“We thought we’d have a building by now,” says Palka. “You can hit up a denomination for funding, but this capital campaign, it’s been very slow.”

Worshippers show up a half hour early to claim seats, and some longtime congregants have grumbled about the intern influx. One faction, calling itself “King’s Church Members Take a Stand,” lines the back wall to save room for newcomers.

They launched with a $50,000 loan from the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board—small by megachurch standards but enough to launch a movement. “I would love if we had a building of our own one day,” Palka says. “All the statistics say it gives the Church credibility, it makes it more real in people’s eyes when you see that it’s their location.”

Robertson, the 26-year-old running the intern ministry, may be one of the church’s most influential figures. “It’s a really interesting city,” he says. “The fact that 25-year-olds kind of run the government.” He is, in effect, their shepherd.

Conservatism Inc.

For interns living on stipends, King’s offers free lunches, Nationals tickets, and speaker events featuring K Street veterans, senior aides, operatives, and even a Fox News producer. There are mixers too, where future staff assistants meet future legislative directors.

For the Republican Party, that makes King’s more than a church. It’s a long-term investment.

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