Your Guide to the Holidays in the Capitol Hill Area
In case you couldn’t tell from the trees, lights, markets and decorations, there are some holidays coming up. Hanukkah starts on Sunday and the Christmas season began sometime in the past few weeks, depending on who you ask. It’s clear that the holiday season is in full swing in the Capitol Hill area. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for and celebrate the holidays in the area:
Where to Buy a Tree
Capitol Hill Cub Scout Pack 230 will be selling Christmas trees, wreaths and tabletop trees this weekend at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation at 212 East Capitol St. NE. The sale will be open from 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Pre-orders can also be placed online. Proceeds from the sale will help buy uniforms and pay for camping trips for scouts who otherwise can’t afford them.
The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will also be selling trees and Christmas and Hanukkah decorations from the Brent playground at 301 North Carolina Ave. SE. Sales will be open from 4-7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tree delivery within Capitol Hill is also available for $15.
As in years past, trees are also being sold at Eastern Market this weekend.
Where to Shop
PARCEL Market at Canal Park
Canal Park (202 M St. SE)
Saturday and Sunday 12-6 p.m.
Named the “Christmas future of holiday markets” by Washington Post Express in 2014, PARCEL Market will light up Canal Park’s three blocks with holiday cheer among the 10,000 square-foot ice rink, cozy fire pits, interactive art installations, and a festive showcase of DC’s emerging talent in retail, food, art, and musical entertainment.
363rd Street Store
452 2nd St. NW
Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Street Store concept originated in Cape Town, South Africa almost two years ago and has since been replicated hundreds of times in cities around the world! This one day event is a free pop-up clothing store designed specifically for those with low or no income. It simultaneously functions as a drop-off location for donations, in an effort to bring both sides of the community together.
Events
24th Annual Parade of Lights
The Wharf (690 Water St. SW)
Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m.
Join us at The Wharf for a magical night of merriment on the Potomac River. Now in its 24th year, the annual Parade of Lights kicks off at the docks of Old Town Alexandria and concludes at the District’s Southwest waterfront.
DC Krampuslauf
Gallery O on H (1354 H St. NE)
Dec. 5, 6-11 p.m.
Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure that accompanies Saint Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children. He will be coming to Gallery O on H on Saturday, December 5 for a night benefiting Santa’s Cause, a local nonprofit that serves the foster children of Family Matters of Greater Washington.
Deck the North Hall Holiday Celebration
Eastern Market (225 7th St. SE)
Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Eastern Market is Hosting the ‘Deck the North Hall – Holiday Celebration’ every Sunday starting from November 29 to December 20. This Sunday enjoy cookie decorating, ornament making, gift wrapping and holiday music.
The Holidays in Concert
Holy Comforter – St. Cyprian Church (1357 East Capitol St. SE)
Dec. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
The 257th Army Band, “The Band of the Nation’s Capital” presents The Holidays in Concert, a seasonal mix of classical and popular holiday favorites. Featured groups from the 257th Army Band include the Concert Band, Brigadier Brass, the Capital Woodwind Quintet, and the Capital Messengers. The concert is free and open to the general public; no tickets will be issued. Donations of non-perishable food items to Holy Comforter’s pantry are most welcome.
Hanukkah Happy Hour on the Hill
Capitol Lounge (229 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) and Stanton & Greene (319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m.
The biggest party of the Hanukkah season, now in two locations, promises fun and drink specials on the second night of Hanukkah. Attendees are asked to RSVP on Facebook and bring warm winter clothing to donate.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE)
First performance: Dec. 10, 8 p.m.
Final performance: Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.
A new take on the holiday season! DC’s internationally-known percussive dance company invites you to celebrate the holidays with clapping, stomping and all around fun for all ages featuring their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom, and a special dance party with DJ Frosty the Snowman!
Photo via Flickr/69706122@N00
