What to Expect for Christmas Weekend in the Capitol Hill Area

This Christmas weekend is shaping up to be one for the record books in the D.C. area. AAA predicts that record numbers of people will travel for the holidays, including about 41% of the District’s population. Those of us still in Washington could see record-breaking warmth that will turn dreams of a white Christmas into a reality of a wet Christmas, with a chance of rain predicted through the weekend.

As expected, a lot of go-to weekend spots in the area are closed for the holidays, setting the stage for a quiet weekend on the Hill. But if the rain lets up, this could be a perfect year to leave the fireplace behind and explore what the Capitol Hill area has to offer to those who stick around for the holidays. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this Christmas weekend in the area:

Events

Check out our guide on how to eat and drink your way through the holidays in the Capitol Hill area for the best Christmas food and drink specials in the area.

Canal Park Ice Rink
Canal Park (200 M St. SE)

Navy Yard’s ice rink at Canal Park will be open throughout the weekend. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 12-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.

Akeelah and the Bee
Arena Stage (1101 6th St. SW)

This is the last weekend to catch the play based on the film about an 11-year-old from Chicago who goes from growing up in the projects to the national spelling bee. There are two performances on Saturday and Sunday. 

The Gospel of LovingKindness
Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE)

This play tells the story of a 17-year-old from Chicago who goes from singing for the president at the White House to being held up for his sneakers back home. 

Government Services

• Friday trash collection will be pushed back to Saturday
• Circulator buses will not operate on Friday
• Parking restrictions will not be enforced on Friday

Metro

• Trains will run on their normal weekday schedules
• On Friday (Christmas) Metro trains and buses will run on Sunday schedules
• There is no scheduled track work over the weekend, so all lines will run on normal weekend schedules

Photo via Architect of the Capitol