New Year’s Eve celebrations have already begun around the Capitol Hill area and there’s no shortage of parties to choose from tonight. When the confetti clears, though, it’s shaping up to be a quiet first weekend of 2016 in the area, with few events planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures are expected to cool down gradually over the weekend, with temperatures in the low 50s today but remaining in the 40s for most of the weekend. We’ll be taking tomorrow off and will be back on Monday. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this New Year’s weekend in the Capitol Hill area.

How to Get Around Tonight

• Between midnight and 3 a.m., all Metro trains and buses will be free for those with a SmarTrip card courtesy of a sponsorship with Miller Lite. Passengers can use their SmarTrip to enter and exit Metro stations, but will not be charged for the trip. On buses, riders can show their SmarTrip to the driver to board for free.
• The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will pay for a free ride home (up to $30) from 10 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. tomorrow. Those needing a ride can call 1-800-200-TAXI
• The DC Circulator will run extended service until 2 a.m. tonight

Events

• Check out our guide to New Year’s Eve parties in the area to find the right celebration for you tonight.
• Join Mayor Bowser for a 5K walk/run Friday morning to ring in the New Year
• Restaurants across the area will hold New Year’s Brunch Friday morning, including Osteria Morini (301 Water St. SE), Medium Rare (515 8th St. SE), Hank’s on the Hill (633 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), Ambar (523 8th St. SE) and The Arsenal at Bluejacket (300 Tingey St. SE)

Road Closures

Several roads will be closed Friday morning for the Fresh Start 5K walk/ run near Eastern High School:

• East Capitol Street between 17th and 19th streets will be closed from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
• East Capitol Street between 19th and 22nd streets will be closed from 8:45-10 a.m.
• 19th Street SE between Independence Avenue SE to East Capitol Street will be closed from 8:45-9:30 a.m.
• 22nd Street between C Street NE and Independence Avenue SE will be closed from 8:45-10 a.m.

Metrorail

• On Friday, Metro trains will run from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on a Sunday schedule
• On Saturday from 6 p.m. until closing, Orange, Silver and Blue line trains will run every 24 minutes due to track work between Eastern Market and Stadium-Armory stations
• On Saturday and Sunday, Red Line trains will run between Shady Grove and Glenmont every 24 minutes and between Shady Grove and Silver Spring every 12 minutes from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Parking

• Parking meters, residential parking and rush-hour lane restrictions will not be enforced on Friday, Jan. 1

Trash Collection

• Friday trash collection will be pushed back to Saturday

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

Our last weekend before what might be the warmest Christmas on record for the D.C. area will have something we haven’t seen much of this season: normal temperatures. With temperatures expected to hover around the mid-40s, this weekend may be the only opportunity to show off any holiday-themed sweaters and scarves before the next heat wave forces us to shed the extra layers by Christmas.

Whether you’re scrambling to finish holiday shopping or trying to take advantage of the unusually seasonable weather while you can, there’s plenty to do around the Capitol Hill area this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this weekend:

Hypothermia Alert

With the cooler weather comes the risk of hypothermia for homeless individuals across the city. The District government will activate its hypothermia alert at 7 p.m. Friday as temperatures are expected to sink to 31 degrees with wind gusts as high as 21 miles per hour.

The District issues hypothermia alerts when the forecasted temperature, including wind chill, dips below 32 degrees.

To request shelter transport for D.C. residents who are homeless and on the street, contact the shelter hotline at [email protected], 202-399-7093 or 1-800-535-7252.

Events

“Confessions of an Unlikely Runner” Book Signing
Pacers Running Store (300 Tingey St. SE)
Friday 5:30 p.m.

Dana Ayers accidentally became a runner more than 10 years ago when she ran a 5k with the President of the United States. She has since proven it’s possible to be a long-term runner without gaining much speed, losing much weight, or sacrificing a fairly lax approach to exercise. Confessions chronicles her awkward mishaps and adventures in transitioning from childhood bookworm to accidental accomplished athlete.

Seasonal Craft Beer Tasting
Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE)
Friday 6:30-8 p.m.

Join Drinky Events for a tasting of some awesome, hard to find seasonal craft beers! Mike Stein from Lost Lagers is providing the education and Pipetown Traders will provide 5 seasonal craft beers to get you in the holiday spirit. The best ugly holiday sweater will win an awesome prize! Online registration is $38.

Santa’s Secret Bookshop
Southwest Library (900 Wesley Pl. SW)
Saturday, 1-2:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Southwest Library will offer children the ability to select two books or DVDs from our store, wrap these gifts for their loved ones, and receive a treat for thinking of others. Children under 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver.

The Nutcracker Suite with DC Swing
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (545 7th St. SE)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

DC Swing! presents Duke Ellington’s jazz treatment of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, and other big band holiday favorites. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

Live DJ Yoga for UN Refugees + Ugly Sweater Party
405 Yoga (1000 Florida Ave. NE)
Saturday, 7-8 p.m.

405 Yoga will hold a flow class set to the live beats of DJ Equaniseung. A donation of $20 to UN Refugees is requested at the door.

Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St. NE)
Saturday 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.

Barracks Row-based Momentum Dance Theatre is performing its annual Jazz Hip Hop Nutcracker December 19-20, 2015, at Stuart Hobson Middle School. This is a professional dance and theater production that brings together both professional dancers and students from the Hill as young as five years old to provide a fresh, urban take on the Nutcracker story based on Duke Ellington’s version of the Nutcracker Suite.

Metrorail

• Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains will operate on regular weekend schedules
• Red Line trains will single-track between Judiciary Square and NoMa-Gallaudet for repairs. Trains will run every 15 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a cooked goose or Chinese food for Christmas or champagne for New Years, the Capitol Hill area is full of restaurants opening their doors for the holidays with special menus and deals.

Here’s our list of the best holiday specials across the area:

Christmas

Bistro Cacao
320 Massachusetts Ave. NE

Bistro Cacao will have a three course holiday dinner from 4-10 p.m. Christmas Eve for just under $45 per person. 

Cafe Berlin
322 Massachusetts Ave. NE

The Capitol Hill German restaurant will serve a three-course dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas with traditional German holiday favorites for $39 per person.

Mr. Henry’s
601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

The Capitol Hill restaurant will serve a three-course Christmas Eve dinner with reservations available from 6:30-10 p.m. Reservations can be made online.

Osteria Morini
301 Water St. SE

If you aren’t planning on going out for Christmas dinner but still want to impress relatives with dessert, Osteria Morini is selling desserts for Christmas. Orders must be placed online before Monday, Dec. 21.

Star & Shamrock
1341 H St. NE

D.C.’s only Jewish-Irish pub will hold its fifth annual Xmas Mitzvah starting at 11 a.m. Christmas Day. The pub promises “Chinese-ish” food, movies and drinks. 

New Year’s

Barrel
613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Barrel on Capitol Hill will serve an all-you-can-eat New Year’s Eve dinner from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. with an open bar. Tickets are available online for $106. The restaurant will also have a bottomless brunch on New Year’s Day starting at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are available online for $64.

Bistro Cacao
320 Massachusetts Ave. NE

The French eatery will also have a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-11 p.m. 

Bluejacket Brewery
300 Tingey St. SE

Navy Yard Brewery Bluejacket will hold their annual New Year’s Eve bash with an open bar, snacks, live music and a champagne toast from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets are available online for $115.

Due South
301 Water St. SE

Due South will open its kitchen from 4 p.m.-12:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve offering both its regular winter menu and a special prix-fixe menu. On New Year’s Day, the restaurant will serve brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. while showing SEC college football games. 

Maketto
1351 H St. NE

Hip H Street restaurant and fashion boutique will have an open bar and food at its New Years Eve party from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Tickets are available online for $90.

Mr. Henry’s 
601 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Mr. Henry’s will also serve a three-course New Year’s Eve dinner with two seatings from 6-7 p.m. and  8:30-10 p.m. Reservations can be made online. 

Ocopa
1324 H St. NE

Peruvian restaurant Ocopa will have a New Year’s Eve meal for $45 per person with optional Pisco pairings for an additional $25.

Sonoma
223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Sonoma restaurant and wine bar will have several New Year’s Eve dinners. A four course dinner before 6:30 p.m. will cost $90 while a five-course dinner after 6:30 p.m. will cost $110. Wine pairings for either dinner will cost $65. 

201 Bar
201 Massachusetts Ave. NE

The 201 Bar will host its annual 70s themed “Studio 201” New Year’s Eve Party from 8 p.m. to close with throwback cocktails and dancing. 

Photo via Flickr/ toniblay

H Street NE eatery Po Boy Jim will give a free sandwich to anyone who brings in a new toy tomorrow.

The restaurant is collecting toys for Children’s National Foundation, which works with children being treated at Children’s National hospitals.

This is the first year that Po Boy Jim is holding a Christmas toy drive, but co-owner Rebecca Antoine says she hopes to make the drive a yearly event.

Customers will receive a free traditional Po’ Boy sandwich for every new, unwrapped toy they bring starting at 11 a.m. Antoine says her staff is gearing up to make a large amount of the sandwiches for tomorrow’s drive.

“There’s just a whole lot of shrimp that needs to be peeled because we do it all from scratch,” she said. “But we’re ready and we’re excited about it.”

Photo via Facebook/ Po Boy Jim

Designs Unveiled for Residential Project Near Nationals Park — Developer JBG recently released designs for a residential building with about 420 units at the intersection of Half and N streets SE. [JDLand]

A Guide to D.C.-Themed Holiday Gifts in the Capitol Hill Area — The Hill is Home put together a list of local retailers that sell D.C.-themed gifts for the Capitol Hill area Washington lover. [The Hill is Home]

H Street NE Restaurant Now Accepting Reservations — Popular H Street NE eatery Sally’s Middle Name, which has applied to add 60 seats by expanding to the second floor, is now accepting reservations for the first time. [Eater]

After a long wait, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Capitol Hill, also known as Mormons on the Hill, are looking forward to welcoming you to their new home at 522 7th Street SE.

Join the congregation on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for some holiday cheer and a chance to see the new meeting house, conveniently located one block south of the Eastern Market Metro station. There will be tours of the building (including a scavenger hunt for children), holiday crafts, apple cider, holiday treats,and caroling.

Everyone is welcome to stop by the open house and see the results of four long years of construction. The meeting house was constructed in consultation with neighbors, The Historical Society of Washington, D.C.,and others to ensure it was consistent with the surrounding rowhomes, some of which date back to the time of Abraham Lincoln.

One of the new features of the building is a basketball court, which many members have been waiting to use with baited breath. The meeting house also includes a chapel, kitchen and classrooms, where youth group activities and Sunday school lessons are held. Mormons on the Hill anticipate using their new meeting house to serve the community.

The meeting house is special in more ways than one, as it is the first time Mormons on the Hill have had a formal chapel to meet in. Previously, the lot on which the new meeting house is located was occupied by an old Safeway building, which was used by Mormons on the Hill as a church from 1993-2011. The congregation moved into their new home two weeks ago, with a dedication ceremony on Nov. 22.

The Capitol Hill Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has more than 300 members, as diverse as the Hill community itself. The congregation looks forward to serving with Capitol Hill in their new home and will be hosting community-wide service events in the future (stay tuned). As part of the Open House, the church is hosting a food drive to support the Capital Area Food Bank, providing an opportunity for visitors to drop off dried foods and canned goods at their new meeting house.

Come check out the new meeting house and say “hello” to members of the congregation – many of whom are probably your neighbors.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/MormonsontheHill and follow #mormonsonthehill!

The preceding post was sponsored by Mormons on the Hill

With the Christmas trees going up and the holiday markets packed with gifts, the holiday season is in full swing in the Capitol Hill area. However, the winter temperatures haven’t caught up with us yet. The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang expects this weekend to be sunny and relatively warm, with highs in the 50s on Saturday and the 60s on Sunday.

The warm weather can’t put a stop to the holiday festivities this weekend, though. Whether you’re stocking up on Hannukah presents before Sunday, tracking down a tree for Christmas or just enjoying some outdoor fun, there are plenty of options to turn this weekend into an early holiday. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this weekend in the Capitol Hill area:

Events

For info on where to buy a tree or gifts this weekend, check out our Holiday guide.

24th Annual Parade of Lights

The Wharf (690 Water St. SW)

Saturday 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)

Saturday 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.

Digital Estate Planning

Southeast Library (403 7th St. SE)

Saturday 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Learn what happens to your digital assets after death, and how you can create and protect the priceless memories on your computer, phone, social media accounts, and email.

PARCEL Market at Canal Park

Canal Park (202 M St. SE)

Saturday-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.

Deck the North Hall Holiday Celebration

Eastern Market (225 7th St. SE)

Sunday 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.

Open Houses

Looking for a new home in the Capitol Hill area or just want to see what your neighbors’ houses look like inside? We’ve highlighted a few open houses this weekend to get you started. But be sure to check out our real estate section for a full listing.

Road Closures

Parts of Pennsylvania Avenue SW and Independence Avenue SE near the National Mall will be closed from about 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday for the Jingle All The Way 5K

Metrorail

• Red Line trains will run every 18 minutes
• Orange, Silver and Blue line trains will run every 20 minutes
• Yellow and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals

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

Hill Now is closed to observe Veterans Day. We thank the men and women of our armed forces for their service.

 

Hill Now is closed to observe Labor Day. We hope you have a great holiday weekend with your friends and family.

To our readers who have left D.C. this weekend, we wish you safe travels. For those of you still in town, check out our story about what to expect for Labor Day.