Photo by yostinator

LIGHTING: If you grabbed a free ticket, head to the Ellipse tonight to see the lighting of the National Hanukkah Menorah on the first night of the Festival of Lights. There will be musical performances by the United States Marine Band and The Three Cantors. 4 p.m. Free tickets required.

SHOPPING: There are only a few shopping days left til Christmas. Pick up some presents by local artists at the last night of the Pleasant Plains Workshop (2608 Georgia Avenue NW) tonight. Enjoy refreshments and snag some discounts. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free.

FITNESS: If you enjoy festive fitness, throw on some holiday themed running gear and take part in the Holiday Lights Run tonight. This 4.5 mile trot through the city will be preceded by caroling at the Washington Court Hotel (525 New Jersey Avenue NW) and followed by a happy hour the Federal City Bar in the hotel’s lobby. 7 p.m. Free.

MUSIC: D.C. band Last Train Home will be performing “original holiday tunes and interpretations of yuletide classics” on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F Street NW) tonight. 6 p.m. Free.

BEER: Meridian Pint (3400 11th Street NW) welcomes representatives from and the beers of 3 Stars Brewing Company, Oliver Ales, and Evolution Craft Brewing Company tonight. 5 to 8 p.m. $1 off these breweries’ drafts.