See the Christmas tree lighting … again

Did you miss the National Christmas Tree lighting? You get a do-over every night, apparently: The tree (which is a brand-new blue spruce from Pennsylvania, by the way) gets re-lit each evening, with music and dance performances to go with it. On Friday night, catch dancers from the Capitol Movement pre-professional company and the Dance Academy of Loudoun, the brass ensemble Powerhouse Brass from Pritchard Music in Montgomery County, and the faith-based youth choir Voices in Praise. Unlike the main event, they won’t close down the streets for this one. If you miss Friday’s show, there’s performances on Saturday and Sunday, too, both starting at 1 p.m.
Presidents Park, Friday, 5 p.m., tree closes at 10 p.m.

Make some Little Women fan art

Young readers who are eagerly awaiting the latest Little Women adaptation to hit D.C. theaters on Christmas might be interested to learn that author Louisa May Alcott based the story of four tight-knit sisters on her own family in Concord, Mass. There’s plenty more for kids to learn at the next Portrait Story Days at the National Portrait Gallery, which is focusing on Alcott this Saturday. Little Women fans will hear a story and make a piece of art inspired by Alcott, who’s immortalized in a bronze bust on view at the museum.
National Portrait Gallery, Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Relax and/or dance

Imagine dozing off in savasana during a particularly relaxing yoga class, then immediately leaping into a dance battle. That’s sort of what Eaton DC’s Heal & Release event in honor of the Winter Solstice will be like. Throughout the hotel’s wellness center, you’ll find sound baths, yoga classes, capoeira demonstrations, meditation stations, and reiki sessions (individual signups required). The evening ends with a dance party.
Eaton DC, Saturday, 4 p.m.-11 p.m.

Read some fine print

It’s nearly the last weekend to see the Folger Shakespeare Library’s display of miniature Shakespeare-adjacent books. They come from the collection of James L. Harner, a late expert in Shakespearean works, who amassed a large collection of teeny tomes. These itty-bitty boys are available on a rotating basis, and only on docent-led tours offered throughout the day. BYO magnifying glass.
Folger Shakespeare Library, tours offered multiple times a day, open through Jan. 5

Catch some grungy Americana

Richmond-based singer Angelica Garcia’s songs sound more like monologues from a chatty friend, her voice rising from a growl to a full-throated cry, occasionally breaking into Spanish. Her tracks reflects on her childhood in Los Angeles and her Mexican/Salvadoran roots, all over crunchy guitar. Catch her at the Millennium Stage this weekend.
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Sunday, 6 p.m.

Want more ideas for your weekend—even if they cost a little money?

10 Things To Do Around D.C. This Weekend
9 Food and Drink Events to Feast On This Week
12 Concerts You Won’t Want To Miss Around D.C. This Week