MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
POOCH POSE: Create the perfect present for the pet lover in your life by attending this two-session workshop on Animal Portraits from Smithsonian Associates. Learn how to seize your pet’s personality and bring it to life. Register online then grab all the supplies you’ll need to create a masterpiece of your fluffy friend. (1 p.m., $95 for non-members, $75 for members)
GO-GO ON U: Dance in DC, the new short film series presented by Washington Performing Arts, is debuting today “The King of Beat Ya Feet.” It’s part of the Mars Arts DC: Virtual series. Watch John Pearson III, aka Crazy Legz, showcase his go-go Beat Ya Feet moves in front of Ben’s Chili Bowl. (7 p.m., FREE)
SHOP SMART: With COVID-19 cases rising across our region, Heurich House and DC Brau have moved their annual holiday markets online. Shop the virtual Hoptimist Holiday Market — and support local vendors and artisans— from the comfort of your couch. Check out wares from bakers, ceramicists, and more. (Until December 11, prices vary)
MORE: Ladies Run DC: November Edition (Fitness Heights International, all day, $35), Azure Wolf Live Broadcast (DC9, 7 p.m., $8)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
LEND A HAND: If you’d like to pitch in this Giving Tuesday, Martha’s Table has open grocery bagging shifts available. Sign up ahead of time and get ready to restock food shelves and bag groceries. (8 a.m., FREE)
MAKE AN IMPRESSION: Get crafty and learn to press flowers with Dr. Susan Pell, U.S. Botanical Garden’s deputy executive director, during this virtual herbarium demo. Use items around the home to turn fresh-cut flowers into long-term treasures — and hear about how scientists use pressed plants to solve botanical mysteries. (6:30 p.m., FREE)
CARE PACKAGING: A Wider Circle has a host of volunteer opportunities available for those wanting to pitch in to make 2020 a better year. Help the non-profit dedicated to ending poverty with remote tasks, including creating and delivering essentials-filled care packages. Details about how to get started are here. (Ongoing, FREE)
MORE: Comedy Night for Immigrant Rights (Ayuda, 7 p.m., give what you can), UNICEF Changemaker: A Benefit for Children (UNICEF, 8 p.m., $100), Rosslyn Clothing Drive (Rosslyn Business Improvement District, until December 15, FREE)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
GET CRAFTY: Head out to Tyson’s Corner in Virginia and start holiday crafting with PaperSource via this Make and Take event. When you’re done creating, search for hidden elves or pose in front of the Insta-friendly backgrounds to make sure those holiday photos really pop. (5:30 p.m., $10)
YOWZA, YETI! Tenley’s Winterfest is in full swing, 2020 style, with restaurant deals, a Yeti scavenger hunt, light displays, and tree sales. There’s even a self-guided historical walking tour of the neighborhood to enjoy while you’re searching for Bigfoot’s cousin. (Until December 5, FREE)
CURATOR CHAT: Ever wonder how to preserve tin foil and bottle caps for generations? In this month’s Converse with a Conservator, hear from Leah Bright who is the Objects Conservator at the American Art Museum and works to preserve folk and self-taught art. She’ll chat about the unique challenges of conserving unconventional are material like plastic and glitter. (5:30 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Naturally Latinos Conference 2020 (9:30 a.m., Audubon Naturalist Society, $50), Deconstructing Frank Gehry (Smithsonian Associates, 12 p.m., $25)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
LIGHTS LOVE: ’Tis the season to enjoy holiday lights — a pandemic friendly activity. Take in some District dazzle by exploring the lights of 12 neighborhoods throughout the city, from Mount Pleasant to The Parks. Play along with a scavenger hunt; prizes include gift certificates to local businesses including Allan Woods Flowers and Valley Brook Tea. (Until December 31, FREE)
LIGHT IT UP: Stream the 98th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting from your couch. See the Colorado blue spruce from Palmyra, Pennsylvania, lit up for all to enjoy — or follow the tree on Twitter. (8 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Story Circle: Weaving Culture and Community – Native Arts and Resilience (Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, 3 p.m., FREE), JxJ Virtual Festival (Edlavitch DCJCC, through December 10, Prices Vary)
