FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

FILM & AWESOME CON: Start your weekend by tuning in to the third day of Awesome Con’s Short Film Festival. Awesome Con — the annual pop culture convention that usually takes place in the spring — is ending the year with a virtual version of their annual film event. Friday’s lineup will stream free on Facebook and include 13 comedy and drama films ranging from four to 20 minutes in length. (8 p.m., FREE)

WINTER WONDERLAND: Even in the age of social distancing, you can still enjoy the region’s holiday light shows. On Friday, head to Northern Virginia to experience NOVA Park’s Bull Run Festival of Lights. Participants drive through two and a half miles of light displays that proves that there are still ways to bask in the holiday spirit. (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $25-$30). 

FLORAL DESIGN CLASS: On Friday, the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is hosting an online course on holiday floral designs. The event promises a focus on “luxuriously rich colors and festive blooms,” and includes an overview of the basics of floral arts and step-by-step instructions. While materials are not included, a list of everything you’ll need will be available ahead of time. (1:30 p.m., FREE for Hillwood members and $12 for non-members)

ZOOM IMPROV: Aching for your local stand-up comics? On Friday night, DC Improv is hosting a Zoom-based stand-up show with five artists — four of whom audiences might recognize from the District comedy circuit. Instead of waiting for doors to open, audience members will receive instructions on how to view 30 minutes prior to the start. (8 p.m., $5)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

PROTEST & PLAYS: On Saturday, join Theatre Alliance by streaming their Strategize, Organize, Mobilize: A Protest in Eight. The event consists of eight short plays that explore the Black Lives Matter Movement — and what a just world could look like if changes actually happened. Each of the eight individual playwrights partnered with non-profits whose work intersects with their respective play’s theme. (8 p.m., $10-$35)

LIT MOUNT VERNON: This year, President George Washington’s former home is still aglow. On Saturday, tour the lantern-lit grounds of Mount Vernon to experience the light displays across the upper garden and greenhouse. There will also be (masked) costumed carolers, uniformed soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, and warm food and drinks. Masks and social distancing are required. (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, 5:30-8:30 pm, $25 -$45)

APRES SKI: Sure, the District might not be getting a few feet of snow this weekend, but we can still pretend we’re in the mountains. On Saturday, Wundergarten is hosting an Apres Ski event to help D.C. residents warm up this winter. Snowboarding and ski attire are encouraged — and the hosts will be doubly impressed with participants who are able to match their outfits to their masks. (1101 First Street NE, 6 p.m., FREE)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

SAMBA FESTIVAL: It’s not too late to learn a new skill in quarantine. End your weekend by celebrating the 2020 DC Samba Festival and take up to four professional samba classes from the comfort of your home. The lineup begins at 11:30 a.m. with Andressa Telles, who reigned at the Brazilian Carnival in Santos, São Paulo when she was crowned the 2011 Carnival’s Princess & the 2012 Carnival’s Queen. (11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., $30 – $90)

ORCHESTRAL: The show will go on. Instead of multiple in-person shows across the District, this year the DC Strings Workshop will host one performance of its annual Messiah performance and stream it online. music director and conductor Dr. Juan A. Gallastegui will be leading the regional orchestra which is also featuring artists from Baltimore Camerata. (3 p.m., $15)