FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

THE SHOW MUST GO ON: Even in the age of coronavirus and social distancing, local artists are finding a way to continue the show. Start your weekend by tuning in to watch thirteen local bands perform in a free, live show hosted by Breakin’ Even Presents. Proceeds from the event will benefit NIVA: Save Our Stages, an initiative helping independent venues during the coronavirus crisis by offering emergency funds — and pushing Congress to do the same. (8 p.m., FREE)

VIRTUAL SOLSTICE: On Friday, the Smithsonian at 8 — a program from the educational arm of the Smithsonian Institution — is hosting a virtual gala to mark the winter solstice. The event includes a live DJ set, cocktail and cheese-board demonstrations, trivia, and a live tour of the winter night sky. If you’d like to follow along with the food-based demonstrations at home, the event organizers are also providing a shopping list ahead of time. (7:30 p.m, $15)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

WATERCOLOR LETTERS FOR SANTA: Step one: pick up your free watercolor kit at The Station at Riverdale Park between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Step two: back at home, set up your kit and tune in to the live online workshop with local artist Serena Martin at 4 p.m.. If you can’t make the live session on Saturday, don’t worry — it will be recorded and participants can learn (or relearn!) the workshop afterward. (4 p.m., FREE) 

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND: On Saturday, stretch your legs at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Va. To mark the holiday season, the Gardens are hosting a “Winter Walk of Lights” on most evenings through January 3. Get some fresh air and enjoy holiday lights up close — all while staying socially distant. (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, Va., 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; $9 – $16)

FOREST BATHING: Enjoy the benefits of being outside by attending a guided forest bathing with the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA). Forest bathing — or Shinrin-Yoku — is a therapeutic meditative practice where participants experience nature and the outdoors through meditation. Benefits can include lowered blood pressure and heart rate and, per FONA, “hitting the reset button on life.” (United States National Arboretum, 2400 R St. NE, Washington, DC, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., $35)

FINDING RHYTHM: This Saturday, Finding Rhythm, an upcoming children’s album from Growing Brains Productions, is hosting a live-streamed party for the whole family. The project is supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and aims to connect neuroscience with original music inspired by the District’s own go-go scene. Audiences can expect an interactive event, live conversation with the cast, and the premiere release of their new single. (3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., FREE)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

NOTORIOUS RBG: On Sunday, local nonprofit and popular Meetup group Washington, DC History & Culture is taking audiences on a deep-dive into the life of late District resident and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Led by Robert Kelleman, the event will take local audiences on a virtual tour of the “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” Although this is a free event, since it is occurring on a private Zoom link, space is limited. (12 p.m., FREE)

PLANT POP-UP: Two local plant moms created their business, Grounded, as a way to help isolated communities relieve stress during the pandemic. They offer both one-time plant purchases and plant subscriptions, and on Sunday, they’ll be hosting a pop-up at the LINE DC hotel in Adams Morgan. Budding or established plant parents can choose from new and old arrivals, including 10-inch and 12-inch floor plants. (The LINE DC, 1770 Euclid St. NW, Washington, DC, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.)

THE WASHINGTON CHORUS: At 3 p.m., tune in for the third and final day of The Washington Chorus’ A Candlelight Christmas. The event will be live and broadcasted from the Music Center at Strathmore and will feature a socially distant chorus with festive accompaniments including organ and bells. As a bonus, audiences will also receive an on-demand streaming version of the concert that can be viewed between December 21 – 31. (3 p.m., $15)

WINTER SOLSTICE REVELS: This Sunday, the Washington Revels are celebrating the winter solstice with a virtual event that can be live-streamed from the comfort of your home. The Revels, a nonprofit performance organization, have been in the District for over 30 years, and although this year’s winter festivities are virtual, their event promises to be as festive as ever. Expect singalongs and other musical performances from (and for!) audiences of all ages. (7 p.m., $35)