MONDAY, DECEMBER 28
FOR THE BIRDS: Break out your binoculars, it’s time for the Christmas Bird Count in Loudon County. Sign up to participate in this annual event, started by the National Audubon Society in 1899. Select any time period that works for you, either a few hours or the whole day. Families are welcome! (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., FREE)
MOVIE TIME: If you’ve got some extra time this week, check out this latest offering from the Avalon, Mayor. The movie chronicles the real life of Musa Hadid, the Christian mayor of Ramallah. During his second term, Hadid works to beautify the city he’s in charge of, a place many residents will never be able to travel far from, as he works to discover, how do you run a city when you don’t have a country? (Ongoing, $12)
FLY HIGH: The National Cathedral’s newest art installation, “Les Colombes,” is hoping to provide what so many of us need as we head into 2021: Hope. Artist Michael Pendry has placed thousands of paper doves through the Cathedral’s nave, which you can experience online. There are even instructions to make your own paper doves at home if you’re feeling inspired. (Ongoing, FREE)
MORE:One Team Scavenger Hunt National Mall Washington D.C. (Puzzling Adventures, 10 a.m., $19.99), The Nutcracker Virtual Experience: Clara’s Christmas Eve Dream (The Washington Ballet, $2.99)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
TAKE A HIKE: Take advantage of the warmer weather by heading out for a short road trip to hike Sugarloaf Mountain. There are paths for a casual wander, and steeper inclines for the rock climbers among us. If you make it to the top of the 800-foot summit on a clear day, you can see four states and the District. (Ongoing, FREE)
TURN IT UP: Crank it up to 11 and get ready to enjoy Signature’s Vinyl program, featuring 19 of the theatre’s best performers belting out favorites like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” and “Up on the Roof.” Snuggle up and stream the concert, which was filmed around D.C., and sing along if you’d like. (Ongoing, $25)
FUN ON FOOT: If you’re looking for something to do this week, consider booking a private walking tour of a favorite District spot. Free Tours by Foot is offering guided walks for private groups between three and nine people; you can pick from locations like Eastern Market/Barracks Row or Roosevelt Island. Plan to wear your face mask during your two-hour jaunt. (2 p.m., $26 per person)
MORE: Full Moon Forest Bathing (A Greener Mind, 6 p.m., $40), Explore from Home (Montgomery Parks, Ongoing, FREE)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30
RUN TURKEY RUN: Sneak out for a long lunch today — we’ll never tell. Pick up a curated food bundle from Grand Cata At La Cosecha, like this cheese and charcuterie bundle, and head out to Turkey Run Park in McLean for a picnic lunch. Enjoy the views of the Potomac during what is for many the slowest work week of the year. (11 a.m., $40)
SUGAR PLUM FUN: Gather your littles and get ready to enjoy some puppet magic by streaming this performance of The Nutcracker from Glen Echo’s The Puppet Co. Enjoy the 32nd annual puppet-filled performance of Tchaikovsky’s tale, complete with a nursery rhyme spin. (Ongoing, $12)
MORE:Pre-New Year’s Eve Virtual Speed Dating – Speed Date in the Comfort of Your Home! (Professionals in the City, 8 p.m., $20), The Passionate Thief (AFI, 9 a.m., $12)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
BOOK PICK: If you’re having a quiet holiday, why not log online at Noon for a chat with Librarian Twitter? Just follow @dcpl and throw out a query along with the hashtag #AskaLibrarian. Then you can hit up your favorite local bookstore to grab the tome that’s gonna take you right into 2021. (12 p.m., FREE)
DRIVE IN: Get out of the house (but stay in your car) and head to the Drive-In Concert Experience at First Night Alexandria. Watch an on-screen fireworks display set to music, and be entertained by an Earth, Wind, & Fire tribute band, and the Clean AF comedy group, too. (6:30 p.m., $60)
ORDER UP: Ringing in the New Year may be a smaller celebration than usual this December 31, but you can still dine in style. Online delivery shop Neighborhood Provisions has a host of options, including Red Apron’s charcuterie board, BellFest and Iron Gate Eggs in Purgatory, and even caviar service. Order by Wednesday, December 30, for pick up or delivery on the 31st. (Order by Wednesday, Prices Vary)
MORE:Noon Year’s Eve at the B&O (B&O Museum Railroad Museum, 10 a.m., $25 for adults, $16 for children), Sound Off Thursdays: Silent Headphone Experience (Allure Entertainment, 6 p.m., FREE)
