This weekend, the Folger Consort is performing pieces from their album, a Medieval Christmas. In-person and virtual options are available.

Unsplash / Larisa Birta

FRIDAY DECEMBER 10 

MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS: Starting this Friday, the Folger Consort is hosting “an intimate program revisiting its beloved album, A Medieval Christmas. The concert will include carols (in English) from the Middle Ages and medieval carols (in Latin). Concert-goers can experience the show in-person at St. Mark’s Church and virtually on-demand. (St. Mark’s Church or Virtual; 8:00 p.m. or on-demand; $50 in-person, $20+ on demand)

CUFFING SEASON: If you’re on the market, head to metrobar in Edgewood for their aptly-named Singles Tracking Dating Event. Participants can expect to mingle with other singles in the region courtesy of some planned games and ice breakers. (metrobar DC; 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; FREE)

SPACE ART: On Friday, head to National Academy of Sciences to catch “Reflections on a Tool of Observation: Artwork Inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope by Tim Makepeace.” Makepeace is one of several artists commissioned by NASA to create pieces inspired by the telescope. When the telescope itself launches into space on December 18, it will surpass Hubble as the most powerful space telescope. (National Academy of Sciences; 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; FREE)

DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Kick off your weekend at Buzzard Point by attending a holiday-themed drive-in movie as part of the “12 Days of CapRiv”. This Friday, the movie of choice is The Muppet Christmas Carol — and vendors will be onsite selling provisions including hot chocolate and popcorn. If you can’t get enough, head back next week to catch Love Actually. (The Stacks; 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; FREE with suggested $20 donation)

MORE: VIVA VIDA Presents: An Afternoon with Bossa Nova (Concept 31/M; 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; FREE); The Christmas Revels, An American Celebration of the Winter Solstice (The Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park; 7:30 p.m.; $20+); The Heavyweights Comedy Show Presents: Jason Weems (Lost Origins Gallery; 8:00 p.m.; $10). 

Angèle Kamp
This weekend, bring something small and homegrown, homemade, or responsibly foraged to SlowDC’s swapping event. Unsplash.com / Angèle Kamp

SATURDAY DECEMBER 11

HOLIDAY SPIRITS: Imbibe the tonic of the season. Starting on Saturday, Figleaf Bar & Lounge is hosting their Boozy Brunch With Santa. Expect a special menu with sweet and savory options complete with “a decadent beverage offering.” Can’t make it on Saturday? Don’t worry – the experience will be offered through December 20. (Figleaf Bar & Lounge; Reservations open from 11:00 – 1:30)

SWAP: This weekend, Slow Food DC is hosting a Holiday Food and Starter Swap. Here’s how it works: swap-goers bring a small amount of their homemade creation to trade with a neighbor at Cleveland Park Library. According to the organizers, “as long as it’s homemade, homegrown, or responsibly foraged” it’s ready for the event. (Cleveland Park Library; 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $5 donation encouraged)

MATERIAL THINGS: This Saturday, Material Things Studio is hosting their first-ever “Holiday Extravaganza” Event-goers can expect a kids activity by Mausi & Little Bear KinderCare, “Natural Wine education,” food, drinks, and material goods ranging from sculpture to prints, ceramics, breads, and textiles. (Material Things Studio; 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; $10 suggested donation)

MORE: Harlem Renaissance in DC by Off the Mall Walking Tours (Tour begins at Howard’s Theater; 3:00 p.m.; $15+); Ugly Sweater Karaoke Party at metrobar (metrobar DC; 6:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.; FREE); Cool Yule with Integriti Reeves (Kentlands Mansion & Arts Barn; 8:00 p.m.; $20+); “A Klezmer Hanukkah” with Seth Kibel and the Kleztet (McLean Community Center; 7:00 p.m.; $15+)

Ilyuza Mingazova
This weekend, head to National Landing for the inaugural Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition. Unsplash.com / Ilyuza Mingazova

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12

MISSION MOCHA: Warm up this weekend by engaging in the Peppermint Mocha Latte Competition. Starting at 11:00 a.m., local coffee shops in National Landing will be “putting their skills to the test and see who has the best seasonal drink in the neighborhood.” Participating shops include The Freshman, and Origin Coffee Lab & Kitchen, and Commonwealth Joe — and competition-goers can expect Live DJ and free samples. (National Landing; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; FREE)

POP-UP: On Sunday, Van Ness Main Street is hosting their annual Holiday Pop-Up Market. Now in its sixth year, the event will take place in two locations —  5010 Connecticut Avenue and 4340 Connecticut Avenue — and will include a range of vendors, from DC IS MY CITY to Wild Places Prints to Café Medrano. Please note that this event was originally scheduled for Saturday, but has been postponed to Sunday due to inclement weather. (Van Ness; 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

ORIGIN STORY: On Sunday, Profs and Pints DC is hosting Vanessa R. Corcoran (adjunct professor of history at Georgetown University) for a conversation around the origins of the nativity scene. The event will cover the evolution of the scene over the centuries — up to how it is debated and politicized today. Think: Nativity scenes in public space; or churches placing cages around the scenes in a call for immigrant justice. (DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern; 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; $12.72+)

TUBA TUBA: Head to Leesburg this weekend for a tuba performance fit for the holidays. The “Tuba Christmas” event features an hour of musicians from across the region — and it will take place in front of the “Wish Tree,” an interactive tree that raises money for Loudoun Hunger Relief. (Village at Leesburg; 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. FREE)

MORE: Ben Palmer (The Comedy Loft DC; 6:00 p.m. doors, 7:00 p.m. show;  $20); A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Eric Byrd Trio (The Hamilton Live; 5:30 p.m. doors, 6:30 p.m. show; $14.75); Coquito Master Class with La Famosa and Cotton & Reed (Cotton & Reed; 1:00 p.m.; $82.69); Historic Alleyways by Off the Mall Walking Tours (Tour begins at 909 M Street NW DC; 2:00 p.m.; $15+).