FRIDAY DECEMBER 17

UNION MARKET: Head to Union Market for the first night of their All is Bright Weekend. The celebrations start with a holiday light show at Neal Place on Friday, complete with Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey playlists. Come back later in the weekend for the Gay Men’s Chorus performance and the Full Moon Sound Gong Session Saturday, and Clear Harmonies Carolers on Sunday. (Union Market DC; events begin at 5 p.m..; show at 7 p.m.; FREE light show, prices for additional activities vary) 

NATIONAL LANDING MARKET: On Friday, get in your last minute holiday shopping at the National Landing Holiday Market. The event is in partnership with DCBB Productions, Made in Arlington and Bun’d Up, and will feature food, live music, and vendors from across the region. (National Landing; 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; FREE)

LOVE, ACTUALLY: Unwind on Friday — and stay socially distant — by catching a drive-in showing of Love Actually at Capitol Riverfront. Guests can pick up hot chocolate, candy, and other provisions on site — and are also encouraged to order carry out from any of the 60 nearby neighborhood restaurants. (The Stacks; 6:30 – 9 p.m.; FREE, with $20 donation encouraged)

SIPPIN’ CITY: On Friday, CityDance is hosting a dance class focused on learning the choreography of Janet Jackson’s”Rhythm Nation” music video — with an optional glass of wine for some liquid courage. The class will be taught by Kaitlin Madzelan with both in-person and virtual options available. (CityDance or virtual; 7 – 8:30 p.m.; $20 – $30)

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: This Friday, catch Wilson High School Theatre Department’s performance of Working, A Musical. The show is based on the Studs Terkel book, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do. In the show, workers in various trades use song to explore what drives them — and what frustrates them — in their work. (Wilson High School; 7 p.m.; 5.57 per child, $15.93 per adult)

WASHINGTON CHORUS: They’re back! This weekend, head to the Music Center at Strathmore to catch “A Candlelight Christmas” performance by the Washington Chorus. The show will be accompanied by brass and organ and will include an audience sing-a-long. Additional performances will be held at Strathmore and also at Kennedy Center Concert Hall. (Music Center at Strathmore; 8 p.m.; $19)

MORE: SHADOWS ON THE SKY: Winter Solstice Wellness Retreat (Eaton DC; Friday 5:00 p.m. – Sunday 12:30 p.m.; $375 – $550); Christmas with the King’s Singers (Nave; 7:30 p.m.; $25+); FREE FRIYAY Comedy (Upper West Side Café; 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; FREE)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 18

SCAVENGER HUNT: On Saturday, NoVa Parks is hosting a festive scavenger hunt for the whole family. Apparently, organizers say, “Santa’s sleigh broke down and now his helpers are lost somewhere in our park and need rescuing.” Families can check-in at the nature center to receive their scavenger sent before saving Christmas. (Potomac Overlook Regional Park; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. $5 per child)

HOLIDAY DRAG BRUNCH: It’s showtime. On Saturday, visit the Eleanor for a Holiday Drag Brunch to celebrate the season. The show will be hosted by Millie Meringue and will feature Frieda Poussày, Hazel Derèon, and Rose Evergreen. Bottomless mimosas will, obviously, be available. (The Eleanor; Brunch at 11 a.m., Show at 12:30 p.m.; Prices Vary)

EQUAL MARRIAGE DAY: On Saturday, City-State Brewing is celebrating the anniversary of the day same-sex marriage became legal in the District … by hosting actual weddings. Here’s how it works: weddings will be officiated by General Manager Gene Barnett starting at 2 p.m., and will then be held at 15-minute intervals throughout the day. All couples of any orientation are welcome — just bring your marriage license along. (City-State Brewing; 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.; FREE)

RESTAURANT REOPENING: Tonari opened in February 2020, just before it was forced to close due to the pandemic. This Saturday, the Japanese-Italian restaurant from the Daikaya Group is finally opening its doors once again. Feast on Japanese-style pasta and pizza. (Tonari; opens 5 p.m.; Prices Vary)

MORE: Intergenerational Winter Wonderland (Artis Senior Living of Potomac; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; FREE); Holiday Movie Pajama Party (The Boro Tysons; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; $8); 12 Days of CapRiv: “Jingle Jam” at Capital Turnaround (Capital Turnaround; 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; FREE)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 19

SHOWCASE & OPEN MIC: On Sunday, head to WILD DAYS rooftop bar (on top of EatonDC) for an artist showcase featuring musicians, writers, and poets from across the region. After the planned performances, an Open Mic / Jam Session will start on a first-come first-serve basis. The event is hosted by Emergent Seed, a local non-profit that helps emerging creators share their work with new audiences. (WILD DAYS; 5 p.m. performances, 8 p.m. Open Mic / Jam Session; FREE)

MORE: Get The Led Out (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show; $25+)