The holiday fun continues in the DMV. The first night of Hanukkah was Dec. 14, so eat something. If Christmas is more your thing and you still need a tree, stop by these local sales, and if you need inspiration for decorating it, check out how the experts do it at hotels that go all out (no overnight stay necessary). The way to the heart is through the stomach, right? Pick up some holiday sweets or plan a special holiday meal. Then burn off those calories at a nearby ice rink, including a new one at the Capital One Center in Tysons. Got guests in from out of town? Here are some ways to keep them entertained. If you still need things to do, there are holiday shows, Santa visits galore and lots more. Here’s what’s coming up this week:
Sip and Paint at Alta Strada
Loosen up with a beverage and let your creativity run free Dec. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The $45 ticket includes two glasses of wine or draft beer, a pasta bar and a ceramic light-up snowman for you to customize. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Menorah Lighting at The Boro
In partnership with the Chabad Tysons Jewish Center, The Boro will host a menorah lighting ceremony on the upper promenade near Boro Park on Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Enjoy festive music, latkes, doughnuts and gelt (chocolate coins). 1671 Silver Hill Drive, Tysons
Light Up Arlington
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will host a Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 16, 6 p.m., that includes lighting a 9-foot menorah, plus latkes (potato pancakes), hot cocoa, dougnuhts, gelt (chocolate coins) and dreidels. This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited so registration is required. 1307 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Homo for the Holi-Gays at Arlington Drafthouse
Stand-up comedian Ryan Rogers, founder of the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest, will perform Dec. 16, 7 p.m. This show is intended for audiences 21 and up, although younger viewers may attend with an adult. Tickets are $24 or $30. This week’s lineup at the theater also includes classic holiday films such as Love Actually, Die Hard, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, The Polar Express and the Arlington Drafthouse Holiday Movie Festival. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Wellness Wednesdays @ the Innovation Studio: Qi Gong
Feeling the holiday stress? Decompress with a Qi Gong session Dec. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Met Park. The traditional Chinese practice combines movement with breath work and meditations to balance the “qi,” or “chi.” The class costs $20. 525 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Flip Like a Latke at Flight Trampoline Park
Chabad of Northern Virginia and Chabad of Springfield-Burke will host a Hanukkah-themed jump session Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m. with a menorah lighting, doughnuts and hot chocolate, and door prizes. Tickets are $18 per person ages 2 and up, or $72 max per family. 7200 Fullerton Road, Springfield
Carbon Leaf at The Birchmere
The quintet from Richmond will play two shows to celebrate their 15th studio album, Time is the Playground. The Dec. 19 show is sold out, but tickets are still available to hear their blend of storytelling and folk-infused indie rock on Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $64.55. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Rockabilly Rumble: A Very Rockabilly Christmas at Jammin’ Java
Rockabilly Rumble will bring the noise Dec. 19, 8 p.m. The tribute act featuring D.C. resident Sam Jones will perform holiday hits by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Stray Cats and others. They’re joined by Falls Church singer-songwriter Roxanne Cook, whose music blends folk, jazz and indie-rock influences. Tickets are $21. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
A Holiday Tribute to Elvis Presley at State Theatre
They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and Jesse Garron has been perfecting his impersonation of The King since 1997. Catch his Vegas-style show at the State Theatre on Dec. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.50. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
The Nutcracker at George Mason University
Fairfax Symphony and the Fairfax Ballet present this quintessential holiday tale at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts Concert Hall, with performances Dec. 20 and 21, 4 p.m. Backed by a full orchestra, the production includes original choreography and features guests soloists from the New York City Ballet as the Sugarplum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince. Get tickets here. 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Welcome the holidays with a bang at our first president’s Virginia estate on Dec. 20 and 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fireworks will light the night sky and guests will get to chat with soldiers at an 18th-century winter encampment, meet Aladdin the Camel, and tour the newly renovated first and second floors of George Washington’s mansion. Nosh on fresh-baked gingerbread from resident bread baker Justin Cherry and make s’mores while you take a gander at the goods at the artisan winter market. Tickets are $58; $36 for children ages 6-11. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Sounds of the Season: A Lil’ Maceo Holiday at the Alden Theatre
Get tickets now for this popular show Dec. 20, 7 p.m. featuring saxophonist Lil’ Maceo, gospel violinist Eric Taylor and other engaging artists. This performance sells out every year, according to the McLean Community Center. Tickets cost $40; $30 for seniors; $25 for residents of the MCC district. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Holiday Cheer by the National Chamber Ensemble
The Voce Chamber Singers, winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano Competition, will perform holiday carols and classics on Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45; $25 for students; and free for kids 10 and younger. Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch Host Kids and Family Festival
Shipgarten is hosting a holiday party Dec. 21, noon-6 p.m., that includes meet-and-greets with Santa, Mrs. Claus and The Grinch. Little ones can get their faces painted, make crafts and jump on moon bounces. The festival includes friendly competitions, too, including a Candy Chopstick Challenge and Candy Cane Claw Machine. This event is free and open to the public. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas at the Alden Theatre
The Barter Players present a show about waiting for the birth of a zoo’s first hippo during Christmastime. The hourlong family-friendly adventure takes the stage Dec. 22, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $25; $20 for seniors; $15 for MCC district residents. 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays
Go DIY this holiday season with a little help from the experts at the The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s Innovation Studio in National Landing. On Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., crafters will be on hand to guide you in making supersize snowflakes, fragrant ornaments and garlands, and holiday cards. Take your creations home for free. 525 14th St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Creative Cauldron Presents Madeline’s Christmas
In this delightful musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ picture books, little Madeline must save Christmas after illness prevents her classmates from traveling home for the holidays. Performances run through Dec. 21, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets begin at $20; $18 for students. 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church
The Santa Express
Hosted by the Virginia Scenic Railway, this train ride is all about fun onboard. The immersive experience for families includes four options. The Coach Class and Upper Dome Seating experiences include a holiday cookie and a cup of hot chocolate, plus time with Santa as he makes his way down the aisle. The Table Seating Experience features table service, plated cookies, cocoa or coffee and, of course, Santa time. A few dates are for adults only, when alcohol will be served. Tickets are $51-$76. Check the website for dates through Dec. 28, times and departure locations.