Before your schedule gets too hectic with finals preparations, spend the last official weekend of the semester sampling delicious food, shopping for holiday gifts or checking out a festive light display.
Visit Dupont Circle’s Heurich House Museum all weekend long for a traditional German Christmas market. Over 40 local vendors will be selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery and chocolate. Admission is $10 and gives you access to both the outdoor market and the museum, which is currently decorated for the holidays.
When: Dec. 2 to Dec. 4 (4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday)
Where: 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, Red Line
The third annual month-long Georgetown Glow light festival kicks off Friday evening, featuring eight illuminated installations along the C&O Canal, Georgetown Waterfront and Wisconsin Ave. The festival is free, and special events will be held throughout the month of December, including a tour of the exhibition on Dec. 8 and a silent disco on Dec. 10.
When: Dec. 2 to Jan. 1, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly
Where: Throughout Georgetown
Take any of the 30 buses from Tenleytown to Georgetown
The Smithsonian’s 2016 holiday festival takes place across eight of the city’s free museums this weekend. The festival features trunk shows, holiday film screenings, musical performances and more. Participating museums include the National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Check the calendar for a full list of museums and events.
When: Dec. 3 to Dec. 4 (check calendar for times)
Where: Various museums
Metro: Varies
MetroCooking DC returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this weekend, featuring restaurant and beverage samples, cooking classes, a marketplace and more. Some well known chefs and food personalities will be making an appearance, including Peter Chang, Duff Goldman and Jacques Pepin. Admission ranges from $10 to $21.50.
When: Dec. 3 to Dec. 4 (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday)
Where: 801 Mount Vernon Place
Metro: Gallery Place, Red Line
Try 11 different types of tamales at Hola Cultura’s second annual TamalFest on Sunday. Community cooks and professional chefs will come together at this popular event to compete for awards with their creations, which are included in the price of your ticket. Churros, hot chocolate and coffee will also be available for purchase. Admission is $15.
When: Dec. 4, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 3101 16th Street NW
Take the H2 or H3 bus from Tenley to 16th Street and Irving Street
