It's not even Thanksgiving and D.C. is already embracing winter... maybe reluctantly after Friday's intense snow. But this weekend you'll find the National Gallery ice rink open, winter lights, National Habor's ICE! and many other events are kicking off the holiday season.
Also check out:
— Free and cheap things to do in Maryland, Virginia and D.C.
— Great music coming to D.C.:
DC's Best Upcoming Concerts: Diana Ross, Beck u0026 More
Here are our top picks for your weekend:
Winter Wonderland
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
ICE! featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas
Through Jan. 1, National Harbor
National Harbor's wintertime wonderland is taking inspiration from Charlie Brown this year. Bundle up and check out colorful ice sculptures, ice slides, walk-through attractions and a full Nativity scene. Tickets are discounted when you buy in advance online. On Value Days, including Friday, Nov. 16, tickets start at $32 for adults. On General Admission days, including most Saturdays and Sundays, tickets are $38 for those over 12 and $31 for kids over 4 years old.
LightUP Fest at One Loudoun
Through Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., One Loudoun Center in Ashburn, Virginia
The One Loudon Center went all-out this year, bringing in more than a million lights building a Chinese-style pagoda, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. You'll find 77 different installations, as well as performances each night from acrobats, dancers and musicians, food available for purchase and hands-on activities including calligraphy, portrait sketching and rice carving for all ages.
Photos: LightUP Fest Brings 1 Million Lights to Loudoun County
Winter Igloos at The Watergate
Throughout winter, 4 p.m.to 11 p.m., The Watergate Hotel
Reserve a cozy igloo on the rooftop of the hotel to hang outside with your friends over food and drink.
You'll Melt for The Watergate's Cozy Rooftop Igloos
Many rinks across the area are letting skaters lace up. Here's a full list.
Note: Due to rough weather, the National Gallery of Art ice rink will open on Monday, Nov. 19.
Weekend Events
DC Cocktail Week
Through Sunday, various restaurants and bars
Dozens of D.C. restaurants are offering specials on a paired cocktail and snack. Doi Moi has a Thai tea and ginger beer-based drink paired with a Laotian-style pork belly dish for $15; Whaley's has three options, including one with dessert, starting at $10 and if you're near National Harbor, Jose Andres' FISH is serving a margarita with a shrimp cocktail for $30.
Hopi Tribal Festival
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian
The Hopi Tribe from northeast Arizona will be honored through an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. Dance performances, demonstrations of silversmithing, carving and weaving and a number of historical talks are scheduled. For the kids, there are crafts and storybook readings.
Rodarte Exhibit
Through Feb. 10, National Museum of Women in the Arts
The work of sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy within their luxury fashion house Rodarte is on display. The exhibit showcases more than 90 looks in runway-ready presentation. Tickets to the NMWA are $10 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Teens and kids 18 and under can enter for free.
Nature's Best Photography
Through September, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Tour five continents of wild animals and scenes on the second floor of the Natural History Museum. This year's can't-miss winning shot from Nelis Wolmarans captures a mother gorilla holding a baby as she sleeps.
World Press Photo Exhibition 2018
Through Nov. 25, 2018, Dupont Underground
Catch some of the best photos taken over the last year in large format and projected versions in Dupont Circle's unique underground venue.
ARTECHOUSE New Nature by Marpi
Ticketed Daily through Jan. 13, 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C.
The interactive art space's newest exhibit takes you outside. Timed tickets cost $15 for adults.
Artechouse's 'New Nature' Exhibit in DC Gives a High-Tech Look at the Outdoors
Your Friday
Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
Friday, 7:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center
Vikki Tobak joins a panel and special guests to discuss her new book, which explores the history of hip-hop through photos. Scheduled guests include Chuck D, DJ Adrian Loving, Ernie Paniccioli, Janette Beckman, Danny Hastings, Fab 5 Freddy, Barron Claiborne and Rhea L. Combs. Tickets are $35.
The Dollop podcast
Friday, Nov. 16, The Lincoln Theatre
The Dollop dives into a unique aspect of American history on every episode. Hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds are in D.C. for a live taping; tickets start at $35.
Your Saturday
"Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama"
Saturday, Capital One Arena
Tickets for Michelle Obama's stop to promote her book "Becoming" in D.C. have long been sold out, marking the huge buzz the former first lady's U.S. tour is getting.
National Take a Hike Day
Saturday
Take some time to revisit your favorite local hike, or check the weather and strike out to Old Rag. Just be sure to check the forecast and with the park authority to make sure it's safe after Thursday's snow. We have some tips for a successful Old Rag hike:
Do's and Don'ts: Hiking Old Rag Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Your Sunday
Strangers On A Brunch- Hitchcock Brunch
Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Slash Run
Nothing pairs better with brunch than a classic Alfred Hitchcock film.
