Recommended DC
Recommend is in our name. So we recommend stuff to do in and around Washington, D.C.
We recommend events based on the following:
Free = Free
$ = <$20
$$ = >$20
All Ages = Bring the kids, prices vary
We also recommend concerts. Check those out at Recommended DC: Concerts.
December 21
Free –The Christmas Martian and Nuttiest Nutcracker at DC9
Why doesn’t ever bar program weirdo Christmas movies? 7 p.m., 21+, no cover
December 22 – January 4
A special menu at the best museum restaurant in DC.
December 23
Free, All Ages – The Magic Flute at National Gallery of Art
The NGA film programming is as good as it was pre-pandemic. Enjoy the 1975 Ingmar Bergman version of the famous opera. 2 p.m., all ages, free
Through December 25
$ – Hanukkah Bar at Ivy & Coney
Theme bars got a bit out of control at the end of the last decade. Very few are must-visits. The Hanukkah Bar at the best bar in Shaw is one of the few must-visits. Festitivities begin December 1 and run through December 25 with Chinese food and movie day. It’s most popular week is, you guessed it, Hanukkah week. Go for the latkes, sufgani-shots (jelly donuts in shot form), and Manischewitz. Regret using the ShotNora. Feel slightly better since all proceeds from the sale of kosher wine to HIAS for their work helping refugees across the globe. 5 p.m Monday through Friday, Noon Saturday and Sunday, lighting of the Hanukiyah at approximately 7 p,m. December 7 through December 14, 21+, no cover
Through December 30
$, All Ages – Zoolights at Smithsonian National Zoo
It sucks that this is no longer free but it’s still extremely reasonably priced and you get to wander the zoo in the dark and that’s always nice. 5 p.m., all ages, $6
Through January 7
Free, All Ages – Georgetown GLOW
Who would’ve thought the most affordable way to enjoy holiday lights was in Georgetown? This somewhat frequent light show is ideal for the family that would prefer to walk a neighborhood in the city rather than drive to the suburbs and stay in their car to see shiny lights. 5 p.m., all ages, free
Through March 3
$, All Ages – National Gallery of Art ice rink open
It’s difficult to find a more picturesque spot to ice skate in D.C. 11 a.m., all ages, $12 13+, $10 12 and under, $6 skate rental
Mondays
$, All Ages – Burger night at The Runaway and Slash Run
The best burger deals in DC. It’s an even better deal during happy hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Kid friendly too. 5 p.m., all ages, prices vary because burgers vary
Wednesdays
Free, All Ages – Storytime at Hirshhorn
I’ve attended with an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old. It’s better for the 3 and up set. If you’re not in school, consider a weekday morning in a museum. 10 a.m., all ages, free
Saturdays
Free, All Ages – Art Cart at Hirshhorn
Another fantastic museum activity for the younger set. If you’re able to make it to the Mall relatively early on a weekend, it’s hard to find a better way to spend a Saturday morning. 10 a.m., all ages, free
If you’re interested in what we’ve recommended in the past, check out the Recommended DC Archive.
Recommend If You Like is not owned or funded by a billionaire or even a millionaire. We do have a Patreon. If you can’t afford to become a patron, please sign up to our mailing list. It’s free and we’re asking here instead of a pop-up. Pop-ups are annoying.