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Deets: Join the Capitol Riverfront BID for 12 days of festive activations and programming throughout the neighborhood that will have the local community and visitors across the DMV alike mixin' and minglin' all season long.
All programming will be open to the public—some free and some ticketed—with proceeds going to local charities and neighborhood businesses. We made the list, now check it twice and discover some holiday magic in Capitol Riverfront this season!
***Please note masks are required for those not vaccinated.***
Day 1: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 8, at the Canal Park Ice Rink (200 M St. SE) from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Kick off the most wonderful time of the year with a CapRiv annual tradition of lighting the holiday trees in Canal Park! Guests will enjoy free skate rentals, live music from Crush Funk brass band, a live DJ, a hot chocolate bar compliments of Novel South Capitol, and a cozy outdoor lounge above the ice rink where adults can imbibe in mulled wine. This event is free and open to the public - skate admission ticket required for rink entry.
Day 2: "Holiday Hop" Launch
Thursday, December 9, virtually on the Capitol Riverfront Instagram through Tuesday, December 23
Residents and visitors can work their way around the neighborhood according to the "Holiday Hop" Punch Card released on the Capitol Riverfront Instagram to enjoy seasonal menu items from local restaurants. Players can document each featured item they enjoy via Instagram to be entered to win a $100 gift card (one drawing each week) to a featured neighborhood restaurant. Try 10+ options to be entered to win a $200 gift card grand prize. All are invited to participate & win.
Day 3: Holiday Drive-in Movie - The Muppet Christmas Carol
Friday, December 10, at The Stacks (101 V St. SW) from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm (gates open at 5:30 pm)
Hop in your sleigh (or car) and layer up in your best ski lodge gear or warmest "ugly holiday sweater" to head over to The Stacks at Buzzard Point for some festive holiday drive-in movies! Movie-goers can secure their spot at a cost of $20 per car per movie, and all proceeds will be donated to DC Central Kitchen. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.
Day 4: Caroling Christmas Trees
Saturday, December 11 & 12 at Half St. SE and N St. SE
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! The corner of Half Street SE and N Street SE in the Ballpark District will come alive the weekend of December 11-12 with clusters of Christmas trees along the street and carolers performing holiday classics both Saturday and Sunday evening. Also featuring a can't-miss Letters for Santa mailbox for kids and kids-at-heart to drop off their wishes for the year. Visit Half Street to see and sing along, drop off your letters to Santa, and enjoy specials from restaurants along the corridor.
Day 5: The Jolly Jog
Sunday, December 12, starting at Yards Park (355 Water St. SE) from 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Pacers Running for a holiday-themed fun run around the Riverfront! This event is free and open to the public, but please REGISTER HERE.
Day 6: Ugly Sweater Skate Night
Monday, December 13, at the Canal Park Ice Rink (200 M St. SE) from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Take your best ugly holiday sweater for a spin around the Canal Park Ice Rink! Enjoy festive holiday music from a local DJ and free skate rentals. This event is open to the public - skate admission ticket required for rink entry.
Day 7: Holiday Greeting Card Reveal
Tuesday, December 14, at Steadfast Supply (301 Tingey St. SE)
Season's Greetings! Looking for the perfect card to pair with your holiday gifts this season? The Capitol Riverfront BID has partnered with Van Ness Elementary School's master artists to create seasonal custom greeting cards inspired by each young artist's version of a neighborhood winter wonderland. Shop the cards (and other gift-worthy goods!) at Steadfast Supply beginning on Tuesday, December 14 through the holiday season. All proceeds from these cards - $10 per five-card bundle - will be donated to Van Ness Elementary PTO.
Day 8: “Light up the Night” at Light Yards
Wednesday, December 15, at Light Yards (355 Water St. SE) from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bundle up with family and friends to check out the annual larger-than-life Light Yards art installation at The Yards and pick up a signature "12 Days of CapRiv" peppermint pine-scented candle from the Capitol Riverfront tent plus enjoy hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and Sip 'n Shop specials from local shops and restaurants. This event is free and open to the public.
Day 9: “Toast to the Holidays” Cocktail Crawl
Thursday, December 16, at various locations from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Get in the holiday "spirits" with this festive cocktail crawl throughout Capitol Riverfront featuring full-size libations from All-Purpose Pizzeria, District Winery, La Famosa, Stadium Sports Bar, and Tap99 PLUS a take-home signature ice mold for whipping up your own cocktail creations at home. Tickets are $20 and include five drinks plus take-home ice mold. LEARN MORE AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Day 10: Holiday Drive-in Movie - Love Actually
Friday, December 17, at The Stacks (101 V St. SW) from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm (gates open at 5:30 pm)
It's date night at the drive-in! The Capitol Riverfront BID will be showing Love Actually on the big screen. Movie-goers can secure their spot at a cost of $20 per car per movie, and all proceeds will be donated to DC Central Kitchen. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.
Day 11: "Jingle Jam" at the Capital Turnaround (Masks Required)
Saturday, December 18, at Capital Turnaround (770 M St. SE) from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Capital Turnaround is opening its doors for an evening of community fun! See the space decked out for the holidays, and enjoy crafts, holiday portraits, and a special performance by the U.S. Marine Band brass ensemble. This event is free and open to the public, but please REGISTER HERE to reserve your seat for the performance.
Day 12: Photos with Santa
Sunday, December 19, at The Salt Line (79 Potomac Ave. SE) from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Big Man himself will be making a special appearance in Capitol Riverfront a few days early this year to take pictures with kiddos and fur-babies alike that made it onto the nice list! Each $10 ticket includes a photo and a complimentary warm drink from The Salt Line. All proceeds will be donated to St. Baldrick's Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
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