13 things to do in the D.C. area the weekend of Dec. 15-17

Friday, Dec. 15

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: George and Martha Washington greet guests this weekend at Mount Vernon, which has been festively decorated for the holidays. Practice 18th-century dances, learn how colonial artisans made chocolate and sip hot chocolate or cider around a bonfire. Local choirs perform throughout the estate, and a fireworks show is choreographed to holiday music. 5:30 to 9 p.m. $24-$34. 

GRUMP Holiday Market at ZooLights: The National Zoo's festive ZooLights display is a holiday tradition for families, but this year, it's also a place to pick up last-minute gifts. The Crystal City-based GRUMP holiday market is popping up near the Zoo's Connecticut Avenue entrance Friday through Sunday, with vendors selling locally made jewelry, clothing, prints, cards, chocolate and home decor. Different artisans will be featured each day, but Saturday's lineup of 16 vendors is by far the largest. Through Sunday. 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission.

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Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Learn a new dance called the “Frosty Shuffle” at Step Afrika!’s family-friendly holiday step show, an annual tradition at Atlas Performing Arts Center. Before the performance by the percussive dance company begins, kids can gather in the lobby to make instruments so that they can make music, too. There will also be photo ops with furry characters and a chance for audience members to join the dance party. Through Dec. 30; some performances sold out. 7:30 p.m. $18-$45.

Drink the District Wine Festival at the Park View: The holiday edition of the Drink the District festival is “Mistletoe and Merlot”-themed, with unlimited samples of more than 100 wines. Sommeliers will roam the Petworth festival answering questions, and a chef will demonstrate food and drink pairings. While you’re tasting your way through rosés and sampling cheese, you can get some shopping done, too. There will be a Drink the District store with bottles for sale and a marketplace featuring gifts made by D.C. artisans. Through Saturday. Various times. $30-$99.

Last weekend of Winterfest at Wunder Garten: This is the final weekend for Wunder Garten's winter pop-up festival, so it's pulling out all the stops. In addition to the fire pits, hot toddies and markets, the calendar includes the Night of 1,000 Santas Dance Party, where guests are encouraged to dress as St. Nick while dancing to a DJ (Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.) and pet photos with Santa (Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m.). If you still need to pick up a Christmas tree, you can do so at a tree lot on site. Opens Friday at 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at noon. Free.

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'The Little Prince' at the Kennedy Center: The Washington National Opera has made a family holiday opera part of its annual season. This year, it’s the return of “The Little Prince,” composer Rachel Portman’s adaptation of the beloved book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which the company says is best for children ages 6 and older, and their parents. One of the performances (2 p.m. on Saturday) is sensory-friendly. Through Sunday. Times vary. $45-$65.

Saturday, Dec. 16

'Festival of Mics: A Hanukkah Celebration' at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue: Take the stage at Sixth and I backed by the karaoke band HariKaraoke to sing Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah Song — or “Sweet Caroline,” if that’s more your speed. Besides karaoke, there’s a make-your-own latke bar and Hanukkah drinks. 8 p.m. $15-$18.

Georgetown Glow Winter Wonderland: The District’s oldest neighborhood takes a modern approach to holiday lights: Georgetown Glow is a month-long outdoor light-art exhibition, inviting artists from around the world to illuminate entire blocks with neon installations. On Saturday, shops and restaurants along Wisconsin Avenue near the Georgetown Library will offer discounts and special activities, including music and photos with Santa. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

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Holiday Pop Off at Town: DJ Chord spins holiday dance anthems and pop hits all night at Town — think Madonna's “Santa Baby,” Kelly Clarkson's “Underneath the Tree,” the ubiquitous “All I Want for Christmas is You” — after the club's weekly drag show. 10 p.m. $15 before midnight, $12 after. 

Record Rats at Rhizome: Whether you're shopping for someone special or just trying to find a new holiday party soundtrack, there's a good chance you'll find what you're looking for at Rhizome's second record fair. Shop vinyl from Som Records, Joe's Record Paradise, Red Onion Records and other vendors while listening to guest DJs. Noon to 5 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

Model train display at the College Park Aviation Museum: Train buffs young and old will want to head to the College Park Aviation Museum, where the National Capital Trackers create a display of model railroads, complete with tunnels, depots and villages. And after enjoying the train display, check out the aircraft at the historic airfield, which was founded in 1909. Through Dec. 23. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $2-$5.

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Sunday, Dec. 17

Rock-N-Shop at the Black Cat: Find one-of-a-kind gifts when the Black Cat open its doors to local crafters, record dealers, junk sellers and more for the club’s 20th “rock-n-roll garage sale.” Combine a night out with some crunchtime holiday shopping, particularly for the loved ones on your list who are obsessed with vintage Ts and records. One thing’s for sure: The soundtrack for the 14th Street club’s Rock-N-Shop is going to be way better than the music at the mall. 7 p.m. Free.

The Joy of Christmas at Washington National Cathedral: The Cathedral's annual choral performance features seasonal songs, including a carol singalong, and a newly commissioned carol by acclaimed British composer Paul Mealor. 4 p.m. $25-$80. 

— Fritz Hahn, Adele Chapin, Chris Kelly and Anne Midgette

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