22 Things to Do in December

From craft pop-ups and couch sing-alongs to holiday lights displays, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

“backstory,” 48×36, Joseph Cortina
Joseph Cortina, “Backstory”

Vertical Interval and Beginningless Endless

When: Dec. 9-Feb. 20

Where: McLean Project for the Arts, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean

Staged in the McLean Community Center’s Emerson Gallery, Vertical Interval: New Works is a collection of physical and digital landscapes by McLean artist Joseph Cortina. In the Atrium Gallery, Beginningless Endless features pieces inspired by artist Shanthi Chandrasekar’s background in psychology and physics. Admission is free.

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Photo By Kazuo Ota On Unsplash
Kazuo ota on Unsplash

BalletNova’s Forty and Fabulous Fundraiser

When: Dec. 12 & 13

Where: Online

BalletNova students won’t be staging a live, in-person performance of The Nutcracker this year, but the dance studio is presenting a “motion picture” experience (viewable for a $40 donation) of its dancers that “party guests” can view as many times as they like over the course of 48 hours. Increase your donation to receive BalletNova swag, classes and even specially delivered meals made by the studio’s artistic director. $40-$5,000.


Photo By Drew Coffman On Unsplash
Drew Coffman on Unsplash

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long

When: Dec. 5 & 19

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Where: Online

Wolf Trap normally hosts an in-person holiday sing-a-long concert with instrumentals provided by the United States Marine Band. This year, you can tune in from home with cocoa in hand. The concert venue will be streaming two different free performances on two dates.


Rebecca Rivas Rogers, Working Drawing (green Tape), 2018
Rebecca Rivas-Rogers, Working drawing (green tape), 2018

Arlington Arts Center: SOLOS 2020

When: Through Dec. 19

Where: Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd. (Virginia Square)

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This contemporary exhibit at Arlington Arts Center features a range of mixed-media works reflecting on the mood of our time. Featured artists include Tara Gupta, Kim Llerena, Rebecca Rivas-Rogers, Anne Clare Rogers, Constance Simon and Heidi Zenisek.  Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Masks and physical distancing required. Admission is free.


Photo By Engin Akyurt On Unsplash
engin akyurt on Unsplash

Hanukkah/New Year’s Virtual Mixology Lesson

When: Dec. 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom

Join the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia on the last night of Hanukkah for a tutorial on how to make your own festive libations. Instruction provided by Made to Measure Cocktails owner Cary Greene. Participation is free, but registration is required.


Photo Courtesy Of George Washington S Historic Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Historic Mount Vernon

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

When: Dec. 18-19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: George Washington’s Historic Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

Why wait until the new year to take in a fireworks show—especially when you can behold a display choreographed to holiday music? Dress warm and wear your mask to see this annual spectacle over the Potomac River. Tickets $20-$22.


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