Our lists of festive holiday events and things to do with out-of-towners are still going strong, but a few newly announced happenings deserve a look-see. Here are several that are sure to entertain all ages during the holiday season.
Arlington Drafthouse
Catch a showing of one or more Christmas classics (tickets $8-$10) at this art deco theater and restaurant on the Pike. Stop by Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. for Will Ferrell in Elf and an ugly sweater contest. It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed takes to the screen Dec. 22 at 6:15 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., while Miracle on 34th Street will play Dec. 23 at noon. Munch on Bavarian pretzel sticks, flatbreads, wraps and burgers ($13-$16) while you watch. The 21-and-up crowd can enjoy cocktails ($10) named after movies. Try The Matrix with vodka, coconut rum, peach schnapps, orange juice, pineapple juice and cranberry juice or the Big Lebowski with (of course) vodka, Kahlua and cream. // 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Capitals Winter at the Wharf
The Wharf is rockin’ the red now through Feb. 25 with a Caps-inspired makeover. The ice rink on the water at Transit Pier will have Capitals rink panels and a Caps-themed ice resurfacer, plus a Capitals Cantina bar serving cold beverages. On Jan. 14 and Feb. 17 from noon-4 p.m. and again 6-10 p.m., the rink will welcome a DJ, Caps giveaways and more. (Another option for outdoor skating on the Virginia side of the Potomac: Make a reservation to hit the rink at Westpost/Pentagon Row.) // 760 Maine Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.
Disney’s Encanto x CAMP D.C.
Get ready to talk about Bruno. See Disney’s Encanto come to life inside Tysons Corner Center, where the setting features a real-life casita with secret passages, interactive magic and live music. Expect to spend an hour exploring the home of the fictional Madrigal family. Tickets start at $34. // 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center D.C.
Aspiring builders and engineers can head to the new LEGO wonderland now through Dec. 31 to design and build holiday ornaments and ugly sweaters, search for a hidden LEGO elf, snap photos and participate in a holiday-themed workshop with a master model builder. Tickets to the Holiday Bricktacular start at $25.99. // 6563 Springfield Town Center, Suite 12004, Springfield
Hot Wheels Champion Experience
Also at Tysons Corner Center, this 16,000-square-foot interactive environment drives participants to hit the gas on innovation. Activities include drawing your own car and then seeing it digitally in action, defeating Hot Wheels City monsters on a massive screen and crafting your own tracks. Tickets start at $32 for guests 13 and up or $25 for kids ages 3-12. // 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Santa’s Critters Scavenger Hunt at Potomac Overlook Park
Help rescue Santa’s animal friends who are lost in the park! No reservations are needed. Just show up, pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and start searching. The search is on now through Dec. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $5 per child. // 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington
Sandbox VR at The Boro
Opening Dec. 22, Sandbox VR is a full-body virtual reality entertainment experience occupying more than 7,500 square feet at The Boro in Tysons. Using motion-tracking tech to capture movement and a custom haptic system, it’s designed to make participants feel like they’re starring in their own action movie. Four private rooms can accommodate up to six players at a time. // 1656 Silver Hill Drive, Tysons
Snow Tubing at Gaylord National
Bundle up and head over to National Harbor to slip and slide down the frozen ice lanes of Snow Flow Mountain. Tickets are $25.99 and provide unlimited rides down the hill for racing against family and friends. The Gaylord National’s full lineup of holiday activities, available through Dec. 31, also includes a magical ICE exhibit featuring ice slides, tunnels and scenes made with more than 2 million pounds of ice (plus characters from the television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer); a Cirque-style acrobatic Christmas show; a dazzling lights display; gingerbread house decorating; and a carnival-style snowball stand where kids can test their pitching arms. See website for details, hours and more ticket prices. // 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Maryland
Tribute to Jimmy Buffet at State Theatre
Still searching for that lost shaker of salt or a cheeseburger in paradise? Join Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, for a show commemorating the singer/songwriter who died in September. On Dec. 30 at 8 p.m., parrot heads can sing along to tunes from the Coral Reefer band. Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 on the day of the show, and guests can make a dining reservation for $12. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Winter Lantern Festival
The mesmerizing Winter Lantern Festival is still shining bright at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II through Feb. 18, with more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns and lights. Guests can weave through displays inspired by Chinese myths, legends and zodiacs, and ride illuminated swings, seesaws and other interactive attractions. Tickets are $21.99/adult and $15.99/child. // 5025 Galleria Drive, Tysons