Latest Events in Washington D.C.(December Updated)

Prepare for an evening of laughter and entertainment at the New Years Comedy Jam: Bruce Bruce, Nephew Tommy, Luenell & Red Grant, hosted at the prestigious DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC on December 28, 2024. This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable night featuring some of comedy’s most celebrated talents. With the charismatic Bruce Bruce, the witty Nephew Tommy, the hilarious Luenell, and the dynamic Red Grant, the line up guarantees an unparalleled comedic experience. This remarkable gathering offers a perfect blend of humor and entertainment to ring in the New Year in style. Early ticket reservations are encouraged to secure a spot at this must-attend event. Don’t miss the New Years Comedy Jam, an extraordinary evening in Washington, DC, that promises to deliver laughter and memories to cherish.

Artificial lights have become such a common nighttime fixture that we take them for granted. But what do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? The effects of light pollution extend beyond our reduced view of the stars, but solutions can have an immediate impact. Through more than 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why the dark night matters, rekindle your connection to the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?

Experience the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration at the prestigious Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. Presenting the NEW YEAR’S EVE CIRQUE du 2025 INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL GALA, this extraordinary event promises an unforgettable night filled with multiple amazing talents, captivating cirque performances, and live bands, including the renowned 7 Deadlies. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you witness a plethora of international acts and the beloved mascots Teddy and Abe from the Nationals. Choose from four ticket options, including the VIP Royalty White Glove Admission, VIP Presidential Admission, General Admission, and Late Night Reduced Admission. Group rates are available, and special rates are offered for active military personnel. For more details, please email events@thingstodoDC.com. Join thousands of attendees from around the world as we welcome 2025 with a truly global celebration. Explore fifteen international themed celebrations in four separate ballrooms, featuring exclusive cirque performances, live bands, and a salute to multiple countries. Indulge in a fully stocked open bar, a midnight champagne toast, and a spectacular midnight balloon drop. Dance the night away with D.C.'s best DJs, enjoy karaoke, and be entertained by strolling performers. Take home party favors and cherish caricaturist drawings. Experience the African dance show, the Chinese lion dance, the Mexican fiesta, and the live Irish dance show. Take advantage of incredible hotel room rates and enjoy white glove service with VIP options. With many bars and stations strategically placed to prevent long lines, you can fully immerse yourself in the festivities. And don't miss the opportunity to celebrate the New Year with the Washington Nationals' beloved Presidents, Teddy and Abe, as they race into 2025 alongside thousands of fans. The Omni Shoreham Hotel has been the preferred choice for world leaders, celebrities, and corporate titans visiting Washington D.C. It has hosted major inaugural balls and international formals and functions since its inception. Known for its excellent reputation, fast service, and positive reviews, the Omni Shoreham Hotel guarantees an unforgettable night. Embark on a journey around the world without leaving the luxurious Omni Shoreham Hotel. With four ballrooms and at least twenty unique international celebrations representing twenty nations, you can choose the atmosphere that suits your preferences. Whether you desire the high-energy excitement of New York City and Hollywood, a Bastille Day Celebration combined with a 21st Century Euro scene, or the chance to dance side by side with historical presidents, this event has it all. Join us for a special New Year's Eve celebration that includes performances from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Dublin, Munich, and internationally famed Cirque performers. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience at the NEW YEAR’S EVE CIRQUE du 2025 INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL GALA.

K-POP IdolsStray KidsAnnounce 20 New Shows in Latin America, North America, Europe, and the UK! The highly anticipated Washington Stray Kids World Tour will be held at Nationals Park on June 23, 2025.

Enjoy powerful portraits by one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits looks at a renowned American photographer and how he forged a new mode of portraiture after World War II. Parks merged the documentary photographer's desire to place his subjects where they lived and worked with the studio photographer's attention to clothing, persona, and expression. In doing so, he believed he could create portraits of individuals who embodied their cultural significance. He applied this approach to American icons like boxer Muhammad Ali and conductor Leonard Bernstein, as well as Harlem gang leaders and Detroit couples, revealing the humanity and cultural dignity of each individual. Drawing primarily from the Corcoran Collection, this exhibition features approximately 25 portraits created by Parks between 1941 and 1970. Explore Parks' innovations in portraiture through some of his most famous photographs. Learn how his portraits tell larger stories about the Civil Rights Movement, the African American experience, and American culture.

Paris at the end of the 19th century witnessed profound social, cultural and physical changes. Political and military conflicts led to widespread destruction of the city. At the same time, industrialization and new technologies such as the railway transformed residents' experience of urban space. Women were increasingly present in public life and tourism was expanding. The city in which the Impressionists lived and worked was changing. Artists responded to this moment in many ways: some sought refuge in tradition, while others embraced new ways of seeing. This selection of around 40 photographs and prints from the National Gallery Library shows us the world of the artists and artworks on display in Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment. These archival objects offer a glimpse into a city and art market at the cusp of modernity.

Learn about some of the most celebrated Haitian artists of the 20th century. In the mid-1900s, art flourished in Haiti, the world's first black republic. Painters such as Hector Hypolite, Rigaud Benoit, and Philome Aubin became internationally renowned for their depictions of Haitian daily life, religious traditions, and history. Their work influenced generations of African American artists. Several members, including Lois Mailou Jones and Eldzier Cortor, traveled to and worked in Haiti. Spirit & Strength is the first opportunity to see 21 works by Haitian artists recently donated by the National Gallery of Art. Learn about modern Haitian art and experience extraordinary creations by some of the most prominent artists in Haitian history, as well as works by artists building on the present day. Learn about Haiti's significant but underappreciated importance in African diaspora culture through its art.

Women’s leadership in music and social change is central to the American story. From our earliest musical encounters to the formation of complex social identities, the American musical landscape would not be what it is today without the countless contributions of women changemakers, groundbreakers, and tradition-bearers. Music HerStory explores these contributions through unique media collections from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, the Center for Folklife and Culture Heritage, and around the Smithsonian. Notable women featured include Ella Jenkins, Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Lucy McKim Garrison, Queen Liliʻuokalani, and Dolly Parton.

The 1970s was a decade of uncertainty in the United States. Americans witnessed soaring inflation, energy crises, and the Watergate scandal, as well as protests about pressing issues such as the Vietnam War, women’s rights, gay liberation, and the environment. The country’s profound upheaval formed the backdrop for a revolution in documentary photography. Activism and a growing awareness and acceptance of diversity opened the field to underrepresented voices. At the same time, artistic experimentation fueled the reimagining of what documentary photographs could look like. Featuring some 100 works by more than 80 artists, The ʼ70s Lens examines how photographers reinvented documentary practice during this radical shift in American life. Mikki Ferrill and Frank Espada used the camera to create complex portraits of their communities. Tseng Kwong Chi and Susan Hiller demonstrated photography’s role in the development of performance and conceptual art. With pictures of suburban sprawl, artists like Lewis Baltz and Joe Deal challenged popular ideas of nature as pristine. And Michael Jang and Joanne Leonard made interior views that examine the social landscape of domestic spaces. The questions these artists explored—about photography’s ethics, truth, and power—continue to be considered today.

This holiday season, ZooLights transforms the Smithsonian’s National Zoo into a captivating winter wonderland. Now in its 16th year, this annual holiday light spectacular invites visitors to stroll through festive pathways and enjoy immersive displays that bring the Zoo to life in dazzling color. Highlights include glowing lantern animals showcased in stunning habitats, nightly live musical performances, and family-friendly rides such as the train and the Conservation Carousel. Guests can savor seasonal treats, both sweet and savory, and find unique holiday gifts at the Asia Trail, Panda Plaza, and Great Cats stores. Event Schedule: • Week 1: Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 24 • Week 2: Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 1 • Week 3: Friday, Dec. 6 – Sunday, Dec. 8 • Week 4: Friday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 15 • Week 5: Thursday, Dec. 19 – Monday, Dec. 23 • Week 6: Thursday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Dec. 30 • Week 7: Friday, Jan. 3 – Saturday, Jan. 4 Special Member Nights are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5; Thursday, Dec. 12; and Thursday, Jan. 2. Please note that ZooLights does not include animal exhibits. All indoor animal spaces will be closed to allow the animals to rest undisturbed. Proceeds from ZooLights directly support animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This festive celebration is an essential part of the holiday season, offering a unique and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

Witness the rich history of Jewish Washington on December 25th with the captivating "History of Jewish Washington - Christmas Day Walking Tour." Led by esteemed guide Ami Greener from Off the Mall Tours, this enlightening tour delves into the remarkable contributions made by Jewish-Americans to the city's heritage. Immerse yourself in the stories of influential Jewish Washingtonians as you explore the Judiciary Square and Gallery Place neighborhoods. Uncover intriguing facts such as the first US president to visit a DC synagogue while in office and the significance behind his generous $10 donation. Delve into the fascinating tale of the first synagogue in DC, which was designed with wheels. Learn about the historic synagogue that narrowly escaped being transformed into a nightclub. Discover the pioneers who were the first Jews to reside in this burgeoning city on the Potomac. Embark on this captivating 2-hour journey, commencing in front of Hillel International on H and 8th street NW, Washington DC. The tour concludes in front of the esteemed Capital Jewish Museum. For those interested in exploring the museum alongside Ami at the end of the tour, kindly reach out to him at ami.greener@gmail.com to secure an accurate reservation. Immerse yourself in the enthralling history of Jewish Washington on this special Christmas Day walking tour. Join Ami Greener and uncover the remarkable stories that have shaped the city's Jewish heritage.