The best things to do in Washington, D.C. this weekend

Celebrate the holidays with this annual nationwide cocktail popup. Black Whiskey is hosting this year's D.C. outpost and serving tropical holiday drinks every day until the early morning. Love that Santa merman mug? You're in luck, because the fun drinking vessels are available to purchase, too. 

Ever wondered what could've happened to Juliet had lived after her romance with Romeo? This jukebox muscial from the creator of "Schitt's Creek" gives an answer to that inquiry. This show, which is visiting The Kennedy Center on tour, gives literature's most famous tragic heroine a second lease on life and love, and features a huge ensemble of dancers and singers belt pop songs like The Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" and "Roar" by Katy Perry.

Celebrated multidisciplinary artist Suchitra Mattai uses beads, textiles, and objects to interrogate identity, history, and memory. The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts her first solo exhibition in the District, which consists of paintings, collages, sculptures, and her signature huge textile installations displayed alongside other works from South Asia and Europe. Together, the works are meant to get visitors to think about the juxtapositions between East and West, history and myth, and old and new. 

From the 1600s-1800s, Londoners held frost fairs when the River Thames froze in the wintertime; they sold food and drinks, watched performances, shopped, and played games. This year, the Folger Shakespeare Library is holidng its own Frost Fair, complete with festive decorations, holiday performances, free popup history lectures, games, photo stations, shopping, and even a printing press demonstration. 

The Smithsonian National Zoo's annual lights exhibition is back this year November 22-January 4. Wander the zoo with a hot holiday drink and take in spectacular holiday light displays, live music performances, nighttime games, and plenty of holiday treats like eggnog and holiday cookies. (Note that the animals aren't involved in this event and are fast asleep while this is happening).

If you want to ice skate without braving D.C.'s winter temperatures, head to the National Building Museum. The DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular is a popup synthetic (indoor!) ice rink that's taking over the massive Grand Hall until January 4. Skating is free, but skate rental is $5 if you don't have your own. The skate schedule is broken into blocks with special times for famiiles, kids, and adults to take over the rink, too. 

There are plenty of theme nights on the schedule: December 21 is Madonna and Lady Gage, December 23 is Mariah Carey night, December 27 is Beyonce skate time, and the Washington Capitals "Rock the Rink" theme night is from 5-7pm on December 28.

An annual tradition at the charming Keegan Threatre, "An Irish Carol" is an original work by playwright Matthew J. Keenan that's a reimagining of "A Christmas Carol" with an Irish twist. This time, famously unfestive Ebenezer Scrooge is David, the wealthy owner of a Dublin pub who has lost touch with himself and his humanity as a result of his greed. Will visits from past and present figures change him before it's too late?

The comedian, writer, and host of HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver hits The Kennedy Center for some standup. Grab your tickets, because the show is a limited engagement and was so popular it had to add extra dates. 

The U.S. Botanic Garden's annual holiday exhibition features festive light displays, model trains snaking through outdoor gardens, poinsettias, and D.C. landmarks made entirely from plants. Stroll through the garden with a coffee or hot chocolate from the cafe, then stop by the gift shop to buy a botanically-themed goodies on the way out. The display is open November 28-January 5.

When it comes to ice skating with a backdrop of iconic scenery, New York has Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center, and D.C. has the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Nestled among the National Mall's museums, the outdoor rink opens for the season Saturday, November 23 until March 2. 

When weather permits, skaters of all skill levels can whiz by sculptures by noted artists like Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, and Louise Bourgeois. Grab a hot chocolate or coffee from the rink's cafe and show off your moves. Tickets cover two back-to-back, 45 minute skate sessions. 

The first special presentation to grace the galleries at the Folger Shakespeare Library after its major renovation, this exhibit is a look at the life and work of Esther Inglis, one of the most influential woman artists you may never have heard of. Inglis, who was alive from about 1570 to 1624, is best known for her detailed decorated mini books, some of which are only about the size of a deck of cards—and many of which are now on display at this new exhibition, which you can view for free. Take a look at Inglis' intricately detailed works and illustrations, and learn more about the social and political environment that drove her to create. 

Ever wanted to get up close to some of film’s most famous cars? The International Spy Museum is now giving us non-special agents a peek at the vehicles by the most famous spy in the world. This collection of 17 pieces features cars, submarines, motorcycles, and more, plus lots of props and scale models used to bring 007 to life.

Every Sunday, Shop Made in DC makes space for crafters of all kinds to set up shop at its two locations (Saturdays take place at Union Market, Sundays in Georgetown). Bring whatever project you’re working on, or sit at the community table stocked with art supplies and let your mind wander.