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

Downtown D.C.'s annual holiday market returns with more than 100 vendors, live performances, festive foods, cocktails, photo opps, and lots of activities. Wander the stalls with a raclette, a pile of hot cheese and bread, in hand and scoop up all the gifts you have to buy.

A new holiday market just off Dupont Circle with booths from more than 30 small businesses, sweets, and live performers each night. Expect classic D.C. holiday treats like hot roasted nuts from Capital Candy Jar and mini doughnuts from Migue's. When you're done browsing the booths, head to Dupont Circle to enjoy your treats. 

"Macbeth" is the ultimate tale of the price of greed, power, and betrayal. Now it's Washington National Opera's turn to look at how absolute power corrupts absolutely through Verdi's soaring arias and massive ensemble pieces. Baritone Étienne Dupuis makes his WNO debut in the title role, and soprano Ewa Płonka takes on the role of Lady Macbeth. Put on your best threads, and settle in for a night at the opera.

The touring company of "Six," a concert-style singoff between six of Henry VIII's wives, returns to the District through Broadway at The National. Settle in and learn the stories—and endings—of Anne Boleyn, Catharine of Aragon, Anna of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Parr.

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. 

Start your enginges, Formula One fans! F1 Arcade DC, a gaming space in Union Market dedicated to Formula One racing, is hosting watch parties for the sport's Las Vegas Grand Prix race this weekend. Watch drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and Max Verstappen zoom through the streets of downtown Las Vegas on big screens, eat and drink, and enjoy a live DJ and performers. When you're in the mood to try racing yourself, take a seat in the arcade's race simulator seats to see how you might brave those turns.

Note that this is a late night/early morning; doors open at midnight, the race starts at 1am, and activities are available until 3am.

It’s always a treat when stars take the stage in D.C. Emmy and Tony Award-winner John Leguizamo stars in a play he penned himself about how a Colombian-Puerto Rican laundromat owner deals with his flagging business and family secrets that surface after his son returns home from a mental wellness facility.

Legendary improv troupe The Second City brings some Black joy to the Woolly Mammoth Theatre with this new show. Expect songs, laughs, sketches and comedy in this show developed exclusively for the theater. 

Start your Saturday mornings off right with a 60 minutes of guided yoga in a gallery adorned with stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany (yes, that one).

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.