Grab your coat and your warmest hat—This weekend, it's all about staying cozy!

The workweek is coming to a close, which means weekend fun is underway! Get inspired for the season ahead with holiday craft markets, Broadway shows, and even a trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express. They're even better with family and friends!

Here's your weekend roundup for Friday, November 15, to Sunday, November 17.

ZooZOOM 2019

The Maryland Zoo | 1 Safari Place | Baltimore, MD | Sunday

Put on those sneakers—It's time for the Maryland Zoo's annual run! Runners can participate in an 8K or 1-mile run around the zoo (including the new Safari exhibit) and finish with complimentary refreshments. For bonus fun, dress up as your favorite zoo animal! Awards will be presented for the top runners as well as the best costumes. Tickets are $22-$50. Register here!

RENT—20th Anniversary Tour

National Theatre | 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Washington, D.C. | Multiple dates

One of Broadway's most groundbreaking works is coming to D.C.! From November 12 to 17, witness Jonathan Larson's inspiring story of artists making their way in New York City with love, hope, and spirit. The show runs for 2.5 hours with an intermission. Tickets begin at $54. Buy them here!

Fall SymposiYUM

George Mason's Gunston Hall | 10709 Gunston Road | Mason Neck, VA | Friday

Interested in food history? George Mason's Fall SymposiYUM offers informative presentations all about food! Starting at 2:30 p.m., listen to engaging talks on food by scholars and enjoy a demo of 18th-century cooking traditions—samples included! Admission is $35. Check it out here!

Holiday Light Up

Fairfax Corner | 11900 Palace Way | Fairfax, VA | Friday

From 6 to 9 p.m., watch the Christmas tree lighting and enjoy carriage rides, an open bar, and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Bring a toy for the Women Giving Back charity, which helps women and children in need. Admission is free, with carriage rides being $3. Find out more here!

Washington Harbour Ice Rink Opening

The Washington Harbour | 3000 & 3050 K Street NW | Washington, D.C. | Friday

Washington Harbour's Ice Rink is opening for another season! Beginning November 15, guests can grab their skates and twirl around the 11,800-square-foot rink with family and friends for a lovely winter day. The ice rink is open until March 15, 2020, and adult admission is $10. View more here!

ICE! at Gaylord National

Gaylord National | 201 Waterfront Street | National Harbor, MD | Ongoing

It's the holiday tradition of the season! Starting November 15, guests can enter the enchanted landscape inspired by Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas and enjoy laser light shows, ice tubing, and more. The exhibit runs until December 30 and tickets are $25-$33. Order them here!

D.C. Cranberry Crawl 5K and 10K

East Potomac Park | 972 Ohio Drive SW | Washington, D.C. | Saturday

Get outdoors this Saturday with D.C.'s annual Cranberry Crawl! Participants can go at their own pace in a 5K/10K run through East Potomac Park and conclude with cozy refreshments. Winners will be awarded delicious cranberry bread! Registration costs $20. Reserve your spot here!

Torpedo Factory Anniversary Ball

Torpedo Factory Art Center | 105 North Union Street | Alexandria, VA | Saturday

Celebrating between 45 and 100 years as an art hub, join Torpedo Factory for a well-deserved soiree! Experience art installations, film, and music by Good Shot Judy while dining on light refreshments. The tickets are $75. Order them here!

Holiday Craft Show

Fairfax High School | 3501 Rebel Run | Fairfax, VA | Saturday–Sunday

One of Virginia's largest craft markets is back for its 33rd year! Shop unique trinkets including candles, beads, and paintings by artisans across the country, and purchase a delicious meal from participating vendors. Holiday shopping just got a whole lot easier! Admission is $5 or $8 for both days. Find out more here!

The Polar Express Train Ride

B&O Railroad Museum | 901 West Pratt Street | Baltimore, MD | Multiple Dates

The Christmas tale about a boy's trip to the North Pole is coming to life in Baltimore! Relive the magical experience from the story with hot chocolate, cookies, and a special silver bell for each passenger! The ride runs from November 15 through December 1 on select dates, and tickets start at $47. Book your spot here!

What are your weekend plans? Tell us in the comments!

 

Brianna Persons
Brianna is an Oregon native who made her home in the DMV over two years ago. She loves scouting out new restaurants and drooling over Van Gogh’s landscapes in the National Gallery’s East Building. When she isn’t writing for Our Community Now, she’s tackling short fiction and working her baking magic in the kitchen. She resides in Maryland with her husband Nick and their black cat Sable.
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