Join the Capitol Riverfront BID for 12 days of festive activations and programming throughout the neighborhood that will have the local community and visitors across the DMV alike mixin' and minglin' all season long.

 

All programming will be open to the public—some free and some ticketed—with proceeds going to local charities and neighborhood businesses. We made the list, now check it twice and discover some holiday magic in Capitol Riverfront this season!

 

***Please note masks are required for attendees at indoor events, and at outdoor events for those not vaccinated.***

Kick off the most wonderful time of the year with a CapRiv annual tradition of lighting the holiday trees in Canal Park! Guests will enjoy free skate rentals, live music from Crush Funk brass band, a live DJ, a hot chocolate bar compliments of Novel South Capitol, and a cozy outdoor lounge above the ice rink where adults can imbibe in mulled wine. This event is free and open to the public - skate admission ticket required for rink entry.

 

 

Residents and visitors can work their way around the neighborhood according to the "Holiday Hop" Punch Card released on the Capitol Riverfront Instagram to enjoy seasonal menu items from local restaurants. Players can document each featured item they enjoy via Instagram to be entered to win a $100 gift card (one drawing each week) to a featured neighborhood restaurant. Try 10+ options to be entered to win a $200 gift card grand prize. All are invited to participate & win.

 

 

Hop in your sleigh (or car) and layer up in your best ski lodge gear or warmest "ugly holiday sweater" to head over to The Stacks at Buzzard Point for some festive holiday drive-in movies! Movie tickets are now free with a donation encouraged. All proceeds will be donated to DC Central Kitchen. SIGN UP HERE. 

 

 

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! The corner of Half Street SE and N Street SE in the Ballpark District will come alive the weekend of December 11-12 with a forest of Christmas trees along the street and carolers performing holiday classics both Saturday and Sunday evening. Also featuring a can't-miss Letters for Santa mailbox for kids and kids-at-heart to drop off their wishes for the year. Visit Half Street to see and sing along, drop off your letters to Santa, and enjoy specials from restaurants along the corridor.

 

Caroling between 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

 

 

Join Pacers Running for a holiday-themed fun run around the Riverfront! The jog will end at La Famosa where participants will be welcome to enjoy a complimentary coffee and pastry. This event is free and open to the public, but please REGISTER HERE. 

 

 

Take your best ugly holiday sweater for a spin around the Canal Park Ice Rink! Enjoy festive holiday music from a local DJ and free skate rentals. This event is open to the public - skate admission ticket required for rink entry. 

 

 

Season's Greetings! Looking for the perfect card to pair with your holiday gifts this season? The Capitol Riverfront BID has partnered with Van Ness Elementary School's master artists to create seasonal custom greeting cards inspired by each young artist's version of a neighborhood winter wonderland. Shop the cards (and other gift-worthy goods!) at Steadfast Supply beginning on Tuesday, December 14 through the holiday season. All proceeds from these cards - $10 per five-card bundle - will be donated to Van Ness Elementary PTO.

 

 

Bundle up with family and friends to check out the annual larger-than-life Light Yards art installation at The Yards and pick up a signature "12 Days of CapRiv" peppermint pine-scented candle from the Capitol Riverfront tent plus enjoy hot cocoa from Kilwins, holiday cookies from RASA, and Sip 'n Shop specials from Steadfast Supply. This event is free and open to the public.

 

 

Get in the holiday "spirits" with this festive cocktail crawl throughout Capitol Riverfront featuring full-size libations from All-Purpose Pizzeria, District Winery, La Famosa, Stadium Sports Bar, and Tap99 PLUS a take-home signature ice mold for whipping up your own cocktail creations at home (limit to the first 125 people). Tickets are $20 and include five drinks plus take-home ice mold. LEARN MORE AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

 

 

It's date night at the drive-in! The Capitol Riverfront BID will be showing Love Actually on the big screen. Movie tickets are now free with a donation encouraged. All proceeds will be donated to DC Central Kitchen. SIGN UP HERE. 

 

Day 11: "Jingle Jam" at the Capital Turnaround (Masks Required)

Saturday, December 18, at Capital Turnaround (770 M St. SE) from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm 

 

Capital Turnaround is opening its doors for an evening of community fun! See the space decked out for the holidays, and enjoy crafts, holiday portraits, and a special performance by the U.S. Marine Band clarinet choir. This event is free and open to the public, but please REGISTER HERE to reserve your seat for the performance.

 

 

The Big Man himself will be making a special appearance in Capitol Riverfront a few days early this year to take pictures with kiddos and fur-babies alike that made it onto the nice list! Each $10 ticket includes a photo and a complimentary warm drink from The Salt Line. All proceeds will be donated to St. Baldrick's Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE