I spend about $100 a week at Trader Joe’s but it’s pretty much the same unaspiring shopping list every week of yogurt, 4-5 vegetables to roast, a bag of fruit, and two proteins to meal prep. I am in no way a chef.

On occasion though I go to Harris Teeter for more pantry items like the frozen veggies, canned soups, etc.

I definitely would recommend the Hillwood Estate if your family is into decorative arts. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

There should be a few new exhibits in DC around that time including an afrofuturism one at the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Also, the bird house at the zoo will be open—but you will need tickets. There’s a Disney-themed exhibit that will be opening at the American History Museum.

For festivals, besides those mentioned there will be the Georgetown French Market at the end of the month.

The Kennedy Center is having a river themed festival — there’s one performer that makes instruments out of ICE https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/riverrun/

If they enjoy art, I’d recommend going to the Phillips collection. If you can swing tickets, the Glenstone is always a treat too.

Hey OP, I’d follow DCist or 730dc or maybe the District Fray magazine. I hope it helps 🙇🏻‍♀️ I know District Fray sometimes throws parties (?)

Personally I don’t really plan on ever throwing BYT equivalent parties, from what I gathered in talks to BYT, it seems like it was really stressful and usually ticket sales from one party would finance the next (?).

Edit; I honestly have to thank BYT because I stress called them million times planning clockoutdc happy hours and parties and I get the pivot.

I don’t understand how Lutece, Lapis, Moon Rabbit, Maydan, or Thip Khao did not make the top 25 but Le Diplomate did…

I remember in 2011 they used to have the various animal houses open and they also used to have a light show that played regularly on the elephant house as well. I feel like if I recall correctly for a few years they also would instead just have one or two animal houses open and then rotate which ones every few weeks. That being said, back then they didn’t have the nicer lantern-like lights.

By the way, I got a press release email about the tree lighting ceremony:

Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting DATE: Monday, November 28, 5PM LOCATION: Union Station, Washington DC TICKETS: FREE One of Washington’s most popular holiday traditions, the annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, which began in 1997, kicks off the Christmas season with festive music, special guests, and of course, the lighting of the magnificent Norwegian Christmas Tree. This year’s performance line-up includes: tenThing, Wicked Sycamore, Rayshun Lamarr, and East of the River Steelband.