Your D.C. weekend: Spirit championship, Zoo Lights and downtown holiday market
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We're going to the 'ship — and by "we," we mean the Washington Spirit, which faces off against Gotham FC in the NWSL Championship on Saturday.
Why it matters: The match will be in San Jose, California, so Washingtonians need to gather together IRL to show our team love from afar.
State of play: The big game kicks off at 8pm Saturday.
Where to watch:
⚽️ Metrobar: You can hang by the Edgewood bar's fire pits as the match plays on its 20-foot projector (sound on!).
- The game will be on their TVs, too, and you can head to the chalets and railcar if you get chilly. Families welcome!
⚽️ A League of Her Own: The queer women's sports bar in AdMo will have the match on starting at 8pm.
- Swing by for $5 drafts and rail drinks.
⚽️ And several local spots have partnered with the Spirit to play their matches, like Dacha in Shaw and Navy Yard, Bluejacket, Her Diner and Astro Beer Hall.
Plus: The Spirit Sphere — aka a giant soccer ball that fans can sign — will be chillin' at Union Market on Friday, 4-6pm.
More fun weekend events
🎅 The ole holiday standard returns: "A Christmas Carol" is back at Ford's Theatre for another year. (Ticket prices vary.)
🏮 Head to Tysons for the Winter Lantern Festival, where you can stroll through paths of glowing Chinese lanterns, catch an acrobatic show and refuel with sips and bites. (Ticket prices vary.)
🐼 ZooLights kicks off for another glowing holiday run Friday at the National Zoo, with hot cocoa, live music, a train ride for the kiddos and — you guessed it — a ton of neon animals. (Tickets $9)
🛍️ Get your shop on at the Downtown D.C. Holiday Market, which opens Friday with food trucks and over 100 vendors selling gifts for everyone on your nice list (think candles, jewelry, books and more). (Free)
🦃 Help prepare Thanksgiving dishes for those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity with Edlavitch DCJCC and D.C. Central Kitchen via a series of events running Saturday to Monday. ($22 donation required)