Christmas Eve & The Week Between

Art, music, and celebration—the kind that brings people together and reminds you why you love this season.

Did you know there’s a full-time comedy club just a short drive from Potomac and Bethesda? Neither did The Good Week. This event pairs a Police Academy screening with a live appearance from Michael Winslow, the man behind Larvell Jones and those spot-on sound effects many Gen Xers will instantly recognize. A genuinely fun find for a New Year’s outing that feels a little different.
→ Revisit a comedy classic

Traditional jazz sits at the foundation of American music, and this relaxed afternoon session makes it easy to experience that history up close. Hosted by the Potomac River Jazz Club, musicians gather to play classic styles inside an old-school Italian restaurant that suits the music perfectly. Expect familiar standards and live improvisation in a setting designed for listening, not rushing. Jammers and students are welcome to play or sing at no charge. $10 for PRJC members and $15 for non-members.
→ Catch a classic jam

This historian-led talk looks beyond the simplified story to examine the real life of Josiah Henson. It traces his years enslaved on this very property, his self-emancipation to Canada, his work on the Underground Railroad, and his role as an author and public speaker whose life helped shape Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Hearing this history in the place where it unfolded adds context that can’t be replicated elsewhere. $5.
→ Explore the history

Set at a family vacation home in the Berkshires, Close Ties follows three generations of the Frye family as long-held roles and assumptions begin to shift. Written by Elizabeth Diggs, the play blends humor and tension to explore what holds families together when familiar dynamics start to slip. Produced by Rockville Little Theatre, one of the area’s long-standing community theater companies. $24.
→ Spend an evening at the theater

This annual exhibition brings together nearly 700 works of fine art created at a dramatically small scale. Paintings and sculptures are reduced to a fraction of their original size, with detail so precise that magnifying glasses are encouraged. A different way to experience art that rewards slowing down and paying attention.
→ Look closer

Good flavor, better company — places worth lingering as the year winds down.

This is the kind of night that gives you a reason to text a friend and get out the door. A guided painting session anchors the evening, with plenty of time for conversation, food, and drinks. All materials are provided, and the focus is on showing up, trying something new, and enjoying the company as much as the canvas.
→ Paint with friends

Spend the afternoon learning how fine chocolate is made, then roll up your sleeves to create ganache, chocolate bark with your choice of toppings, and molded chocolates using cocoa butter transfers. You’ll head home with chocolates you made yourself, plus a few extra treats from Chouquette. $65.
→ Make something sweet

Chef Christine comes to you with groceries in hand and leads your group through a calm, hands-on cooking experience where everyone has a role. You’ll learn practical techniques along the way, then sit down together to enjoy what you’ve made. A great fit for book clubs, birthdays, or friends who want an evening centered on food and conversation.
→ Cook with confidence

🥂 Still Available for New Years

Commonwealth Indian – N. Bethesda
A special New Year's Eve menu with live violin music.

Bacchus of Lebanon – Bethesda
Regular menu on New Year’s Eve, with a belly dancing performance at 8:30 PM.

Summer House Santa Monica – N. Bethesda
New Year’s Eve at Summer House runs all day with seasonal specials, festive drinks, and holiday treats from the Cookie Bar.

Ways to move, connect, and shake up the rhythm of the season.

If your mental image of parkour is Michael Scott "parkouring" through the office, this is a calmer, more considered take. These adult classes focus on guided movement and steady progress, so navigating obstacles feels achievable and fun. You'll leave having vaulted over things you'd normally walk around—and feeling lighter on your feet than when you walked in.
→ Jump in

Krav Maga builds confidence in a way few workouts do. These intro classes combine full-body training with straightforward self-defense skills designed to work under pressure. You’ll practice effective strikes, escapes from common holds, and clear responses through repetition and movement, building strength, awareness, and confidence along the way. It’s a demanding workout with a clear purpose, rooted in skills meant to hold up outside the gym.
→ Try an intro class

This Wednesday morning class focuses on moving with intention and waking up the body gently, without pressure to keep up or get it perfect. The instructor offers modifications throughout, so everyone can work at their own pace. It’s a calm, consistent way to start the day and carry that steadiness into whatever comes next. Registration required. $108 for the series.
→ See class details

Creative detours that use your hands, curiosity, or a little courage.

Curious about salsa but not sure where to begin? These newcomer classes ease you into the movement from the first song, with clear instruction that builds comfort and confidence as the weeks go on. You’ll learn the foundations of salsa, get a feel for related styles, and practice in a welcoming group where everyone is new together. Over time, the dance clicks, and saying yes to a salsa night feels like a natural next step.
→ Reserve your spot

Mondays, Jan 5–26, 10 AM–12 PM | Bender JCC, Rockville

A four-week introduction to American Mah Jongg for true beginners. The class walks through the basics step by step, with time for questions and conversation built in, so the game starts to feel familiar rather than overwhelming. By the end, you’ll be comfortable joining casual games and have a new, easy reason to get together midweek. $115 (members)/$125 (non-members).
→ Learn a classic game

A weekly drop-in improv workshop built around theater games that get you laughing, thinking fast, and responding in the moment. You'll practice trusting your instincts and building on what's happening around you—skills that show up in conversations, group settings, and anywhere you need to think on your feet. Half-price sample class available if you want to test it first. $240 for the series.
→ Say yes and…try a class

Two-hour evening sessions where you work through hand-building, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing with guidance from a skilled instructor. Beginners focus on foundational skills while returning students refine techniques and explore specific forms. A calm space to get your hands muddy and find a rhythm after a long day. $225/month. Intro class available to try before committing.
→ Try a class

Classes begin early February | Montgomery College, Rockville

Learning a language changes how you experience places and people. These community classes meet regularly through the semester, starting with the basics and moving steadily toward real conversation. It’s a structured, low-pressure way to keep learning week to week, whether you have a specific trip in mind or just want to spend time doing something mentally engaging. Courses are offered in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.
→ Explore language classes

Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.

Ongoing | Locust Grove Nature Center

Spend an hour watching winter birds visit feeders while contributing observations to a nationwide tracking project. Drop in once or return whenever it fits your schedule—no commitment, just quiet time outdoors and the chance to learn what's stopping by.
→ Watch the feeders

A small, neighborly market anchored by Chicano Sol, a certified organic family farm. You'll find vegetables, fruit, eggs, poultry, cheese, and seasonal plants, all fresh from a farm run by a family of four who work the land themselves. An easy Saturday morning reason to step outside.
→ Visit the market

Ways to give back, support local causes, and make the week a little brighter for someone else.

Flexible volunteer opportunities focused on connection—from friendly phone calls and rides to tech help and simple errands. A meaningful way to support neighbors who want to keep living independently and well.
→ Offer help close to home