Get Out: Candlelight Christmas, End of the World Parties, and More

If you aren't already fully-scheduled this weekend with holiday parties, holiday shopping or holiday wrapping, here are a few local events that might fit the bill.

1. The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas

When/Where: Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Why Go: The Washington Chorus will get you in the holiday spirit with "Christmas classics, sing-alongs, theatrical lighting, and the glorious candlelight processional," according to the program description.

Price: Varies from $32 to $70, subject to availability.

2. Zoo Lights

When/Where: Friday through Sunday 5 to 9 p.m. at the National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Why Go: See the zoo in a whole new light, with fun, colorful light displays throughout the zoo, holiday music, zoo tubing, hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps and other seasonal drinks and snacks (for purchase), and more.

Price: Free to see the lights. (Parking is $9 for members and $16 for non-members.)

3. Go to an End of the World Party

When/Where: Time and locations vary. We found events at The Front Page Arlington and Spider Kelly's in Clarendon. HuffPost DC put together a list of happenings in the district.

Why Go: Party like it's Dec. 21, 2012? All of the holiday stress could be for naught if Earth is obliterated by a mystery planet. NASA says everything will be OK. But just in case, have one for us.

Price: Individual cover charges vary. Beyond that, cost is limited only to your imagination.

4. Last Train Home at IOTA Club & Cafe

When/Where: Two shows: 9 p.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Saturday at IOTA Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

Why Go: Support live music! From the band's website: " 'One of the country's most formidable roots-rock bands.' That's the assessment of Nashville's Tennessean newspaper about Last Train Home. And while roots-rock is at the heart of LTH's sound, don't overlook the country, bluegrass, swing, blues, folk, pop, and Tin Pan Alley influences you'll find if you lend this band an ear. What began as a part-time band in Washington D.C. back in 1997 has evolved into an acclaimed full-time touring group based out of Nashville."

Price: $14

5. Go Ice Skating Outside

When/Where: The Georgetown waterfront ice rink or the Pentagon Row rink in Arlington. Hours vary.

Why Go: Get in some exercise while you get into the holiday spirit. Both rinks are close to shopping: two birds, one stone.

Price: Varies by location.

• Georgetown — $9 for adults, $7 for children, seniors and military members. Skate rental is $5.
• Pentagon Row — $8 for adults, $7 for children under 12 and seniors 55 and older. Skate rental is $3.