Georgetown Merriment Changes Tactics

Photo by M.V. Jantzen.

On the first weekend in December for the last two years, the Georgetown BID has closed off a portion of Wisconsin Ave. above M St. and hosted a holiday street fair. While the first year suffered from incredibly cold and windy conditions, last year the weather was more favorable and the event appeared to be establishing itself as a fixture in the calendar.

Sadly, the tradition was short lived. The businesses decided that the event did not have enough of a pay-off at the cash registers to justify the cost of such a large event.

But they’re not giving up on the Merriment idea. Rather than focus on a single large event, the BID has stretched the fun out twelve days, starting this weekend.

Here’s the lineup of events:

Merriment in Georgetown Kick-Off Party
Saturday, December 10th, 1 – 4pm
PNC Bank Lot at Wisconsin & M Street

12 – 4pm

Complimentary pedicab rides from Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom metro stations to Georgetown

1pm & 1:50pm

Georgetown University’s a cappella group — The Georgetown Phantoms

1:25pm

Fruitcake Eating Contest
Chance to win fabulous prizes! To register for the contest emailevents@georgetowndc.com.

2:15pm

“Don’t Forget the Lyrics” Holiday Style contest
Chance to win fabulous prizes! To register for the contest emailevents@georgetowndc.com.

2:30 – 3:45pm

Live Band Holiday Karaoke

1 – 4pm

Enjoy Gourmet Cocoa Tastings

• Bring a donation for Goodwill and receive an “I Shop Georgetown” tote bag (while supplies last)
• Gingerbread House Making contest hosted by the Georgetowner Newspaper
• Meet pets from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue hoping to be adopted into a new home
• Wear your most hideous, outdated or downright silly holiday sweater and receive a tote bag or Georgetown water bottle — your choice (while supplies last)! Plus, a chance to win fabulous prizes. Finalists and winners picked at 3:45pm.
• Plus, 11 more days of festive holiday shopping events and promotions at over 50 stores and restaurants.

Friday, December 9 – Tuesday, December 20

• Discounted parking throughout Georgetown! $2 flat rate at select garages and lots when you present a Georgetown receipt of $50 or more at our Retailer Checkpoints. Click here for details.
• $5 Shopper Relief Cocktails and dining specials
• Capital Bikeshare Riders Rewards
• Get pampered this holiday season with champagne, mini makeovers and more!

Saturday, December 10, 10am – 7pm

• Deck the Hills … Book Hill that is! Holiday events and specials in Book Hill.

Sunday, December 11, 1pm

• Cider, cookies and a movie! Get into the holiday spirit with the screening of “Dr Seuss‚ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Letelier Theater, 3251 Prospect St.

Wednesday, December 14, 5 – 9 pm

• Shop for Him Night at participating businesses.

Thursday, December 15, 5 – 9 pm

• Shop for Her Night at participating businesses.

Friday, December 16 – Tuesday,
December 20, 5 – 9 pm

• Last-Minute Gift Ideas — pre-wrapped , discounted, under $50, and more!