With the holidays officially over with that final swig of sparkling white wine that passed for champagne, you might just want to lie low this weekend. But what’s the fun in that? Life is short, get out before the next snowstorm dampens our spirits. Five things to do this weekend. Saturday: NHL Winter Classic at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse
Though not as big as the NFL, NBA or MLB, the NHL has some really good ideas. Maybe the best of these is its annual Winter Classic — a New Year’s Day hockey game played outdoors. This year, our very own Washington Capitals head to Pittsburgh to face off with the dreaded Pittsburgh Penguins at Heinz Field. Numerous bars will feature this matchup between the two best players in hockey, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, including the Drafthouse on its big screen. Free, 1 p.m., doors at noon. Check out arlingtondrafthouse.com for more info.
The opposition: The Tortoise & Hare in Crystal City, an otherwise fine establishment with good food and drinks and friendly service, has a Pennsylvania allegiance. They’re showing the Winter Classic, too, but Penguins fans may be more comfortable. tortoiseandharebar.com.
Saturday: New Year’s Day Brunch at Beacon Bar & Grill
What better way to shake a New Year’s Eve hangover and welcome in 2011 than with a fine meal? Lots of places will be offering New Year’s Day brunches, including Beacon Bar & Grill in D.C. On Saturday, enjoy the restaurant’s champagne buffet brunch, with mimosas, Bloody Marys and, yes, fine bubbly. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $30.95. Check out capitalhotelswdc.com for details.
More brunch: Many other places are offering brunch on New Year’s Day, including the Crystal City Sports Pub. Just $12.99 for adults, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and you can catch the aforementioned NHL Winter Classic at 1 p.m. ccsportspub.com.
Sunday: Drink & A Movie at the Black Cat
The folks at the Black Cat kick off this series of films and cheap drinks on Sunday with a wonderfully awful double feature. Enjoy “Troll” and “Showgirls” along with $3 shots. Free, backstage, doors at 8:30 p.m. For information, visit blackcatdc.com.
Hangover Party: On Saturday, DC9 is throwing a Liberation Dance Party, hangover edition. No cover, open bar from 9 to 10 p.m. dcnine.com.
Through Sunday: “A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s Theatre
Sometimes after a night out, nothing is better than just sitting a bit and watching some good entertainment. That could be some ridiculously named college bowl game or live theater. Catch the classic “A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s before the show ends its run Sunday. Tickets and showtimes vary. Visit fords.org for details.
Sold out, but still: “Every Tongue Confess” starring Phylicia Rashad at Arena Stage ends its run Sunday as well, but it’s sold out. Maybe you know someone?
Through Sunday: The Kinsey Sicks in “Oy Vey in a Manger”
The copy on the Washington Jewish Community Center’s Web site says that the Kinsey Sicks is “America’s favorite Dragapella Beauty-Shop Quartet.” Sold. Get ready for some laughs and a lot of shtick. A great way to wrap up the holidays. Showtimes vary. Regularly priced tickets range from $35 to $60. washingtondcjcc.org
Next at Theater J: “Return to Haifa” opens Jan. 15.
