’Twas the weekend of solstice and, leaving your house,
You knew to buy presents before getting soused.
EAT
Bona Saturnalia
What: Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a winter solstice dinner, wine pairings, and live bluegrass.
Why: Bona fide fun.
When: Thurs., 7 p.m.
Where: Equinox, 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, b/t H & I Sts. (202-331-8118).
Feast of the Seven Fish
What: Traditional Italian Christmas Eve feast, complete with fritti di mare, lobster and cuttlefish ravioli, and pesce al forno.
Why: Warm your sole.
When: Fri., 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat., 5-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 5-9:30 p.m.
Where: Dino, 3435 Connecticut Ave. NW, at Ordway St. (202-686-2966).
BUY
Terra
What: The new Dupont Circle shop is filled with books from Assouline, Shyla cashmere throws, and jewelry by Pianegonda.
Why: Hit the ground running.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 1706 Connecticut Ave. NW, b/t R & S Sts. (202-232-8581).
Holiday Open House
What: Check out artisan crafts from Peru, Ghana, Cambodia, and elsewhere, plus live music and plenty of tasty snacks.
Why: We are the world.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Pangea, 2121 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, at 21st St. (202-872-6432).
DO
Community Service Day
What: Volunteer to visit children in hospitals, prepare meals for soup kitchens, and deliver gifts to homeless shelters.
Why: ’Tis better to give than to receive.
When: Christmas Day.
Where: Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW, at Q St. (202-518-9400 ext. 3565). Register online.