Through Sunday: One of Broadway’s longest-running shows, “Wicked,” returns to the Kennedy Center for a 3 1/2-week run. The musical is based on a book that reimagines “The Wizard of Oz” and its backstory through the glinty eyes of its witches — one of whom eventually goes green and mean. Elphaba and Glinda’s complex friendship “holds up a mirror to every theatrically intense relationship an ordinary teenager lives through,” according to Washington Post theater critic Peter Marks. The musical runs through Jan. 8 and tickets are $39-$359.

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Through Sunday: The AFI European Union Film Showcase at AFI Silver closes this weekend, starting with a U.S. premiere screening Thursday of the Danish film “Satisfaction 1720,” followed by a reception. But screenings of the 47 films — featuring European hits and award winners — continue through Sunday, including Academy Award selections “Mother” from Estonia, “Sieranevada” from Romania and “Dawn” from Latvia. Go to silver.afi.com for a full schedule of films; tickets are $14.

Through Sunday: A Star Wars prequel that isn’t Episode I, II or III? Sign us up for this weekend, when “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first spinoff movie in the Disney owned franchise, hits theaters. In addition to picking your screen — Imax, 3-D or traditional 2-D — you also can choose where you see the new film based on swag: Alamo One in Ashburn is giving away Mondo-designed “Rogue One” pint glasses for its Thursday screenings; AMC and Cinemark are giving away exclusive posters; and Regal will have collectible Imax tickets for the first showings. For information on screenings and giveaways, go to starwars.com.

Thursday: The annual Ugly Sweater Party at Roofer's Union is an excuse to don your tackiest holiday apparel and sip 20 local seasonal brews, including rare offerings from Burley Oak, Brewers Art and Mad Fox, while supporting Mary's Center, a nonprofit offering health care and social services in Adams Morgan. The night includes live music, carols and prizes for the “best” sweaters and outfits. The party starts at 6 p.m., and admission is a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation. — Fritz Hahn

Friday-Saturday: Maybe you can't get enough political humor and satire this winter. Tis the season and all. If that's the case, check out the Capitol Steps at the Ronald Reagan Building this weekend as they record their year-in-review radio show, “Politics Takes a Holiday.” The show will be broadcast on public radio stations on New Year's weekend. The shows start at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $36.

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Friday-Sunday: Speaking of movies — and reasons to stay indoors — holiday staple “It's a Wonderful Life” screens twice at the Miracle Theatre this weekend. Frank Capra's film, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, will show Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., and tickets are $6-$8.

Friday-Sunday: The Second City's Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue at Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse closes this weekend, but there are at least two shows (three on Saturday) to catch to liven up this chilly weekend. The Chicago-based sketch comedy finds hilarity in Christmas scenarios that may seem all too familiar and, at times, awkward, with improv, skits, songs and more. Tickets are $30-$35.

Saturday: Catch the last weekend performance of this holiday tradition as the Washington Chorus presents “A Candlelight Christmas” at the Kennedy Center. The concert features singalongs, youth and school ensembles, Christmas classics and a candlelight processional in the concert hall. (Additional performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.) The concert starts at 4 p.m. and tickets are $18-$72.

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Saturday: The Capitals are riding a hot streak heading into this weekend as Washington returns home to face the Montreal Canadiens at Verizon Center. Alex Ovechkin and company have won a season-high five games in a row (as of Thursday morning). The game starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $50-$750.

Saturday: The Reduced Shakespeare Company abandons the Bard for its irreverent holiday season performance,“The Ultimate Christmas Show,” at BlackRock Center for the Arts. The show dives inside the creation of the annual “Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church” with a vaudeville-style extravaganza packed with skits, puppets and songs. (You’ll know some, but certainly not all, of the words.) You can even join the gift exchange, if you bring a wrapped gift of $5 or less. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $27-$35.

Saturday-Sunday: The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington puts on a spirited show for the holidays. “Naughty and Nice” at the Lincoln Theatre has performances featuring several ensembles, dance numbers, drag queens and a parade of holiday hits, including “Sleigh Ride” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” (The groups also perform songs by Meghan Trainor and Idina Menzel.) There is also the promise of leather reindeer and recycled fruitcakes. Shows are Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., and tickets are $25-$65.

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