Christmas is here, finally. But that doesn't mean everything just shuts down. Nope, there's plenty to do this weekend in the D.C. area: The Water-Skiing Santa at National Harbor, Friday

This has become a pretty silly tradition, but it is a fun tradition nonetheless that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. On Friday, don't miss the Water-Skiing Santa zipping across the Potomac River near National Harbor. But that's not all. The show features the knee-boarding reindeer, flying elves, jet-skiing Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman in a dinghy. Yes, a dinghy. Starts at 1 p.m. Free. Check out waterskiingsanta.com for more information.

National Harbor: Don't miss ICE, featuring the Grinch. nationalharbor.com.

Good for the Jews at Jammin' Java, Friday

The annual Good for the Jews: Putting the Ha! In Hanukkah Tour featuring Rob Tannenbaum and David Fagin makes its Christmas Eve return to Jammin' Java. For the uninitiated, Good for the Jews is a comedic musical duo with songs like "Goin' Down to Boca," and promises no tunes about dreidels. 7 p.m. $20. See jamminjava.com for more info.

Not left out the in cold: Iota Club & Cafe in Clarendon is open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. iotaclubandcafe.com.

Matzo Ball and Gefilte Fish Gala, Friday & Saturday

Here are a couple of great alternatives to Christmas activities this weekend. On Friday, check out the Matzo Ball at Eden and Cafe Asia. This party that describes itself as "a holiday revolution" starts at 8 p.m. and is $30 (matzoball.org). On Saturday, don't miss the Gefilte Fish Gala at Muse Lounge. Plenty of dancing, and free admission. 8 p.m. gefiltefishgala.net.

It's free, but: While the Gefilte Fish Gala is free to get into, they are accepting a $5 suggested donation, with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. komen.org.

James Brown Death-Mas Holiday Bash at the Black Cat, Saturday

In 2006, James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, died at the age of 73 on Christmas Day. In recognition of the man known for such hits as "I feel Good" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," the Black Cat hosts its second-annual James Brown Death-Mas Holiday Bash. DJ Soul Call Paul and the James Brown Revue spin the best of JB for calorie-burning fun. Backstage. $6. Doors at 9:30 p.m. For more info, visit blackcatdc.com.

More post-eggnog fun: The Black Cat isn't the only club open on Christmas night. Check out the Rock 'n' Roll Hotel with DJ the Metaphysical. Free. rockandrollhoteldc.com.

Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage Christmas Weekend Shows

Look, it's free, which is awesome considering the amount of cash spent on presents, travel and liquor up to this point. Plus, it's the Kennedy Center, which is amazing and a good place to take out-of-town guests. Check out the center's Christmas-themed shows on its Millennium Stage. On Saturday, it's the All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam, followed by a Holiday Vaudeville on Sunday. Visit kennedy-center.org for details.

Something to look forward to: The Grandsons play a free New Year's Day show at the Millennium Stage next Saturday.