20 Christmas Things to Do in Washington, DC

Bundle up this year to celebrate the holiday season in the DMV! Enjoy light shows, holiday markets, and festive performances.

I will do my best to update this post as often as possible, but please refer to each event’s website for the most up-to-date information. Events that have not announced full details for the 2025 season are noted below.  Some DC events may be impacted by the length of the government shutdown.

Christmas in Washington, DC

The National Christmas Tree: The National Christmas Tree will be lit on December 4. Visiting the National Christmas Tree is a wonderful family tradition day or night. Consider visiting on a weeknight or during the day when the area is less crowded. Guests can also see the Pathway of Peace – 1 miniature tree to represent each state and territory, with ornaments made by children local to that state. 

The US Capitol Christmas Tree: The people’s tree site on the Capitol lawn and generally draws fewer visitors than the National Christmas – especially on weeknights. If you visit during the day or early evening, you can pair it with a visit to the Botanic Gardens (listed below). The Capitol tree is harvested from a different location each year. This year, it will travel from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The Capitol Tree usually arrives around Thanksgiving.

Season’s Greenings at the Botanic Gardens: The Botanic Gardens invites guests to enjoy an outdoor holiday display with model trains, DC landmarks made from plants, and holiday decor. This display will be set up from November 27 to January 4 from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Christmas Day). The Botanic Gardens are located very close to the Capitol, so you can visit the gardens and the Capitol Tree in one visit. Look out for select dates when the Botanic Gardens will be open late on select Tuesdays and Thursdays and feature a few local vendors.

ZooLights: Join the National Zoo for ZooLights from November 21 to January 3. This evening event features spectacular displays, decorated treats, special treats, and music. The event runs from Friday to Sunday the first 2 weeks and then gradually opens more dates through the remaining weeks. Check the website for the most updated information.

Winter Wonderland at National Park: Head to Nationals Park on select nights from November 28 to December 30 for a magical, winter wonderland. Enjoy tubing slides, mini golf, a polar lights pavilion, a winter train ride, and more. Plus, don’t miss the Après Chalet with a hidden speakeasy (21+). Tickets are $29.50 per person.

DowntownDC Holiday Market: The DowntownDC BID celebrates 21 years of the Downtown Holiday Market this year. Find the Holiday Market on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW near the Capital One Arena from November 21 to December 23. Find a variety of holiday gifts from local business plus local snacks and entertainment. Whether you are shopping or just enjoy downtown, this holiday market brings cheer to all who visit.

DC Holiday Market: This year, there is a new holiday market in Dupont Circle. Find 30+ local vendors and live entertainment from November 14 to December 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day and December 1). This market has a smaller footprint than the DowntownDC Holiday Market, so visit on a weekday if possible for smaller crowds.

Limited Run Holiday Markets:

• Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market: Head to Congressional Cemetery on December 7 from 11 to 4 for holiday treats and local vendors while enjoying the historic grounds.
• Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House Museum: Get started on your Christmas shopping at the Heurich House Museum German-style market featuring local craftspeople and artisans in December. The market is open from December 4 to 7 and requires tickets.
• Dig Dug Dig Marketing and Festival: Put off your shopping until the last minute? Head to the Metropolitan Beer Trail from December 20 to 21 to vendors, DJs, a dog fashion show, and a cookie contest. Catch me as a judge for the cookie contest on Saturday evening! The market will take place across City State, Metrobar, Lost Gen Brewing, and the Bryan Street Market.

Georgetown Jingle: Head to Georgetown on December 6 from 1 to 4 pm! Enjoy live music, restaurants, and shopping throughout the neighborhood. Then, join the House of Sweden for special holiday treats, wine, and a holiday market.

National Cathedral Christmas Concerts: The National Cathedral is hosting holiday concerts in person and online this year. Please note that some live-streamed concerts must be watched live and will not be available later. Check the website to see if concerts required advanced ticket reservations. Notable dates include: 

• Advent Lessons are Carols: November 30 (in-person and live stream)
• Handel’s Messiah: December 5 to 7. The December 7 performance will also be live-streamed.
• Blue Christmas: December 17 (in-person and live stream)
• VOCES8: Winter Tales: December 19 and 20 (in-person)
• Gospel Christmas Service: December 21 (in-person and live stream)
• Family Christmas Service: December 23 (in-person and live stream)
• Christmas Lessons and Carols: December 23 and 24 (in-person and live stream)
• Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist: December 24 (in-person and live stream)
• Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist: December 25 (in-person and live stream)
• Christmas Day Organ Recital Webcast: December 25  (in person and live streamed)

Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden: TBD for 2025. Ice skating in the Sculpture Garden returns for the 2024 season! Enjoy the winter season from mid-November to mid-March (exact dates TBA). Single sessions and season passes are available. Fees cover 2 45-minute sessions. Adults skate for $12 + $6 skate rental.  

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade: The boat parade at The Wharf is back! Enjoy the boats decorated with holiday lights on December 6 from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy holiday activities like roasting s’mores, lighting the Christmas tree, ice skating, pictures with Santa, and winter drinks at the Pacifico Beer Garden. The boats should arrive at 7:00 pm followed by fireworks at 8:00 pm. Get there early to snag a good seat. 

Looking for Christmas Bars in Washington, DC? Check out this blog!

Light Shows and Historic Spots Ready for the Holidays in Virginia

Bull Run Festival of Lights: Drive through a 2.5 mile holiday light display in Centreville, Virginia. Open daily from November 14 to January 4. Pack your car with some friends, put on your favorite Christmas music, and enjoy this light show. Tickets are $30/car online at $40/at the door but check the website for promotional nights. You can also enjoy the carnival open on select nights (weather permitting) to enjoy rides, holiday treats, and more. Rides require 3 to 5 tickets and can be purchased in packs.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights: Located in Vienna, the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens sparkle with holiday lights. Walk through light displays of nature and holiday themes. Open November 7 to January 4 including holidays. Tickets range from $19-$24. Advance tickets are required from December 5 to 31 but are highly recommended for all nights. Dress warm! Read about our visit.

A Christmas Carol: The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents A Christmas Carol from December 5 to 20. This is a 1 hour show with no intermission, so it’s great for the whole family. Tickets go on sale November 6.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade: Head to the waterfront on December 6 at 5:30 to enjoy the boats and small business shopping. Holiday activities begin at 2 pm including a pop up beer garden by Port City Brewing. The parade continues to The Wharf – listed above.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Celebrate the holidays at Mount Vernon on select nights including November 28-29 and December 12, 13, 19, 22 and 23. Enjoy festive lights, visit the 18th-century winter encampment, meet holiday guests, and visit with Aladdin the Camel. Plus, visit from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on December 20 to 21 for Christmas Illuminations for evening holiday decor and spectacular fireworks.

Manassas Christmas Parade: The Manassas Christmas Parade steps off on December 6 at 10:00 am. Head to Downtown Manassas to enjoy Christmas floats, music, and Santa. Visit the night before on Friday, December 6 at 5:15 pm for a tree lighting, live music, and visits with Santa.

Reston Ice Skating & Holiday Fun: Reston Town Center will light its tree on November 28 with a large parade and festive fun. Enjoy a holiday parade at 11:00 am following by local shopping and dining. Stick around for the tree lighting at 6 pm on Market Street. The ice skating rink will be open on November 7 until spring.

Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols: Head to Old Town Hall in Fairfax on December 6 from 12 to 6 pm for holiday fun including music, hot cider, and a tree lighting ceremony (5:30 pm). Be sure to also check out the Fairfax Holiday Market on November 15 and 16.

Leesburg Holiday Parade: Head to Leesburg on Saturday, December 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for lights, food samples from local restaurants, and Santa. The parade begins at 6 pm. 

Shopping and Light Shows to Celebrate Christmas in Maryland

Winter Lights Festival: Head to Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland, for the Winter Lights Festival, open nightly from November 28 to December 31 (closed December 25).  You’ll see over 450 displays and decorated trees on this 3.5 mile drive. Tickets are $15/car on weekdays and $25/car from Friday to Sunday. Tickets go on sale on October 15 and advanced ticket purchase is required.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights: Drive through the Symphony of Lights in Columbia to see thousands of holiday lights! Open nightly from November 28 to January 3. Closed to cars on walkthrough nights on November 30 (family-friendly), December 8 (dog-friendly), November 28 and December 11 (Lit at the Lights with cocktails and a beer garden), and December 31 (Midnight at 7 with fireworks and food trucks.)

Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland: Head to Downtown Bethesda on December 6 from 12 to 4 pm for a winter wonderland! Enjoy an ice sculpting demo, face painting, crafts, music, and more! Visit and take photos with Santa from 2 to 4 pm.

Polar Express Train Ride: The Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum offers a Polar Express Train Ride from November 28-29 and December 6-7, 13-14, 19-23, 2025. Enjoy the Polar Express story on the train with your little ones. After, enjoy visits with Santa.

Holiday Concerts at the Strathmore: Join the Strathmore on select dates throughout December for holiday concerts. Some big names include: 

• Dave Koz and Friends Christmas: December 4
• BSO: Elf in Concert: December 5
• Nutcracker: December 7
• Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas: December 11
• BSO: Cirque Nutcracker: December 12
• A Candlelight Christmas: December 13
• Béla Fleck and The Flecktones: Jingle All the Way: December 14
• Lorelei Ensemble: Frost and Fire: December 14
• NatPhil: The Messiah: December 20 and 21

Baltimore Christmas Village: The Baltimore Christmas Village will be back this year in the Inner Harbor from November 22 to December 24! This German-inspired market features holiday treats, shopping, hot drinks, and special programming throughout the season. Enjoy a big selection of holiday treats like mulled wine, holiday cocktails, spiked hot chocolate, loaded baked potatoes, raclette cheese sandwiches, and more. Shop local vendors and special gifts from Germany.

Garden in Lights: Located in Dowell, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center presents the Garden in Lights. Experience thousands of lights and nightly entertainment on this walking tour light show. Join them nightly from November 28 – January 1. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online.

Holiday Candlelight Stroll: Join the historic district of Annapolis for special tours this holiday season! Enjoy a holiday candlelight stroll with a guide to hear stories of holiday traditions from the past. This tour runs on November 28-29 plus December 5, 6, 12, 19, 20, 26, and 27. Or attend the Historic Holiday Tour on November 29 to 30 plus every Saturday and Sunday in December.

Holiday Concerts with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is back with holiday performances this season! These performances are at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. Some of these performances have additional dates at the Strathmore (listed above).

• Nutcracker: December 2 to 3
• Elf in Concert: December 6 to 7
• Cirque Nutcracker: December 13
• Classical Christmas: December 17
• Holiday Pops: December 20 to 21

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: Head to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton for a stroll through the Garden of Lights! Enjoy over a million lights and special effects. Garden of Lights is open from November 24 to January 4 (closed November 24-27, December 24-25, and January 1). Advanced timed tickets are required for $13.99 (Sunday to Thursday and $16.99 (Friday and Saturday) per person over 5 years. The event is open rain or shine. 

Annapolis Lights Parade: Annapolis is one of the best places near the DVM to see boats and they know how to deck out for the holidays. Head to the harbor on December 13 to see the boats dressed in festive lights!