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 2026 season are noted below.
Christmas in Washington, DC
Christmas Trees in Washington, DC
The National Christmas Tree: The National Christmas Tree is lit in early December (2026 date TBD). Visiting the National Christmas Tree is lit at sundown but can also be viewed during the day. 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 Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The Capitol Tree usually arrives around Thanksgiving.
Holiday Tree at City Center: Don’t miss the early lighting of the Holiday Tree at City Center on November 14, lining up with the opening of the Downtown Holiday Market. Enjoy holiday performance, food vendors, and other activities throughout the evening. During the holiday season, the tree will be lit nightly making the area a great place for photos, dinner, and holiday shopping.
Holiday Displays in Washington, DC
ZooLights: Join the National Zoo for ZooLights from November 20 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. Tickets are $10 to enjoy the lights but there are some add-ons like train rides, a winter maze, food, and drink. Want a more grown up evening? Don’t miss adults-only night on December 16th Wednesday, December 16. Tickets are $19 and include a drink. Read about our visit.
Enchant: Enchant returns to National Park this year from November 20 to December 27! Enjoy a Christmas Village, ice skating, and light maze, live entertainment, and festive treats. General admission ranges from $28 to $37 depending on the date.
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade: The boat parade at The Wharf is back! Enjoy the boats decorated with holiday lights on December 5. 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 usually arrive around 7:00 pm followed by fireworks at 8:00 pm. Get there early to snag a good seat.
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. Head inside after visiting the trains to see many beloved monuments made from plants. This display will be set up from November 26 to January 3 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 dates and feature a few local vendors.
Holiday Markets in Washington, DC
DowntownDC Holiday Market: The DowntownDC BID is kicking off the holiday season early this year! Find the Holiday Market on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW near the Capital One Arena from November 13 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: Find 30+ local vendors and live entertainment at the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle from November 12 to December 23 (closed Thanksgiving Day and November 30 for vendor turnover). This market has a smaller footprint than the DowntownDC Holiday Market, so visit on a weekday if possible for smaller crowds.
Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House Museum: Get started on your Christmas shopping at the Heurich House Museum German-style market featuring 40+ local craftspeople and artisans in December. The market is open from December 3 to 6 and requires $10 tickets.
Dacha Beer Garden Holiday Market: Dacha Beer Garden is hosting holiday markets on different days so you can visit both. Check them out in Shaw on Wednesday, December 2 from 4 to 9 pm and Navy Yard on Saturday, December 5 from 1 to 6 pm. More details coming soon.
Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market: Head to Congressional Cemetery on December 6 from 10 to 4 for holiday treats and local vendors while enjoying the historic grounds. This event is not detailed on their website yet but a date has been set!
Cleveland Park Winter Fest: Head to Cleveland Park on December 12 to shop local vendors and support the local business on Connecticut Ave.
Holiday Concerts and Performances in Washington, DC
Drunk Christmas Carol: See a unique retelling of A Christmas Carol at the Sage Theater from November 12 to January 3. Each night, one actor is chosen to take 5 shots before the show and then finish the play with their 4 fellow actors. The Sage Theater has a small, speakeasy feel so there is lot of audience engagement and you feel part of the action. The show runs 90 minutes and drinks are served throughout the show. Obviously 21+ and great for an outing with friends.
A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater: See A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater from November 28 to December 31. This performance is fun for the whole family (recommended 5 and up) and full of beautiful costumes, singing, and holiday magic. Run time is 2 hours with an intermission.
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 29 (in-person and live stream)
- Handel’s Messiah: December 4 to 6. The December 6 performance will also be live-streamed.
- Blue Christmas: December 6 (in-person and live stream)
- Gospel Christmas Service: December 19 (in-person and live stream)
- Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time: December 20 (in-person only)
- 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)
Looking for Christmas Bars in Washington, DC? Check out this blog!
Worth the Drive: Christmas in Virginia
Light Shows 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 3. Pack your car with some friends, put on your favorite Christmas music, and enjoy this light show. Tickets are $30 to $45 per car – buy ahead online for the lowest price. 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.
Holiday Festivals in Virginia
Mount Vernon by Candlelight; Celebrate the holidays at Mount Vernon on select nights including November 27 to 28 and December 11, 12, 18, 21, and 22. 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 19 to 20 for Christmas Illuminations for evening holiday decor and spectacular fireworks.
Reston Ice Skating & Holiday Fun: Reston Town Center will light its tree on November 27 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 6 until spring.
Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols: Head to Old Town Hall in Fairfax on December 5 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 21 and 22.
Holiday Parades in Virginia
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade: Head to the waterfront on December 5 at 5:30 to enjoy the boats and small business shopping. Holiday activities begin in the afternoon including a pop up beer garden by Port City Brewing. The parade continues to The Wharf – listed above.
Manassas Christmas Parade: The Manassas Christmas Parade steps off on December 5 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.
Leesburg Holiday Parade: Head to Leesburg on Saturday, December 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for lights, food samples from local restaurants, and Santa. The parade begins at 6 pm.
Worth a Drive: Christmas in Maryland
Holiday Light Shows in Maryland
Winter Lights Festival: Head to Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland, for the Winter Lights Festival, open nightly from November 27 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. 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 27 to January 2. Closed to cars on walkthrough nights on November 29 (family-friendly), December 7 (Tail Lights – dog-friendly), December 10 (Lit at the Lights with cocktails and a beer garden), December 14 (Jingle Jam – toddler dance party) and December 31 (Midnight at 7 with fireworks and food trucks.)
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 20 to January 3 (closed November 23-26, December 24-25, and January 1). Advanced timed tickets are required. Children under 5 are free.
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 27 – January 1. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online.
Annapolis Lights Parade: Annapolis is one of the best places near the DMV to see boats and they know how to deck out for the holidays. Head to the harbor on December 12 to see the boats dressed in festive lights!
Holiday Concerts in Maryland
Holiday Concerts at the Strathmore: Join the Strathmore on select dates throughout December for holiday concerts. Some big names include:
- Celtic Christmas: December 1
- Voctave: We Need A Little Christmas: December 3
- Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour 2026: December 5
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: December 6
- Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2026: December 9
- BSO—Cirque Nutcracker: December 11
- The Tenors: Season of Hope Tour: December 12
- Strathmore Jazz Orchestra Christmas: December 18
- NatPhil—Handel’s Messiah: December 19 – 30
- A Candlelight Christmas: December 21 -22
- The Choral Arts Society of Washington: O Night Divine: December 23
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).
- Tiny Tots Nutcracker: December 1 to 2 (kid-friendly performance)
- Home Alone in Concert: December 5 to 6
- Cirque Nutcracker: December 11 to 12
- Holiday Pops: December 19 to 20
Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups in Maryland
Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland: Head to Downtown Bethesda on December 5 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 to 29, December 5 to 6, 12 to 13, 19 to 22. Enjoy the Polar Express story on the train with your little ones. After, enjoy visits with Santa.
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 27-28 plus December 4, 5, 11, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 26. Or attend the Christmas in the Capital: Annapolis Traditions and State House Trees on November 28 to 29 plus every Saturday and Sunday in December.
Baltimore Christmas Village: The Baltimore Christmas Village will be back this year in the Inner Harbor from November 21 to December 27! 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.
