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This winter, get in the holiday spirit with holiday markets, Christmas light displays and seasonal events in the nation’s capital.
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer, which is free to visit, lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season.
This free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. For 20 years, the market has included festive vendors, exciting community and family activations, and a robust food and beverage program.
The free Season's Greenings celebration at the U.S. Botanic Garden is a beloved annual tradition in the nation's capital. The exhibition features G-gauge model trains circulating through plant-based creations (perfect for kids), plus thousands of poinsettias and incredible miniature landmarks like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Gallery of Art's East Building, all made from organic materials. Throughout the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Gardens, visitors are met with string lights, festive evergreens and a magical experience worth a visit year after year. Tickets are not required.
This year's theme? Dinosaurs.
The Botanic Gardens will stay open late on Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 and Jan. 1. It is closed on Dec. 25.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Astounding Christmas trees have decorated the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol as early as 1919. Every year since 1964, a specially selected spruce or fir travels thousands of miles from a different U.S. state or territory, chosen by the Architect of the Capitol and the National Forest Service. Follow the tree’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates, including a tracker of its route to the nation's capital, where thousands of ornaments from the tree's home state bring it to life.
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In the heart of Downtown DC, Frosted at Franklin Park offers a picturesque holiday experience free to the public. Explore this year's featured installation: Illumination, a breathtaking display of thousands of festive lights – including a sparkling icicle walkway, giant snowflakes, a family of bears and a shining star – perfect for your holiday photo op.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music during Winter Glow (select dates in Nov. and Dec.). During the event, you can visit an 18th-century winter encampment, purchase gifts from the Mount Vernon shops and enjoy holiday drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, Executive Orders. During Christmas Illuminations (late Dec.), you can tour the gorgeous mansion, witness chocolate-making demonstrations and hang out with the estate’s favorite pet, Aladdin the Camel. To cap it off, enjoy an incredible fireworks display along the Potomac River.
This holiday season, DC’s "main streets" come alive with DC Holiday Hunt, a festive scavenger hunt that takes explorers all over the District. From historic sites to modern marvels, explore Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle and U Street, among other locales, while completing holiday missions and supporting local businesses to win prizes.
Chanukah kicks off with a lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band typically adds a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah.
Experience one of the city’s most historic destinations with an array of seasonal events, including candlelight tours, holiday-themed workshops (including gingerbread and wreath-making), holiday tea time and more.
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza every year. Get your tickets to see the incredibly rhythmic, family-friendly show light up the illustrious Arena Stage.
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. On a given night, you'll find live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Note that timed passes are required. In past years, admission has been just $6. While you won't be able to see any live animals, proceeds go directly to animal care and conservation science at the National Zoo.
Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden hosts the German-inspired Christkindlmarkt throughout the first full weekend of December every year. Tickets grant you access to not only the historic mansion (decorated to the nines) but crafts and goods from over 40 of vendors. The markt supports local, small-scale manufacturing businesses.
Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, VA. to The Wharf. You can observe the parade free of charge, and there are holiday festivities to enjoy beforehand, including winter drink sampling, chances to meet Santa, ornament decorating and more. Prizes are awarded to the most beautiful vessels and fireworks cap off the parade.
Make your way to the 1500 block of 19th Street NW for the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, which will feature 30-plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items. The market (which used to be situated Downtown) brings its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor and popular holiday treats, including Migue’s Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts.
CityCenterDC lights its jaw-dropping 75-foot Christmas tree during a cheerful (and free) event at the end of November. The ceremony features a countdown, a performance by the American Pops Orchestra, balloon artists, face painters and plenty of other holiday-themed activities. You can enjoy the tree throughout the holiday season, as well as gorgeous lights along Palmer Alley.
Every year, hot spots deck the halls for you to eat, drink and be merry. Businesses and bars like Death Punch, Penn Social, Wunder Garten, Duke’s Grocery, Colada Shop and Westin City Center are known for making spirits bright with festive beverages like hot buttered rum, mulled wines, hot chocolate and more. Size up some of DC's best hot and cozy beverages and keep an eye out for specials and pop-ups galore.
