Things to Do December 2026 in Washington, DC

Ride with Metro
Discover DC with ease—tap, ride, go on Metrorail with your preferred payment card and explore the city like never before. Hop on Metrobus for a quick, affordable way to reach every corner of town and plan your trip with the Metropulse app. No wonder Metro is APTA’s 2025 Transit Agency of the Year.
Plan your trip
 

Sam Kittner / Georgetown BID

Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
 

Attend a Capitals or Wizards game at a discounted rate
The fall and winter months bring exciting indoor sports action to the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play at Capital One Arena in front of thousands of fans. Get in on the action with our exclusive discounted ticket offers below.
Discounted Tickets: Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards
 

@dirtyhabitdc

Toast to the season
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.
 

©2026 Enchant | Courtesy of Social House Holiday, LLC

Enchant Christmas – Nov. 20 – Dec. 27
Nationals Park transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland anchored by the world's largest Christmas light maze when Enchant Christmas comes to town. Guests can expect breathtaking larger-than-life light sculptures, millions of twinkling lights, festive experiences around every corner, and an all-new holiday adventure: Night of the Nutcrackers. There's also an ice skating trail, experiences with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a snow slide, live entertainment, a village marketplace and seasonal food and beverages. Group experiences, including private suites and spaces, are also available.
Get 20% Off Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Jingle Block Rock

Jingle Block Rock – Dec. 2
The Southwest Business Improvement District teams up with its neighborhood partners to turn the Southwest Duck Pond and Waterfront Station into a festive extravaganza. The list of activities and offerings is bursting, from pictures with Santa Claus and donut decoration to a Step Afrika meet-and-greet and stilt walkers.
5-7 p.m. |  Free Admission
4th Street SW between Momo Chicken and Maple Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024
 
 

Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal 
The Folger Consort showcases holiday music from Spain and Portugal in a beloved annual tradition, including multi-voiced choral renditions of works by 16th-century Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano, considered to be the first published Black composer of European music. The performance will also feature early Spanish Christmas carols and odes to prominent Spanish composers of the 1500s.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Step Afrika!

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 4-23
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show combines clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

The Wharf

The Wharf's Holiday Boat Parade & Party – Dec. 5
Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the 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 will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels and the night will conclude with fireworks and live music. 
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

Keegan Theatre

An Irish Carol – Dec. 5-31
The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older.
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
 

 

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC

Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 5, 12 & 13
Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas.” Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

Georgetown

Georgetown Jingle – Dec. 6
Spend a festive day in DC’s oldest neighborhood at its first-ever holiday music event. Wander through historic Georgetown’s cobbled streets to take in live music performances at outdoor locations along M Street and beyond. Expect an array of genres, from holiday a cappella and jazz to current pop and alternative. The neighborhood will be alive with cheer as more than 40 businesses offer discounts and pop-ups. You can cap it all off by following the St. Lucia Choir as they process toward Washington Harbour, where holiday treats await at the Embassy of Sweden.
 

 

Santa Suite at the Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown – Dec. 6-21
Celebrate the holiday season at the elegant Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, which hosts a Santa Suite on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be accompanied by gingerbread displays, hot chocolate and other treats, gorgeously decorated trees and a beautifully decorated table for an eclectic roster of special guests. Admission is just $10 per person.
Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |  Tickets
Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, 2401 M. Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

 

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

Winternational – Dec. 8
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center hosts this embassy showcase, a free and open-to-the-public event that features more than 50 embassies based in DC (registration required). Nations will display stunning displays of visual art and share delicious cuisine and handmade treasures as well as insights into tourism around the world.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  |  Register
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Hot 99.5’s Jingle Ball – Dec. 14
Get your jingle on at this DC holiday favorite, sponsored by iHeart Radio and Hot 99.5. Go dance your heart out to some of today’s biggest names in pop, including Jonas Brothers, Sombr, One Republic, Ludacris, Nickelback, and more.
7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 
 

Metro's Holiday Pop-Up Shop – Through Dec. 20
Shop goodies galore like t-shirts, socks, toys, ornaments and of course, the limited-edition Metro Holiday Sweater everyone’s been trying to get their hands on. (Yes, this is your only chance to grab one in person and supplies are limited). Find Metro's Holiday Pop-Up Shop on the first floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. More things to look forward to: candy-colored Metro gifts, sweet surprises and DMV pride wrapped up with a bow. Plan a trip with Metro now.
Hours & Information
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Mount Vernon

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon – Dec. 19-20
George Washington’s estate knows how to celebrate the holiday season like few other locales in the area. Tour the gorgeous mansion, visit a winter market 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.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
 
 

DowntownDC Holiday Market – Through Dec. 23
The DowntownDC Holiday Market occupies the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the holiday season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing for the season just before Christmas. 
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
 

Dupont Circle Pop-up

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle – Through Dec. 23
Opening just before Thanksgiving through mid-December, the 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats. 
Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
 

Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Through Dec. 27
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

A Christmas Carol – Through Dec. 31
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

ZooLights – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
 

Season's Greenings – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required. This year's theme? Dinosaurs. 
The Botanic Garden will stay open late on Dec. 8, 10, 15 ,17, 22, and 29. It is closed on Dec. 25.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission 
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Folger Shakespeare Library

Folger Frost Fair – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Inspired by frost fairs held in London from the 1600s-1800s when the River Thames would freeze over, the Folger Frost Fair (Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2026) is a month-long winter festival filled with holiday music, decorations, walk-up tours, seek-and-find games, holiday gift shopping, craft stations, printing press demonstrations and much more. The Folger Shakespeare Library offers free admission and pay-what-you-will timed-entry passes.
More Info
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Fever Originals

Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer – Select dates from Sept. 26 – Feb. 27, 2027
Experience Hans Zimmer's most iconic film scores in an entirely new way inside the architectural marvel that is DC's National City Christian Church. Surrounded by the warm glow of thousands of candles, live musicians bring indelible melodies from Inception, Interstellar, The Lion King, Gladiator and more to life in a breathtaking concert.
Tickets
National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

National Museum of the American Indian

Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe – Through Jan. 2027
The acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist receives his first major retrospective at the National Museum of the American Indian. Truman Lowe used willow branches, feathers and organic materials to create minimalist sculptures to evoke rivers, streams and waterfalls. The exhibit also features similarly distinctive drawings and paintings by Lowe.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

©Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Known for his rigorous work in creating jaw-dropping paintings, Adam Pendleton will showcase new and recent pieces as well as single-channel video in this landmark exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum. Pendleton’s first solo showcase will highlight his contributions to contemporary American painting and utilize the architecture of the Hirshhorn and the vast history of DC’s National Mall.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Places to Stay

The Riggs Hotel

Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!