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Learn more about virtual and in-person events, including the Inauguration of the 46th President of the United States.

Downtown Holiday Market

F Street between 7th and 9th streets NW/Nov. 20-Dec. 23

The 16th annual downtown holiday bazaar returns with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in place. Centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market will stretch across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets this year. Expect family-friendly offerings including 70 emerging artisan makers and returning favorite vendors, festive decor and lights, local bites and virtual programming over five weeks. 

 

National Christmas Tree Lighting

Virtual/Dec. 3

The annual lighting tradition will be 100 percent virtual this year. The free, family-friendly holiday ceremony and performances will be live streamed. Decorated with ornaments designed by students across the nation, the tree will be lit every evening through December.

 

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

Virtual/Dec. 16

DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, will broadcast its annual holiday extravaganza on Facebook and YouTube. Free of charge this year, the show will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance.

 

Inauguration Day
West Lawn, U.S. Capitol/Jan. 20
The 20th amendment of the Constitution determines that the elected U.S. president’s term begins at noon on Jan. 20. Official plans for the 59th Inaugural ceremony are underway and being developed by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. DDC will post updates at washington.org/inauguration.

 

Winter Restaurant Week
Citywide/Dates TBD
DC restaurants offer discounted prix-fixe brunches, lunches and dinners for dine in or to-go. Reservations recommended.

 

Chinese New Year
Citywide/Feb. 12-26
Chinese New Year, also known in modern Chinese as the “Spring Festival,” begins on Feb. 12, 2021. The nation's capital is rich with Chinese culture, and the city features numerous ways to celebrate the holiday from hotel and restaurant deals to virtual celebrations to welcome the year of the ox.