Get in the holiday spirit with holiday markets, Christmas light displays and seasonal events in the nation’s capital.
Sure, the District might be part of the Mid-Atlantic region, but it feels more like the North Pole during the holidays thanks to the National Christmas Tree, holiday markets, one-of-a-kind seasonal light displays and lots more. Here are some of the ways to experience the holidays in Washington, DC.
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. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background. Locally roasted coffee and crafted-before-your-eyes mini-doughnuts inspire a cold-weather appetite, creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in DC. The market will be open Nov. 18–Dec. 23, and will be closed Nov. 24 and Dec. 5.
From Nov. 24 through Jan. 2, 2023, as part of its free Season's Greenings celebration, the U.S. Botanic Garden will feature G-gauge model circulating through agricultural displays made from plant parts, new plant-based landmarks including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Gallery of Art's East Building. Throughout the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Gardens, trees and shrubs will feature string lights, festive evergreens and six large plant-based sculptures of pollinators. A gift store run by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and local D.C. small business Rewild will offer a variety of botanically themed gifts for purchase in the Conservatory's West Gallery.
This year’s tree comes from the National Forests of North Carolina. You can visit the tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Follow the tree’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates, including a tracker of its tour across the U.S.
Explore George Washington’s estate by candlelight and learn about historic holiday traditions on Nov. 25–26, Dec. 2–3, Dec. 9–10 and Dec. 18, and enjoy the dazzling spectacle of Christmas Illuminations on Dec. 16–17.
Neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital are adorning their “main streets” with colorful lights between Nov. 18, 2022, and Jan. 8, 2023. Additionally, vendors in each neighborhood are offering holiday specials and promotions throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. You can enjoy this holiday cheer in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park, among other locales. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor!
The National Menorah - White House Ellipse
Chanukah kicks off with this Dec. 18 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 will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah.
Holiday Lights at Tudor Place
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.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza every year. The incredibly rhythmic, family-friendly show takes place at the illustrious Arena Stage from Dec. 9-18.
Artists and makers will be situated in front of retail shops all over the Dupont Circle neighborhood for this annual event hosted by Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets on Dec. 3. More than 100 vendors will be on-hand to sell paintings, scarves, chocolates, jewelry, pottery and additional holiday-themed items. Pop-up shops will feature imported food, fine art, shoes and more.
Hook Hall hosts this pop-up of the popular Park View Farmers Market on consecutive Sundays this Dec. 4 and 11. Many vendors offer food and holiday gifts from local artists, makers and producers at this holiday bazaar.
Back at the Zoo for 2022! From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The free 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 Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required this year.
Enchant Christmas, which features a beloved light maze, will make its home in DC at the gorgeous Nationals Park from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, 2023. There will also be ice skating trails, a holiday village with products from local businesses and a kids’ play place. Expect plenty of Instagram-friendly settings and holiday spirit at this one-of-a-kind installation.
Beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), you can stroll through DC’s most historic neighborhood to see jaw-dropping illuminated artworks. Georgetown GLOW, which will run through Jan. 22, 2023, is always a holiday hit in the District. Participants range from locally renowned to internationally celebrated, while their works gorgeously adorn outdoor spaces throughout Georgetown.
Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden hosts the Christkindlmarkt throughout the first full weekend of December every year (dates for 2022: Dec. 2-4). Tickets grant you access to the arts and crafts-laden market featuring goods from dozens of vendors and the historic mansion, which will be decorated to the nines.
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 on Dec. 3 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, which begin their journey at 6 p.m., and fireworks will cap off the parade at 8 p.m.
CityCenterDC will light its jaw-dropping 75-foot Christmas tree during a cheerful (and free) celebration on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.. In addition, the ceremony will feature a countdown hosted by NBC4’s Eun Yang, a performance by a seven-piece dance band, 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. Stay in the festive mood at Conrad Washington, DC, which features incredible views of the tree, its own rooftop, drink specials and festive decorations.
The 2022 Riggs Washington DC Christmas Tree was designed by Alexis Bittar and features pastel colors juxtaposed with high shine silver tinsel, which gently moves as guests walk throughout the lobby, and antiqued brush gold detailing. Oversized plumes, papier mâché, custom pearl garlands and mini-glass bottles with quotes from inspirational women throughout history decorate the visual spectacle. Book a stay at the luxurious hotel in honor of the season.
These hot spots have decked the halls for you to eat, drink and be merry. Savor the season at Urban Roast with five varieties of hot chocolate, plus a flight option with Baileys, and s’mores to be enjoyed among a winter wonderland atmosphere. Death Punch is making spirits bright with the Miracle pop-up, covered in tinsel, wrapping paper and ornaments and offering a hot buttered rum, mulled wine and more served in festive glassware. Maxwell Park’s Navy Yard location shimmers with Taylor Swift-inspired décor and cocktails like the You Need To Calm Down hot Gluhwein. The Fairmont Georgetown’s courtyard bar has transformed into the Cool Yule pop-up with fire pits, twinkling lights and a holiday-inspired menu. Be transported to the Alps with ski chalet pop-ups at Dirty Habit and Ciel Social Club and winter igloos at The Next Whiskey Bar.
