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.
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 year's lighting ceremony will take place on Nov. 30.
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. 17–Dec. 23, and will be closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 4.
The free Season's Greenings celebration at the U.S. Botanic Garden is a beloved annual tradition in the nation's capital. The 2023 edition features five G-gauge model trains circulating through oversized animal pollinators made from plant parts. Indoors, see thousands of poinsettias as well as 22 plant-based landmarks of 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 feature string lights, festive evergreens and six large plant-based sculptures of pollinators. The display will be open from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2024 (closed on Dec. 25).
This year’s tree comes from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. 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. 24–25, Dec. 1–2, Dec. 8–9 and Dec. 17, and enjoy the dazzling spectacle of Christmas Illuminations on Dec. 15–16.
Neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital are adorning their “main streets” with colorful lights between Nov. 17, 2023, and Jan. 7, 2024. 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 Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle, Petworth, U Street and Woodley Park, among other locales. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor!
Chanukah kicks off with this Dec. 7 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.
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. The incredibly rhythmic, family-friendly show takes place at the illustrious Arena Stage from Dec. 8-17.
Artists and makers get situated in front of retail shops all over the Dupont Circle neighborhood for this annual event (Dec. 2) hosted by Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets. Dozens of vendors will be on-hand to sell paintings, scarves, chocolates, jewelry, pottery and additional holiday-themed items. Pop-up shops feature imported food, fine art, shoes and more.
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The free event, which runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, 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.
Enchant Christmas, which features a beloved light maze, will make its home in DC at the gorgeous Nationals Park from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, 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.
Stroll through DC’s most historic neighborhood to see jaw-dropping illuminated artworks. Georgetown GLOW, which runs from Dec. 1 through Jan. 7, 2024, 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 2023: Dec. 1-3). 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. This year, the markt will be folded into Maker Month, a new month-long celebration of artisans.
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. 2 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 lights its jaw-dropping 75-foot Christmas tree during a cheerful (and free) event on Nov. 25. The ceremony, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, features a countdown, 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.
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