15 Holiday Events in Washington, D.C. You Must Attend:- Washington, DC is transformed into a tinseltown come December (and possibly even earlier) with an abundance of festive decorations, ice skating on a gigantic rink, and the world-famous National Christmas Tree to gaze upon in awe.
Some customs, such as lighting the Capitol Christmas tree, have been observed for many years, while others, such as the Downtown Holiday Market, are relatively more recent. No matter what time of year it is, Christmas in the nation’s capital is likely to be filled with excitement. Some of our favorite seasonal activities in the nation’s capital are included here.
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15 Holiday Events in Washington, D.C. You Must Attend
1. View the National Christmas Tree Ceremony
- It would be like visiting Paris during the holidays and not seeing the Eiffel Tower if you didn’t see the National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. Near the White House in President’s Park, a huge live evergreen is set up and adorned every year.
- Stop by any day after 4:30 p.m. throughout the month of December to witness the president’s official lighting in all its magnificence, even if you can’t attend during the first week of December.
2. Take In The Smithsonian National Zoo’s Zoo Lights Show!
- This free holiday lights display runs from Thanksgiving weekend to December. D.C. families and visitors from far and wide go to the zoo to view the 500,000 LED lights and luminous lanterns at their brightest during the holidays.
- Craft beer tastings and munchies are available at Brew Lights, an adults-only sister event to the concert.
3. Washington Harbour Ice Rink Skating
- Washington Harbour Ice Rink is D.C.’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, rivaling Rockefeller Center.
- After supper at Fiola Mare, Guapo’s Restaurant, or Farmers Fishers Bakers, rent skates and dance on the ice.
- Depending on conditions, the rink starts on November 17 and stays open through February 2024.
4. See the Capitol Christmas Tree
- The U.S. Capitol Tree travels far before landing on the West Lawn. Each year, a U.S. Christmas tree farmer is chosen as the Capitol Tree and continues the dangerous voyage to the capitol.
- The huge tree is sometimes twice as tall as the National Christmas Tree and has reached 75 feet. With over 10,000 ornaments, it’s a sight to see.
5. Attend Mount Vernon By Candlelight
- We allow this attraction outside the city since visiting President George Washington’s former estate over the holidays is the most joyous.
- After a tour of numerous Christmas trees highlighting the Washington family history, you’ll take a walking tour of the grounds to hear about ancient holiday traditions and the Washingtons’ own family festivities.
- The trip ends with 18th-century dance, live music, cider, and cookies.
6. Attend The City Center DC Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
- This downtown D.C. mixed-use development hosts season-long festivities.
- The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the region reveals its 75-foot illuminated Christmas tree with a huge party involving live music, merchants, food, and holiday activities.
- For Fifth Avenue vibes, check out Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co. windows.
7. See Union Station’s Model Trains
- One of the nation’s biggest rail terminals, Union Station is typically busy, but the holidays bring it to life. Visitors to see the Norwegian-gifted model trains and large Christmas tree increase foot traffic.
- West Hall has handmade models of Norwegian trains. Miniatures of skiers, mountains, and fjords depicting the Nordic scenery will delight kids.
8. Visit The U.S. Botanical Gardens
- Red and green are Christmas colors, and the U.S. Botanic Garden has plenty of them.
- You should also look for the gardens’ representations of famous D.C. buildings in addition to the beautiful holiday displays of pine, poinsettias, and possibly mistletoe.
- The gardens exhibit them year-round, but they’re only dressed for Christmas!
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9. Watch The Holiday Boat Parade At The Wharf
- This unique D.C. event takes the Christmas parade out to sea. Over 60 Christmas-lit boats compete in the Holiday Boat Parade.
- Bring the family to see them glide by The Wharf and stay for the nighttime firework extravaganza. Children can drink hot cocoa and cider while parents drink at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden.
10. Catch A Movie At The National Museum Of American History
- A famous Christmas movie is best seen at the National Museum of American History.
- Get a bucket of popcorn and Junior Mints to finish the night after watching It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and A Christmas Story on the big screen.
11. The Washington Ballet Performs “The Nutcracker”
- Washington dance performs a special D.C. version of the classic dance. Famous people like George Washington, King George III, and others join the fun in their 1882 Georgetown version of the famous narrative.
- Original period costumes, spectacular stage design, and over 100 dancers, including Washington Ballet students, are featured.
12. See “A Christmas Carol” At Ford Theatre
- Famous for being the theater where Lincoln was shot. It’s open for tours year-round, but it’s a beautiful location for A Christmas Carol around the holidays.
- The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future live from November 17 to December 31.
13. Attend A National Cathedral Christmas Concert
- DC’s National Cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world, is a must-see. Building plans began in 1791, but Bethlehem Chapel opened in 1912.
- Today, the old church hosts a Christmas concert with a live choir and instrumentalists performing Medieval and modern music. A Handel Messiah performance resonates in the surroundings.
14. Shop The Downtown Holiday Market
- At this yearly holiday market in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, Christmas shopping is fun.
- The market sells artisan goods from 12 to 8 p.m. daily from over 150 vendors and crafters. Local roasters serve coffee, tea, and festive delights like tiny donuts and pastries.
15. Discover Christ kind market at Heurich House Museum
- At the Heurich House Museum, this German Christmas market is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
- Walk through the German-style craft fair from Dec. 2-4 to locate gifts from over 50 local small-scale makers. Enjoy a warm Gluhwein mug and shop!
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