As the holiday season descends upon the nation’s capital, Washington, DC transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, majestic Christmas trees, and festive markets that bring the spirit of the season to life. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, there’s nothing quite like strolling through DC’s illuminated streets, sipping hot cocoa at a bustling holiday market, or marveling at the iconic National Christmas Tree.
From neighborhood tree lightings to dazzling displays at beloved landmarks, the city offers countless opportunities to celebrate the magic of the season. This guide will take you on a journey to the best holiday markets for unique gifts, the most breathtaking light displays, and the must-visit Christmas tree locations in and around DC. Bundle up, grab your family and friends, and explore the merry and bright moments that make the holidays in DC unforgettable!
Holiday lights and experiences-
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– November 8 – January 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Purchase tickets online.
Holidays on the Harbor– November 11 – December 31
Whether you prefer an extravagant holiday display or a cozy experience, there are seasonal activities for every moment. Nightly tree light show, festive fireworks and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Ice!, Santa at the Wheel.
Zoo Lights– November 22 – January 4
Now in its 16th year, this annual holiday light spectacular welcomes visitors to walk down festive pathways and explore immersive displays throughout the Zoo. Marvel at glowing lantern animals in their dazzling habitats, watch live nightly musical performances, take a ride on the train or the Conservation Carousel, sample sweet and savory seasonal treats, and check gifts off your holiday shopping lists at our Asia Trail, Panda Plaza and Great Cats stores.
Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum– November 22-27, December 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23, & 26-31
What better way for the B&O to celebrate the holidays than with trains! On select days November through December, come to the Museum from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to see festive model train layouts, enjoy the holiday decor, get photos with Santa, take a ride on the Reindeer Railway, and so much more!
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– November 22 – January 5
The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton. The lights will be closed November 25 to 28, December 24 to 25, and January 1.
City Ridge Tree Lighting– November 23
City Ridge is celebrating the holiday season by hosting fun, seasonal activities from 4pm to 8pm, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony featuring a performance and sing-along with the Children’s Chorus of Washington. Before the ceremony, gather throughout City Ridge for a festive family occasion with lots to explore. Jump aboard the Ridge Square holiday train rides, enjoy crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting, and send out your holiday wishlist to Santa. There might even be a Grinch tiptoeing around! Grab a bite from King Street Oyster Bar, Taco Bamba, Rooftop Kitchen, and more! Don’t forget to stop by the Sweets Shoppe to select from various seasonal treats!
Light Yards– November 25 – January 1
Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at The Yards Park! This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplify the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging.
Outdoor holiday display at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– November 28 – January 5
Our popular annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant parts. These scenes range from oversized models of native U.S. flowers like milkweed and bats pollinating a banana to an orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower, a chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower, a lemur pollinating a traveler’s tree flower, and more! The Garden will be closed on December 25.
National Christmas Tree Lighting– December 5
The 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Mickey Guyton, will feature performances from Adam Blackstone, Stephen Sanchez, James Taylor, Muni Long, Trombone Shorty, The War And Treaty, and Trisha Yearwood. The ceremony will take on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park.
National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– December 5 – January 1
Anyone is welcome to visit the National Christmas Tree this season! The Pathway of Peace and the National Christmas Tree are free to visit and open to the public. The National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening and turn off promptly at 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park– December 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.
Candlelight Tour at Tudor Place– December 6
Get an evening tour of Tudor Place under the light of the disco ball this holiday season. The historic house will be decked out in 1970s finery, while the collection offers a look at the history of disco in DC. You’re in store for some sparkling fun. Seasonal refreshments will be served.
Georgetown Jingle– December 7
Featuring 10 live music performances at 10 outdoor locations throughout Georgetown. Artists will feature everything from soulful renditions of contemporary pop and alternative hits to holiday acapella music, jazz and pop. More than 40 Georgetown shops, restaurants and services will also be offering special discounts, complimentary refreshments, and pop-up events that day. Don’t miss the beautiful procession of the St. Lucia Choir as they make their way from the Embassy of Sweden to Washington Harbour at the Georgetown Waterfront, where you can enjoy samples of non-alcoholic Glögg and a Swedish holiday treat.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights– December 7
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon– December 20, 21 & 22
Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Visit our Winter Market, purchase holiday treats, and roast s’mores over the crackling fire. Historic spaces throughout the estate will be aglow and illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere that will delight guests of all ages!
Drive-through lights-
Bull Run Festival of Lights- November 15 – January 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow.
Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– November 29 – January 1
The Winter Festival of Lights will shine bright this holiday season with 3 miles of drive-through whimsical lights! Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season from the comfort of your own car. This season, they are offering a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride for the first time. Create unforgettable memories with a unique experience while you sit cozied up with your loved ones through the Winter Festival of Lights. Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. An enchanted hayride is also an option to see the lights! Get tickets online.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights– November 29 – January 4
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition enjoyed by many for over 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights every year, your time through our course guarantees to be a night to remember. This also have a walk through option!
Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– November 29 – December 31
The City’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. The lights will be closed December 25.
Holiday markets-
Downtown Holiday Market– November 22 – December 15
The DC Holiday Market will feature 30 plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items. The market brings its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor and popular holiday treats The market will be closed November 28
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Markets & Holiday Craft Show– November 30 – December 22
There are several events in Alexandria this holiday season! Shop from more than 30 different local makers while sipping craft beer, enjoying music and more on November 30. Explore offerings from local vendors in the style of a European Christmas market, and savor seasonal beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate and fondue, December 13-15. Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on December 14.
MERRI & Bright Holiday Market at Merriweather District– December 6-8
Have yourself a MERRI little holiday season with a visit to the annual Merriweather District Holiday Market. Support unique small businesses as you venture through a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Charmery, sip some wine in the outdoor wine chalet and enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list. ‘Tis the season to celebrate with Merriweather District!
Procrastinator’s Holiday Market– December 14
This year’s Procrastinator’s Holiday Market will be a one-day indoor/outdoor event. The community will come together for a day of last-minute holiday gift shopping, special festive menus, and entertainment for the whole family. There will be holiday-themed activities, such as FREE holiday train rides and a children’s toy drive.
Related posts-
2023 guide to holiday shows, ballets and concerts in and around Washington, DC– will be updated to 2024 soon!
Winter bucket list
Gift guide
Hanukkah celebrations– updated soon
Ice skating
Holiday gift guide and stocking stuffers
Toys & games that are educational
Indoor & outdoor must-haves
Subscription boxes for children
Holiday tea–updated soon
Stuff the stockings with music lessons
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