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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Create your holiday itinerary in Bethesda! Our guide features all the best festive events and activities. From Bethesda natives to seasonal migrants, our guide illuminates the path to holiday joy.

Popular events include the enchanting Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, where dazzling light displays fill the historic grounds with seasonal splendor. Another highlight is the Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, offering a unique blend of gospel music and holiday cheer. And the lively performance, A Swingin' Little Christmas, is something you definitely don’t want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Bethesda Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with historic and festive elements.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with lantern-lit Historic Area, Mansion aglow in amber light, and Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender. Enjoy classic holiday music, patriotic inspirational quotes, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Explore an 18th-century winter encampment, visit sutlers selling 18th-century crafts, and warm up with food and holiday drinks.

Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday light display with live music and seasonal treats.

Description:

ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features thousands of LED lights depicting animals and their habitats, live musical performances, and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore immersive displays, ride the Conservation Carousel, and enjoy holiday shopping at various stores.

Where: Washington | More Info: ZooLights

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What to Expect:

Outdoor walk-through light exhibit with secular displays.

Description:

Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling display of over one million LED lights, featuring handcrafted art forms of flowers, animals, and natural elements along a half-mile paved trail.

Where: Wheaton | More Info: Garden of Lights

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What to Expect:

Technologically advanced Christmas light experience with eco-friendly, high-quality lighting.

Description:

Over 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres, featuring a 1.5-mile trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot tall programmable Christmas tree, and 200-foot diameter canopy of Christmas lights. The event includes 33 bonfires, an 8-lane Snow Tubing Ride, and various food and drink options.

Where: Olney | More Info: Winter City Lights

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What to Expect:

Dazzling 75-foot tree with live music and festive activities.

Description:

Join CityCenterDC for its 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a joyful music performance by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4's Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree and visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer.

Where: Washington | More Info: City Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Event Organizer?

Bethesda Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Diverse local vendors and community activations.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a 20th-anniversary celebration in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.

Where: Washington | More Info: DowntownDC Holiday Market

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Diverse local artisans and upgraded vendor kiosks.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring a diverse array of local artisans, upgraded vendor kiosks, and a delectable food and beverage lineup. The market is open daily from November 22 to December 23, offering a variety of community activations and shopping experiences.

Where: Washington | More Info: DC Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Unique gifts from local artisans with Santa photo opportunities.

Description:

Mosaic Holiday Market features over 65 talented makers offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy a memorable shopping experience with local artisans and the chance to snap a selfie with Santa.

Where: Fairfax | More Info: Mosaic Holiday Market

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Bethesda Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Retro-style, jazzy Christmas special with top-notch talents.

Description:

A Swingin' Little Christmas is a hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza featuring Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet. This show blends comedy and music with classic holiday tunes and original songs, offering a fresh take on 1950s and 1960s-style Christmas specials.

Where: North Bethesda | More Info: A Swingin' Little Christmas

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Flamenco dancing and traditional Spanish holiday music.

Description:

Celebrate the holidays with a journey through Spanish and Puerto Rican traditions. Enjoy Spanish holiday music and song (villancicos) alongside flamenco dancing and a "parranda." The event features Furia Flamenca Dance Company and a rich cast of musicians.

Where: Washington | More Info: Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca

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What to Expect:

Interactive ice sculpting and family-friendly entertainment.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, and games. Enjoy activities like a live ice sculpting demo, visiting Santa, and a student concert. Plus, indulge in food from local restaurants Red Bandana Bakery and Good Ducking Burger.

Where: Bethesda | More Info: Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland

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What to Expect:

A concert by Mariah Carey performing her most famous holiday songs

Description:

This concert features Mariah Carey, known for her powerful vocals and iconic holiday songs. Fans gather to enjoy heartwarming performances of classics that celebrate the spirit of the season, all set against a vibrant backdrop of lights and festivities. The atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement as the crowd sings along to well-loved tunes.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: Mariah Carey's Christmas Time

Event Organizer?

Bethesda Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.

Description:

The Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf features 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities like hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, and family photos with Santa. The event culminates with a spectacular fireworks finale.

Where: Washington | More Info: Holiday Boat Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique holiday display with model trains and pollinator sculptures.

Description:

The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plant parts, festive lights, and DC landmarks crafted from plants inside the Conservatory. Thousands of poinsettias and holiday decor add to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Washington | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains

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