Last updated: November 11, 2024
Can't wait for the holiday joy in Gaithersburg? Dive into our guide for the best festive events! Whether you're a Gaithersburg resident or a holiday traveler, this guide unveils the city's seasonal charm.
Popular this season is the enchanting ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” where whimsical ice sculptures bring the beloved cartoon to life. The spectacular Gaylord National Hotel Show offers breathtaking decorations and festive entertainment, creating a memorable experience for guests of all ages. And the National Harbor Tree Light Show is something you definitely don't want to miss, captivating visitors with its dazzling light displays synchronized to holiday music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Gaithersburg Holiday Light Displays
National Harbor Tree Light Show
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light show on a 60-foot RGB tree.
- Description
- The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : National Harbor Tree Light Show
Winter City Lights
- What to Expect
- Technologically advanced Christmas light show with eco-friendly, low-energy lighting.
- Description
- Over 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres, featuring 33 bonfires, a 52-foot programmable Christmas tree, and an 8-lane Snow Tubing Ride. Enjoy tasty concessions, s'mores, hot chocolate, and more.
- Where
- Olney | More Info : Winter City Lights
Gaithersburg's Winter Lights Festival
- What to Expect
- 3.5-mile drive-through holiday light display with over 450 illuminated displays.
- Description
- The Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park features a 3.5-mile drive-through experience with over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees, creating a stunning holiday light display.
- Where
- Gaithersburg | More Info : Gaithersburg's Winter Lights Festival
ZooLights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with synchronized light and animal exhibits.
- Description
- ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features immersive light displays, live musical performances, and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore glowing lantern animals, take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, and shop for holiday gifts at various stores.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : ZooLights
Garden of Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and animated features.
- Description
- Brookside Gardens transforms into a vibrant display of over a million LED lights, featuring handcrafted art forms of flowers, animals, and natural elements, creating a stunning outdoor walk-through light exhibit.
- Where
- Wheaton | More Info : Garden of Lights
The Light Yards
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installation with swinging bells.
- Description
- The Light Yards features an interactive light installation where guests can become part of the artwork by swinging 13-foot tall bells that play a jingle, creating a vibrant and engaging public display.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : The Light Yards
Georgetown GLOW
- What to Expect
- Free, curated outdoor public light art installations in Georgetown's historic district.
- Description
- Georgetown GLOW is a free, curated outdoor public light art experience featuring public installations in Georgetown's historic commercial district. The event showcases the work of various artists and runs nightly from 5 to 10 PM, creating a vibrant and culturally diverse holiday celebration.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Georgetown GLOW
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
- What to Expect
- Historic estate illuminated with wintry lights and fireworks.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with Christmas Illuminations, featuring a lantern-lit Historic Area, the Mansion aglow in amber light, and the 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 wares, and participate in 18th-century dancing.
- Where
- Mount Vernon | More Info : Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Gaithersburg Holiday Markets and Shopping
DowntownDC Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Revitalized holiday market with upgraded vendor kiosks and diverse artisans.
- Description
- The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a rejuvenated experience under The Makers Show. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, a fresh array of artisans, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : DowntownDC Holiday Market
DC Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Revitalized market experience with upgraded vendor kiosks and diverse local artisans.
- Description
- The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday market in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, celebrating its 20th anniversary. It features upgraded vendor kiosks, a diverse array of local artisans, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : DC Holiday Market
Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and small businesses offering unique holiday gifts.
- Description
- The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at Veterans Plaza features over 80 artisans, crafters, and local small businesses showcasing a variety of products including arts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and body and hair care items.
- Where
- Silver Spring | More Info : Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and vendors selling handmade products.
- Description
- The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square offers a variety of handcrafted delights, delicious food and desserts, and heartwarming holiday activities. Visitors can explore seasonal artisans, indulge in culinary treats, and enjoy Christmas music and holiday vibes. The event also features Santa's Corner and a Kids Corner for ornament crafting.
- Where
- Old Town Alexandria | More Info : Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Gaithersburg Holiday Shows and Entertainment
ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
- What to Expect
- Unique ice sculptures of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" scenes.
- Description
- ICE at Gaylord National features "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with over 2 million pounds of ice, crafted by 40 artisans into a nearly 20,000-square-foot frozen attraction kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests are provided with signature blue parkas to stay warm.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Gaylord National Hotel Show
- What to Expect
- Larger-than-life ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
- Description
- At Gaylord National Resort, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Enjoy spectacular light shows and festive activities that bring the beloved story of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to life.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : Gaylord National Hotel Show
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Music-infused adaptation of Dickens's classic with sensory-friendly and ASL-interpreted performances.
- Description
- A music-infused production of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Scrooge in a rich visual and vocal treat.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : A Christmas Carol
The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- D.C.-themed ballet with historical figures and elaborate sets.
- Description
- The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a D.C.-themed production celebrating 20 years, featuring dancing cherry blossoms, cardinals, and famous figures like Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington. The ballet transports audiences into a winter setting with stunning dance performances and nods to D.C.'s rich history.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Handel’s Messiah
- What to Expect
- Conducted by renowned conductor Masaaki Suzuki with a stellar cast of soloists and the University of Maryland Concert Choir.
- Description
- Handel's Messiah is a timeless oratorio featuring a stellar cast of soloists and the University of Maryland Concert Choir, conducted by Masaaki Suzuki. This classic work of Baroque music is renowned for its powerful choruses and beautiful arias, celebrating the life of Jesus Christ with grandeur and emotion.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Handel’s Messiah
Gaithersburg Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Boat Parade
- 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, and holiday karaoke.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Holiday Boat Parade
The Wharf Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- DC's only over-water ice skating rink with scenic views.
- Description
- The Wharf Ice Rink is DC's only over-water ice skating rink, offering stunning views of the monuments and water. Enjoy hot beverages and seasonal specialties from nearby restaurants and shops while gliding over the ice.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : The Wharf Ice Rink
Tudor Place Candlelight Tour
- What to Expect
- Historical tour focusing on holiday gift giving traditions.
- Description
- Join Tudor Place for a guided candlelit tour highlighting the season of gift giving among the Peter family and African American and immigrant domestic laborers who lived and worked at Tudor Place. Learn how changes in society and retailing made selecting the perfect Christmas gift a major focus of the holiday. View artifacts documented as Christmas gifts in the collection and learn more about their history. Seasonal refreshments will be served.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Tudor Place Candlelight Tour
Christmas in Middleburg
- What to Expect
- Mile-long Christmas parade with mounted foxhunt riders and hounds.
- Description
- Christmas in Middleburg is a festive holiday event featuring a tree lighting ceremony, Breakfast with Santa, the Middleburg Hunt Review, a mile-long Christmas parade, and progressive food and wine tastings. The town transforms into a charming holiday setting with carolers, decorated storefronts, and special performances.
- Where
- Middleburg | More Info : Christmas in Middleburg