Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the best of the holidays in Lincolnia! Our guide has all the must-see festive events and activities. Whether you're a Lincolnia local or a globetrotter, this guide ensures you make the most of the holidays.
One of the highlights of the season is the enchanting US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains, where stunning floral arrangements and miniature train displays create a magical atmosphere. The Downtown Holiday Market brings a delightful array of artisan goods and festive treats, perfect for holiday shopping. And the City Center Christmas Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it features a lively celebration with music and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Lincolnia Holiday Light Displays
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- 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, visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the holiday spirit with a photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
National Harbor Tree Light Show
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound 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
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of illuminated boats along the historic waterfront.
- Description
- The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights features over 50 brightly lit boats cruising along the Potomac River shoreline. Dockside festivities at Waterfront Park include a pop-up beer garden, food, activities, and holiday music.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
- What to Expect
- Sparkling light displays along a wheelchair-accessible trail.
- Description
- Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a half-mile, paved trail at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens featuring countless sparkling lights, nature, winter, and holiday themes. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing visitors to sip on hot beverages and roast marshmallows while enjoying the illuminated displays.
- Where
- Vienna | More Info : Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights
Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique drive-through holiday light experience with new displays added annually.
- Description
- Drive through 2.5 miles of holiday light displays at Bull Run Regional Park, featuring a variety of holiday and fairytale vignettes.
- Where
- Centreville | More Info : Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with historic and festive lights and fireworks.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with Christmas Illuminations, featuring lantern-lit historic areas, the Mansion aglow in amber light, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy 18th-century winter encampments, blacksmith shops, and Aladdin the Camel. Explore holiday traditions and shop for unique gifts.
- Where
- Mount Vernon | More Info : Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Lincolnia Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local artisans and community activations.
- Description
- The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, featuring a diverse array of local artisans, upgraded vendor kiosks, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : Downtown Holiday Market
Lincolnia Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive ice sculptures and festive activities.
- Description
- At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday showplace featuring larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Enjoy activities like gingerbread decorating, ice skating, and spectacular light shows.
- Where
- National Harbor | More Info : Gaylord National Hotel Show
Lincolnia Other Holiday Activities
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
- What to Expect
- Unique plant-based pollinator scenes and DC landmark replicas.
- Description
- The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plant parts, along with festive lights and thousands of poinsettias. DC landmarks are recreated using plant materials inside the Conservatory.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
- What to Expect
- Celebrating Scottish heritage with tartan-clad clans and festive music.
- Description
- The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a festive event celebrating the city's Scottish heritage. It features a parade of Scottish clans, bagpipe bands, and community groups, along with traditional Scottish and holiday-themed elements.
- Where
- Alexandria | More Info : Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade