Last updated: November 11, 2024
The festive season is upon us, Olney! Explore our guide for all the must-see holiday attractions. For those who know Olney's rhythm and those just learning its beat, this guide orchestrates holiday harmony.
Popular Events: Experience the wonder of the Downtown Holiday Market, where local artisans offer unique gifts amid a lively atmosphere. With twinkling lights and festive music, it's a perfect spot to find seasonal treasures. And definitely don't forget the enchanting US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains, showcasing beautifully crafted miniature landscapes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
3.5-mile drive-through holiday lights display with over 450 illuminated displays.
The Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park features a 3.5-mile drive-through holiday lights display with over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors.
Where: Gaithersburg | More Info: Winter City Lights
Spectacular RGB tree lighting show with holiday music.
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
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday market in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, featuring a diverse array of local artisans, upgraded vendor kiosks, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Unique gifts and local artisanal goods.
The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair at Veterans Plaza offers a festive celebration featuring seasonal artisans, delicious treats, and joyful spirit. Explore a merry marketplace filled with handcrafted treasures from local artisans, savor delightful food and desserts from carefully selected vendors, and immerse yourself in festive melodies of Christmas music.
Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
Local artisans and vendors selling handmade products.
The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show features local artisans, delicious food, and holiday activities at John Carlyle Square on December 14, 2024, from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Where: Old Town Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Rotating selection of local artisans and crafters.
The National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show offers a vibrant and ever-changing holiday experience with a rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters, along with an array of delectable holiday sweets and desserts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy delightful treats.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Unique gifts from local artisans.
The Mosaic Holiday Market, presented by URBNMarket, features over 65 talented makers offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Celebrate the season by supporting local artisans and wrapping up your holiday shopping at this carefully curated shopping center.
Where: Fairfax | More Info: Mosaic Holiday Market
Seasonal shopping with local vendors and exclusive foodie experiences.
The Crossing Clarendon Holiday Market offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere with a variety of seasonal items and gifts. Explore local vendors, enjoy exclusive foodie experiences, and immerse yourself in the community's holiday spirit.
Where: Clarendon | More Info: The Crossing Clarendon Holiday Market
Unique blend of Swedish culture and holiday shopping.
The Swedish Holiday Market at House of Sweden in Georgetown, DC, features Nordic vendors selling holiday ornaments, decorations, textiles, Swedish glass, gifts, books, packaged food, and more. Enjoy Swedish Fika, Glögg, and sandwiches with meatballs, lox, or herring. The event culminates with a Saint Lucia procession and open-air concert overlooking the Potomac.
Where: Georgetown | More Info: Swedish Holiday Market
Authentic German Christmas Market with a Glühwein pyramid and European food.
German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor features over 60 local and international vendors offering high-quality gifts and European cuisine. Enjoy a wide selection of German mulled wine and festive food options amidst thousands of twinkling lights.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Indoor holiday market with local vendors and food trucks.
The Town Square Holiday Vendor Fair is an indoor event where local businesses can connect with new customers and community members. Each vendor will be provided a 6' table and 2 chairs to display their items. The event will also feature food trucks, highlighting the town's vibrant community spirit and the importance of supporting local businesses.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Town Square Holiday Vendor Fair
Interactive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
At Gaylord National Resort, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and spectacular light shows. Enjoy family-friendly activities like gingerbread decorating, ice tubing, and photos with Santa amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
Live ice sculpting and family-friendly activities.
Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and support Toys for Tots by bringing a new toy.
Where: Bethesda | More Info: Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
Music-infused adaptation of Dickens' classic with acclaimed actor Craig Wallace.
A music-infused production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Ford's Theatre, featuring Craig Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual tradition captures the essence of Dickens' Yuletide classic with familiar characters, ghosts, and a children's ensemble.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: A Christmas Carol
World-class ballet performance with D.C.-themed sets and costumes.
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. Amidst the charming streets of Georgetown and cherry blossom trees, stunning dance performances and nods to D.C.'s rich history make this an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Live performance with a livestream option.
The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel's beloved Messiah, featuring the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus" under the Cathedral's soaring architecture.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Handel’s Messiah
Diverse musical performances celebrating holidays around the world.
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC presents an annual holiday extravaganza featuring eclectic songs, exciting rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. The show includes performances by the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance, small ensembles, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Songs include "See Amid the Winter’s Snow," "Feliz Navidad," "Love is Christmas," and "Silent Night."
Where: Washington DC | More Info: The Holiday Show (Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC)
Joyful holiday concert with a sing-along experience.
Join Capital City Symphony for their annual holiday concert, featuring joyful music and a sing-along experience with family and friends. The orchestra will take you on a whirlwind tour of seasonal favorites, creating a memorable holiday celebration.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Capital City Symphony: Sing Annual Holiday Concert
High-flying acrobatics and energetic, dreamlike chapters.
This Cirque-styled Christmas show features dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. The Broadway-style spectacle centers around Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, she is visited by spirits who bring back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
Traditional Scottish holiday party with Scotch tasting and live music.
The Yule Celebration in Alexandria features a comprehensive Scotch tasting menu, decadent catering, music, and entertainment, celebrating the city's Scottish heritage.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Yule Celebration
Model trains showcasing pollinators in plant-based scenes.
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator scenes made from plant parts, along with festive lights and DC landmarks crafted from plants inside the Conservatory.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Traditional holiday celebration with a mile-long Christmas parade and progressive food and wine tastings.
Christmas in Middleburg is a festive holiday event featuring activities like Breakfast with Santa, the Middleburg Hunt Review, and a mile-long Christmas parade. The town transforms into a charming holiday setting with tree lighting, caroling, shopping, and progressive food and wine tastings.
Where: Middleburg | More Info: Christmas in Middleburg
