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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Plan your festive season itinerary in Potomac with ease! Our guide has all the best holiday events. From Potomac old-timers to fresh faces, our guide is your key to unlocking holiday cheer.

One of the highlights of the season is the Downtown Holiday Market, where local artisans display unique gifts and holiday treats in a charming outdoor setting. Additionally, the US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains enchants visitors with an impressive indoor showcase filled with beautiful plants and elaborate train setups. And definitely don't forget the CityCenterDC Holiday Tree, a stunning centerpiece featuring dazzling lights and decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Potomac Holiday Light Displays

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. Enjoy a dazzling 75-foot tree, visit 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: CityCenterDC Holiday Tree

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

This annual holiday light spectacular at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features glowing lantern animals, live musical performances, and festive pathways. Visitors can explore immersive displays, take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, and sample seasonal treats.

Where: Washington | More Info: ZooLights

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What to Expect:

Immersive public light art installations by renowned artists.

Description:

Georgetown GLOW is a free outdoor light art experience featuring national and international artists' commissioned works, displayed nightly in Georgetown's historic commercial district.

Where: Georgetown | More Info: Georgetown GLOW

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What to Expect:

18th-century holiday experience with festive lights and activities.

Description:

Explore Mount Vernon's historic estate illuminated with brilliant lights and holiday patterns. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, meet Aladdin the Camel, and enjoy 18th-century entertainment and holiday shopping.

Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Mount Vernon Winter Glow

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Potomac Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Enhanced vendor kiosks and community activations.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown offers a diverse array of local vendors, artisans, and community activations. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, fresh artisanal goods, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.

Where: Washington | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Local artisans selling handmade goods in a historic setting.

Description:

The Heurich House Museum's Christkindlmarkt is a multi-day holiday market featuring over 60 local small-scale artisan makers selling handmade goods, including jewelry, ceramics, and housewares. The event is held in the museum's Castle Garden and includes a mini exhibit about the historic revival of the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co.'s Senate Beer. Food and refreshments are available for purchase.

Where: Washington | More Info: Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt

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What to Expect:

Authentic German market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European food.

Description:

German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor features over 60 vendors offering unique gifts and European cuisine, including mulled wine and Bratwurst, in a charming setting with a Glühwein pyramid and festive lights.

Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor

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What to Expect:

Unique gifts from local artisans and seasonal treats.

Description:

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 various vendors, and immerse yourself in the festive melodies of Christmas music.

Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair

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Potomac Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive ice sculptures and festive holiday activities.

Description:

Gaylord National Hotel features an extensive array of holiday activities, including ICE featuring Charlie Brown Christmas, snow tubing, and gingerbread decorating. The resort offers stunning environments with extraordinary Christmas decorations, providing a unique holiday experience.

Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show

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What to Expect:

Historic tree lighting ceremony with live musical performances near the White House.

Description:

The National Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual event that features the lighting of a beautifully adorned tree on the Ellipse near the White House. This proud tradition includes performances from notable artists and a serene atmosphere as visitors gather to celebrate the season. Surrounded by charming decorations and the glow of festive lights, it creates a heartwarming scene representative of the holiday spirit.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: National Christmas Tree Lighting

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Potomac Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Skating amidst iconic sculptures on the National Mall.

Description:

Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience surrounded by modern and contemporary sculptures on the National Mall. The rink is open daily, with extended hours on weekends, and features a Pavilion Café offering refreshments. Skating sessions begin on the hour, and fees cover two consecutive 45-minute sessions.

Where: Washington | More Info: Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden

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What to Expect:

Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.

Description:

The District Holiday Boat Parade 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: District Holiday Boat Parade

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What to Expect:

Colorful parade with Candyland theme and diverse participants.

Description:

The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is a long-standing community event featuring marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, and over 2,000 participants. This year's theme is Christmas in Candyland, making it a vibrant and colorful celebration of the holiday season.

Where: Manassas | More Info: Manassas Christmas Parade

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