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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Prepare for an exciting holiday adventure in Silver Spring! Our guide has all the best festive events and activities. For those who love Silver Spring and those about to fall in love with it, our guide is your holiday companion.

Popular events abound in this vibrant community during the season. Experience the magic of the holidays with “The Washington Ballet: Nutcracker,” featuring stunning choreography and classic tunes that capture the spirit of Christmas. You can also explore the creative marketplace at the Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair, where local artisans showcase their handmade goods. And the soul-stirring “Handel's Messiah” 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.

Silver Spring Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Historic estate illuminated with wintry 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 traditional dancing, along with classic holiday music and patriotic quotes.

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

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting

Description:

The Smithsonian's National Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday display with glowing lantern animals, live musical performances, and festive shopping opportunities.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: ZooLights

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What to Expect:

Animated tunnel lights and interactive displays.

Description:

Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling display of twinkling lights and unique exhibits, featuring secular displays of flowers, plants, insects, animals, and other characters along a half-mile paved trail.

Where: Wheaton | More Info: Garden of Lights

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What to Expect:

Technologically advanced Christmas light show with eco-friendly lighting.

Description:

Over 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres, featuring 33 bonfires, a 52-foot tall programmable Christmas lights tree, and an 8-lane Snow Tubing Ride. Enjoy tasty concessions, including s'mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and more.

Where: Olney | More Info: Winter City Lights

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Silver Spring Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique gifts and local artisanal goods.

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 festive Christmas music.

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

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What to Expect:

Diverse local vendors and community activations.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday shopping destination in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring over 100 vendors, upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: DowntownDC Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Diverse local vendors and community activations.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring a diverse array of local artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks and a fresh array of artisans.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: DC Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Traditional Swedish holiday market with cultural performances.

Description:

The Swedish Holiday Market at House of Sweden in Georgetown features Nordic vendors selling holiday ornaments, decorations, textiles, Swedish glass, gifts, books, packaged food, Glögg, candy, and more. The event includes a Swedish Saint Lucia celebration with an open-air concert.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: Swedish Holiday Market

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Silver Spring Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Broadway star Jessica Vosk joins the NSO and Heritage Signature Chorale for a holiday concert.

Description:

The National Symphony Orchestra presents A Holiday Pops featuring Broadway darling Jessica Vosk and the Heritage Signature Chorale. This event offers sparkling renditions of holiday classics and Broadway showstoppers in a festively decorated Concert Hall.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: National Symphony Orchestra: A Holiday Pops

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What to Expect:

Iconic holiday oratorio with a stellar cast and renowned conductor.

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 holiday joy has been a Washington, D.C. tradition for nearly three centuries, showcasing its larger-than-life splendor.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: Handel's Messiah

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What to Expect:

DC-themed ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

The Washington Ballet's Nutcracker is a DC-themed production celebrating 20 years, featuring dancing cherry blossoms, cardinals, and famous figures like Betsy Ross and George Washington. The show combines stunning dance performances with nods to DC's rich history, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: The Washington Ballet: Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Larger-than-life ice sculptures of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" scenes.

Description:

At Gaylord National Resort, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" comes to life in ICE!, a 19,000-square-foot frozen attraction featuring larger-than-life sculptures and thrilling frozen slides. The event is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but guests are provided with warm blue parkas to keep them cozy.

Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Resort ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

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What to Expect:

Luxurious holiday concert with gourmet dinner and silent auction.

Description:

The 44th Annual Holiday Concert & Gala at the Kennedy Center features a breathtaking holiday concert led by Artistic Director Marie Bucoy-Calavan, accompanied by a lush orchestra. The event includes cocktails, a deluxe silent auction, gourmet dinner, and dancing. It is a highlight of the Washington holiday season, entertaining over 400 local business leaders, diplomatic dignitaries, and DC trendsetters.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: 43rd Annual Holiday Concert & Gala Kennedy Center

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday concert with spirited brass and festive chorus.

Description:

The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas, a family-friendly holiday concert featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests. This beloved tradition includes traditional carols and modern favorites, celebrating the holiday season with joy and unity.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: A Candlelight Christmas

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What to Expect:

Historic tree lighting ceremony featuring live performances and guest appearances.

Description:

A grand celebration takes place as the National Christmas Tree is illuminated in a historic setting. This annual tradition brings together families and visitors who can enjoy musical performances and special appearances. The event highlights the essence of the season, showcasing beautiful decorations and the spirit of community.

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

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Silver Spring Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Dazzling 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. Enjoy family photos with Santa, s'mores at Camp Wharf, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: Holiday Boat Parade

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What to Expect:

Historical tour focusing on African American domestic laborers' holiday traditions.

Description:

Join Tudor Place for a guided candlelit tour highlighting the season of gift giving among the Peter family and African American 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 during the holiday season. View artifacts documented as Christmas gifts and learn more about their history. Seasonal refreshments will be served.

Where: Washington DC | More Info: Tudor Place Candlelight Tour

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What to Expect:

Unique plant-based replicas of DC landmarks.

Description:

The US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display features model trains in the outdoor gardens, festive lights, and over 2,000 poinsettias. The Conservatory showcases DC landmarks made from plants, highlighting pollinators and their role in ecosystem health.

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

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