Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the festive spirit of Sterling with our detailed guide. Whether you're rediscovering Sterling or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide enhances your holiday spirit.
In Sterling, the Downtown Holiday Market transforms the heart of the city into a winter wonderland, showcasing local artisans and festive treats. With twinkling lights and unique gift options, it creates a charming atmosphere. The US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains feature enchanting displays and miniature trains weaving through festive scenery, making it a delightful experience for all ages. And the National Harbor Tree Light Show is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it illuminates the waterfront with dazzling light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Sterling Holiday Light Displays
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
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Dazzling 75-foot tree and live music performance.
- Description
- Join CityCenterDC for its 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on November 25th, 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 and visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Sterling Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Diverse local vendors 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
McLean Holiday Art and Crafts Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts from local artisans in a festive setting.
- Description
- The McLean Holiday Art and Crafts Festival is a three-day indoor show featuring approximately 80 talented, regional artisans. The event offers a wide variety of handmade items, including pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decor, mixed media, fashion accessories, wood, fine art, and artisanal foods. Stroll to music as you shop and enjoy a beverage or lunch at the onsite café.
- Where
- McLean | More Info : McLean Holiday Art and Crafts Festival
Sterling Other Holiday Activities
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
- What to Expect
- Model trains navigating pollinator scenes made from plant parts.
- Description
- The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator scenes made from plant parts, festive lights, and DC landmarks crafted from plants. Explore the Conservatory to see iconic landmarks and poinsettias, and enjoy live holiday music on select evenings.
- Where
- Washington | More Info : US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Christmas in Middleburg
- What to Expect
- Charming holiday celebration with a mile-long Christmas parade and progressive food and wine tastings.
- 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 event includes various activities and special events that celebrate the holiday season in a charming Virginia town.
- Where
- Middleburg | More Info : Christmas in Middleburg