Celebrate the holiday season in Washington, D.C., with a variety of festive events perfect for both locals and visitors. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring National Christmas Tree Lighting, a historic tradition that lights up the capital's night sky. Don't miss ZooLights at the National Zoo, where dazzling LED displays bring wildlife to life after dark.
Step back in time at Christmas at Mount Vernon, experiencing 18th-century holiday celebrations at George Washington's estate. Washington, D.C., offers a magical array of Christmas events, ensuring unforgettable holiday memories for everyone.
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The Top Christmas Events in Washington
- National Christmas Tree Lighting
- ZooLights
- Enchant Christmas
- Georgetown GLOW
- Downtown Holiday Market
- Smithsonian Holiday Festival
Washington Holiday Light Displays
National Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Lighting of the National Christmas Tree by the President
Description:
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates the heart of Washington, D.C. This time-honored tradition, dating back to 1923, brings together thousands of spectators on the Ellipse. The President of the United States flips the switch, igniting a dazzling display of lights on the majestic tree. Visitors can stroll through the Pathway of Peace, admiring 56 smaller trees representing U.S. states and territories. The event features live performances by renowned artists, celebrating the spirit of unity during the holiday season.
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National Christmas Tree Lighting
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at the National Zoo
Description:
ZooLights transforms the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a luminous wildlife wonderland. Over 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights create stunning animal-shaped displays throughout the zoo grounds. This unique event allows visitors to experience the zoo after dark, offering a fresh perspective on familiar exhibits. You can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while listening to the distant calls of nocturnal animals. The event supports conservation efforts, with proceeds benefiting the zoo's animal care and research programs.
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Enchant Christmas
What to Expect:
World's largest Christmas light maze and village
Description:
Enchant Christmas brings the world's largest Christmas light maze to the nation's capital. This immersive experience transforms Nationals Park into a twinkling wonderland of sculpted ice and light. Visitors can navigate through the intricate maze, discovering hidden gems and photo opportunities at every turn. The event also features an artisan market, showcasing local craftsmanship and unique holiday gifts. Enchant Christmas pays tribute to Washington's sports culture by incorporating baseball-themed elements into its festive designs.
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Georgetown GLOW
What to Expect:
Outdoor public art installations using light
Description:
Georgetown GLOW reimagines the concept of holiday lights through the lens of contemporary art. This free outdoor exhibition features innovative light art installations scattered throughout the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Artists from around the world create site-specific works that interact with the urban landscape, inviting visitors to see familiar spaces in a new light. The event celebrates Georgetown's evolution from an 18th-century port town to a hub of modern art and culture. Visitors can participate in guided art walks, gaining insights into the artists' creative processes.
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Washington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Open-air market featuring local artisans and diverse entertainment
Description:
The Downtown Holiday Market transforms Penn Quarter into a bustling open-air bazaar. Over 150 regional artisans and small businesses showcase their wares, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to gourmet foods. The market pulsates with live music performances, featuring a diverse array of genres from jazz to folk. Visitors can sample international cuisines while browsing unique gifts, supporting local creators in the process. This event reflects D.C.'s multicultural character, bringing together artisans and performers from various backgrounds to celebrate the season.
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Washington Other Holiday Activities
Smithsonian Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Holiday celebrations across multiple Smithsonian museums
Description:
The Smithsonian Holiday Festival unites the institution's world-renowned museums in a celebration of global holiday traditions. Each participating museum offers unique programming, from craft workshops to cultural performances. Visitors can explore holiday customs from around the world, gaining insights into diverse celebrations. The festival showcases the Smithsonian's vast collections, incorporating historical artifacts into holiday-themed exhibits. This event embodies the Smithsonian's mission of increasing knowledge, offering an educational twist on traditional holiday festivities.
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Nearby Events
Christmas at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
What to Expect:
18th-century holiday celebrations at George Washington's estate
Description:
Christmas at Mount Vernon transports visitors to the 18th century, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations during George Washington's time. The estate comes alive with period-accurate decorations and reenactors in colonial attire. Visitors can tour the candlelit mansion, witnessing how the Washingtons celebrated the season. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread, made using Martha Washington's original recipe. This event provides a unique opportunity to experience American history through the lens of holiday traditions.
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Holiday Light Show at the National Harbor (National Harbor)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show on a 54-foot tree
Description:
The National Harbor's Holiday Light Show captivates audiences with its towering 54-foot tree, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. This spectacular display synchronizes lights and music, creating a mesmerizing visual symphony. The show runs every half hour, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant canvas of color and sound. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle while strolling along the harbor, taking in views of the Potomac River. The event pays homage to the area's maritime history, incorporating nautical themes into its light designs.
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Holiday Light Show at the National Harbor
Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple (Kensington)
What to Expect:
Millions of lights illuminating the temple grounds
Description:
The Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple bathes the iconic structure in a sea of radiant illumination. Millions of lights adorn the temple grounds, creating a breathtaking display visible for miles. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, each area telling a different story through light arrangements. The event showcases international nativity scenes, celebrating diverse cultural interpretations of the Christmas story. This free event has been a local tradition since 1978, drawing visitors from all faiths to experience its beauty.
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Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple
ICE! at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor)
What to Expect:
Hand-carved ice sculptures in a 9-degree environment
Description:
ICE! at Gaylord National Resort plunges visitors into a 9-degree Fahrenheit winter wonderland. Master ice carvers from Harbin, China, create stunning sculptures using two million pounds of ice. The event features a different theme each year, bringing beloved stories to life in frozen form. Visitors don blue parkas to explore the chilly attraction, marveling at the intricate details and vibrant colors embedded in the ice. The event culminates with ice slides, offering a thrilling ride through this frosty spectacle.
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ICE! at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Alexandria)
What to Expect:
Decorated boats parading along the Potomac River
Description:
The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the Potomac River with a flotilla of twinkling vessels. Dozens of boats, from tiny dinghies to grand yachts, deck themselves out in dazzling light displays. Spectators line the waterfront, watching as the parade glides by, reflecting off the river's surface. The event harkens back to Alexandria's rich maritime heritage, blending modern holiday cheer with historical significance. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat designs, adding an interactive element to this unique aquatic spectacle.
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Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Light Up Old Town (Alexandria)
What to Expect:
Historic district transformed with holiday lights and decorations
Description:
Light Up Old Town bathes Alexandria's historic district in a warm holiday glow. Centuries-old buildings and cobblestone streets are adorned with twinkling lights and elegant decorations, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a Dickens novel. Visitors can embark on self-guided tours, discovering hidden courtyards and alleyways transformed by the seasonal illumination. The event highlights Alexandria's colonial architecture, emphasizing the unique charm of this historic port city. Local shops and restaurants join in, creating window displays that rival those of any major metropolis.