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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Plan your holiday itinerary with ease in Washington. Our guide has all the best festive events and activities. Whether you call Washington home or are just visiting, this guide unlocks the best of the season.

Popular events include the National Christmas Tree Lighting, where the iconic tree lights up the National Mall, creating a picturesque holiday backdrop. The DowntownDC Holiday Market offers an array of local crafts and seasonal treats, making it a delightful shopping destination. And the Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring mesmerizing performances that capture the magic of the holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Washington Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Unique ornaments representing all U.S. states, territories, and District of Columbia.

Description:

The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a cherished American tradition celebrating over 100 years. Each year, one-of-a-kind ornaments are made by Americans representing every U.S. state, territory, and District of Columbia. The event features musical performances and special guests, bringing people together to celebrate the holiday season.

Where: Washington | More Info: National Christmas Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Spectacular nightly tree light shows and festive fireworks.

Description:

National Harbor transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with nightly tree light shows, festive fireworks, and the iconic ICE exhibit at Gaylord National, featuring intricate ice sculptures. Enjoy holiday movies, photos with Santa, and a variety of shopping and dining options.

Where: National Harbor | More Info: Christmas at National Harbor

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What to Expect:

Fully-guided tour of Washington D.C.'s festive light displays.

Description:

Explore Washington D.C.'s spectacular Christmas trees and festive displays on a fully-guided, three-hour journey. Meet your pro tour guide at the U.S. Navy Memorial and board a luxury climate-controlled bus to observe dazzling light displays, including the National Christmas Tree and its surrounding Pathway of Peace. Visit Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, and Gaylord National Resort to witness shimmering holiday lights exhibitions. The tour concludes with a visit to the Capitol Christmas Tree and the Canadian Embassy's traditional Christmas tree.

Where: Washington | More Info: Holiday Lights Tours

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What to Expect:

Dazzling 75-foot tree with resident reindeer.

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. 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: CityCenterDC Christmas Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Historic reenactments and fireworks over the Potomac River.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with wintry lights, historic reenactments, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy an 18th-century winter encampment, working blacksmith shop, and Aladdin the Camel. Explore the lantern-lit Historic Area and Mansion, hear classic holiday music, and participate in 18th-century dancing.

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

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What to Expect:

Technologically advanced Christmas light displays with eco-friendly, low-energy 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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Washington Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Enhanced vendor kiosks and community activations.

Description:

The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring dozens of local vendors, artisans, and community activations. Enjoy a diverse array of food and beverage options, festive decor, and live music performances.

Where: Washington | More Info: DowntownDC Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Traditional Swedish cuisine and festive market atmosphere.

Description:

The Swedish Holiday Market at House of Sweden features Nordic vendors selling arts & crafts, holiday ornaments, decorations, textiles, Swedish glass, gifts, books, packaged food, Glögg, and candy. Enjoy Swedish "Fika," "Glögg," and "Smörgås" with meatballs, lax, or herring.

Where: Washington | More Info: Swedish Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Unique handmade products and local vendors.

Description:

The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show features a variety of handmade products, including jewelry, art, and bath and body items, along with food and dessert vendors. The event takes place at John Carlyle Square, offering a unique shopping experience with local artisans and businesses.

Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show

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What to Expect:

Showcase of local artisans and small businesses.

Description:

The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at Veterans Plaza features over 80 artisans, crafters, and local small businesses showcasing a variety of products including arts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and body and hair care items.

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

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What to Expect:

Unique gifts from over 65 talented makers.

Description:

Mosaic Holiday Market features over 65 talented makers offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. The event provides an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer, with opportunities to snap memorable selfies with Santa himself. Celebrate the season by supporting local artisans and wrapping up your holiday shopping at Mosaic.

Where: Fairfax | More Info: Mosaic Holiday Market

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Washington Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

D.C.-themed ballet with local historical nods.

Description:

The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker is a D.C.-themed production featuring dancing cherry blossoms, cardinals, and famous figures like Betsy Ross and Harriet Tubman. This ballet transports audiences into a winter setting rich in local history, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Where: Washington | More Info: The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Sensory-friendly and ASL-interpreted performances available.

Description:

Ford's Theatre presents a music-infused adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring acclaimed actor Craig Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge. This annual tradition is known for its rich visual and vocal performances, capturing the essence of Dickens' Yuletide classic with familiar characters, ghosts, and a children's ensemble.

Where: Washington | More Info: Ford's Theatre's A Christmas Carol

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What to Expect:

Inclusive holiday celebration with diverse musical performances.

Description:

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC presents an annual holiday celebration featuring eclectic songs, exciting rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. The event includes performances by the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Songs include See Amid Winters Snow, Feliz Navidad, Love is Christmas, and Silent Night. The World Music Collective is a special guest, blending jazz, world music, and contemporary styles.

Where: Washington | More Info: Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show

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What to Expect:

Frosty 9-degree Fahrenheit display with provided blue parkas.

Description:

ICE featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is a 20,000-square-foot frozen attraction created by 40 ice artisans using over two million pounds of ice. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but guests are provided with Gaylord National's signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty.

Where: National Harbor | More Info: ICE featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

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What to Expect:

Live orchestral performance of John Debney's score to the holiday film Elf.

Description:

The National Symphony Orchestra presents Elf in Concert, a live-to-film experience where John Debney's score is played live to the Christmas classic Elf. Buddy, accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, travels to New York in search of his real father, all while wearing a full elf uniform.

Where: Washington | More Info: Elf in Concert

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What to Expect:

Fresh takes on classic 50s and 60s holiday specials.

Description:

A Swingin' Little Christmas is a holiday show featuring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet. The performance blends cabaret, comedy, and Christmas kitsch with fresh takes on classic 50s and 60s holiday specials. It includes lively renditions of classic tunes, nostalgic originals, and zany comedy.

Where: Washington | More Info: A Swingin' Little Christmas

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What to Expect:

Intimate dance performances inspired by winter themes.

Description:

Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories is an intimate evening of dance featuring performances by The Ngoma School. Principal Choreographer Shawn Short brings new works inspired by the music of Bernard Herman, Vivaldi, Billie Eillish, Joni Mitchell, and Daniel Caesar. The event includes world premieres like Stillness Moonlight, Wanted, Longing Thoughts, Sunset, and One Mo, each telling unique stories of longing, family, and determination.

Where: Washington | More Info: Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories

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What to Expect:

Traditional flamenco dance and live music celebrating Spanish and Puerto Rican holiday traditions.

Description:

Celebrate the holidays with an evening of Spanish holiday music and song (villancicos) alongside flamenco dancing and a "parranda." The event features Furia Flamenca Dance Company and a rich cast of musicians including Maestro Torcuato Zamora, Juan L. Romero, and Guillermo Juan Christie on flamenco guitar, and Margarita Osorio and Jorge Porta on vocals.

Where: Washington | More Info: Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca

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What to Expect:

Renowned soprano Amber Monroe joins the Capital City Symphony for a holiday concert.

Description:

Join Capital City Symphony and renowned soprano Amber Monroe for a heartwarming holiday concert filled with rich, clear voices and classic holiday music. This intimate event at the Atlas Performing Arts Center promises a fun and engaging evening of sing-along fun.

Where: Washington | More Info: Capital City Symphony: Sing Annual Holiday Concert

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What to Expect:

High-flying acrobatic stunts and Broadway-style storytelling.

Description:

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas is a Cirque-styled show featuring dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. The Broadway-style spectacle centers around Noel, a child dismayed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, who is visited by spirits bringing back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters.

Where: National Harbor | More Info: Cirque: Spirit of Christmas

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Washington Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.

Description:

The District's Holiday Boat Parade features 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities like hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, and visits with Santa.

Where: Washington | More Info: District’s Holiday Boat Parade

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What to Expect:

Skating surrounded by modern and contemporary sculptures.

Description:

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink offers a unique skating experience surrounded by modern and contemporary sculptures on the National Mall. Skaters can enjoy the scenic views and festive atmosphere while skating on the 135-foot-long rink. The rink is open from November 20 to March 3, weather permitting, with hours varying by day. Skating lessons and group packages are available for all ages and abilities.

Where: Washington | More Info: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday bar with festive decor and seasonal cocktails.

Description:

A Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, and a variety of holiday cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists.

Where: Washington | More Info: Festive Pop Up Bars

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What to Expect:

Live ice sculpting demo and student concert.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, and more. Enjoy a full afternoon of holiday fun with activities like a live ice sculpting demo, visiting Santa Claus, and a student concert. Plus, indulge in food from local restaurants like Red Bandana and Good Ducking Burger.

Where: Bethesda | More Info: Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland

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