Best Christmas Events in the Washington DC area

Washington DC during the Holidays is so amazing! There’s just so much to see and do here at Christmastime.

Plan your visit to the nation’s Capital during the holidays and see the city all decked out with lights and fun events for the whole family.

On the blog, I highlight some of the best Christmas events in the Washington DC area. I share all the top things to do during Christmas in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and a few in Maryland as well.

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Best Christmas Events in Washington DC

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Visit the National Christmas Tree

One of the best Washington DC holiday experiences is a visit to the National Christmas Tree during the holidays.

For 2023, the annual lighting ceremony of the National Christmas Tree will be on Nov. 30, 2023.

There will be a free ticket lottery for those wanting to attend the event in person which will start at 10am on November 1st, 2023 and close at 10pm on November 8th. Enter the free lottery here.

The National Christmas Tree will be open to the public on December 2nd, and for those who would like to watch the ceremony, CBS will be airing it on Dec. 15 (8pm ET)

The National Tree is located in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse and is surrounded by smaller trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories.

• When: Dec. 2-Jan. 1 from 10am-10pm (stays lit from 4:30-10pm Sun-Thurs / till 11pm on Fridays)
• FREE EVENT
• Location: White House Ellipse
• Visit the website here

READ NEXT: Where to find the Best Christmas Tree displays in Washington DC.

Download our FREE Christmas Scavenger Hunt to get kids excited to explore all the holiday festivities in DC!

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The Capitol Christmas tree

You can’t miss a visit to the US Capitol to see the Capitol Christmas tree on the West Lawn, which is one of the best Christmas events in the Washington DC area.

Every year a different national forest has been chosen to provide “The People’s Tree” and it’s always decorated so beautifully with handmade ornaments!

For 2023, the tree will come from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and the lighting ceremony will be on Dec. 2.

The handmade ornaments on the tree are usually donated by communities from the tree’s home state as well, and it’s our favorite part about the Capitol Christmas Tree!

• When: Dec. 2 will be lit nightly from sundown till 11pm
• FREE EVENT
• Location: The Capitol Building First St. SE, Washington DC 20004

Other Christmas Trees in DC

There are so many other Christmas Trees to see during the holidays in Washington DC besides the National and Capitol trees.

Read our post about all the Best Christmas Tree displays in DC, and go on a DC Christmas Tree hunt.

Some of our favorites are the Canadian Christmas Tree display at the Canadian Embassies Rotunda, and the boating-themed Christmas Tree at the DC Wharf, decorated with glass fishing floats!

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Downtown Holiday Market

If you’re in need of some unique holiday gift ideas, then visit the Holiday Market in DC during the holidays.

At the Holiday Market, you can find crafters and vendors selling some unique-specialty items, which makes it the perfect place to find that special something for that hard to shop for person! 

You can also find some food vendors and holiday performances here as well. Grab some hot coffee, take a sightseeing break, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

• Downtown Holiday Market
• When: Nov. 17 thru Dec. 23 : (12 p.m. to 8 p.m. DAILY) 
• FREE EVENT
• Location: Downtown Washington, DC Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW just outside the National Portrait Gallery

MORE HOLIDAY MARKETS IN DC

• Dupont Circle Pop-Up: Find that one of a kind present for those on you list at the Dupont Circle Pop-up event this year. Stay tuned for more details.

• Christmas Markt at Heurich House: 3 day local artisan market
• When: Dec. 1-3, 2023
• Friday, December 1st: 4-8pm
• Saturday, December 2nd: 12-8pm
• Sunday, December 3rd: 12-6pm
• Tickets: Purchase tickets here
• Early Bird Pre-Sale (October 1 – 31)
• General Admission: $10
• Kids (ages 15 and under): $2
• Online Pre-Sale (November 1 – November 30)
• General Admission: $12
• Kids (ages 15 and under): $2
• At the Door
• General Admission: $14
• Kids (ages 15 and under): $2

• Winter Festival at the National Arboretum: Shop from local vendors and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities at the US Arboretum. There will also be a Christmas tree, wreath and garland sale right next to the Winter Festival as well.
• When: Winter Festival December 2nd from 10am to 4pm (rain date Sunday, December 3rd).
• Christmas Tree Sale December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd from 10am to 4pm.
• Where: National Arboretum’s New York Avenue parking lot. Enter the Arboretum through either the R Street entrance (2400 R Street NE) or New York Ave entrance (3501 New York Ave NE).

Season’s Greenings holiday display at the U.S. Botanic Gardens

During the holidays, the United States Botanic Gardens are transformed for Christmas with a holiday display of DC landmarks made entirely of plant materials, which is quite amazing!

For the 2023 season, the US Botanic Gardens will feature their holiday train display at the gated outdoor gardens with festive holiday adornments, lighted trees, and shrubs from Nov. 23, 2023 through Jan. 1, 2024 ( Train display until 8:00 p.m. on three Thursdays: Dec. 14, Dec. 21, and Dec. 28).

The Conservatory will also be decorated for the holidays featuring thousands of colorful poinsettias and collections of D.C. monuments and landmarks made from plant materials!

This event is free and will showcase displays made of plant materials showing various agricultural scenes from the US and worldwide!

• When: Nov. 23, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024 (10am-5pm) Closed on Christmas Day!
• FREE EVENT
• Location: United States Botanic Gardens (The gated outdoor gardens)

Ice skating at the National Gallery of Arts Sculpture Gardens

What could be more perfect for your visit to DC during the holidays than ice skating? Ice Skating is another one of the best Christmas events in the Washington DC area to experience.

Now imagine ice skating amongst art sculptures in the National Mall in DC! it’s so much fun and is a must-do when visiting DC during the holidays.

The Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is the perfect place for some winter and holiday vibes.

Take a break from sightseeing and rent some skates for some afternoon fun, or just grab a cup of hot cocoa and watch others glide along the ice, it’s the perfect place to chill, (literally).

• When: November 20, 2023–March 3, 2024Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm-Fri-Sat 11am-11pm)
• Fee: Two 45 minute sessions: $12/adults and kids 13 and over
• $10/kids 12 and under, ages 60 and up, military service members, students with valid ID.
• $250 Seasons Pass
• Skate Rentals $6 (lockers free first-come first-served)
• Location: Constitution Ave. NW & 7th St. NW, Washington DC 20408
• Visit website here

Read More: Best Ice Skating rinks in the DC area

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Wreaths Across America 

One of our favorite new traditions to do during Christmas in Washington DC is the Wreaths Across America wreath laying event, which takes place on Dec. 16, 2023 at 8am.

Volunteer and sponsor a wreath to lay in one of the tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery, or at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. You can also sponsor a wreath online as well.

Wreaths Across America is a wonderful organization that creates handmade wreaths from Maine to help remember and honor those who have served during the holiday season. 

Visit the DC Wharf during the holidays 

One of our favorite Christmas events in Washington DC is located at the DC Wharf, which is always so festive during the holidays. Stay at a hotel at the Wharf and enjoy all the fun holiday events and festivities. Here is a list of some of our favorite holiday activities at the DC Wharf.

Roast S’mores at the Camp Wharf Firepit

• One of the best things to do at the DC Wharf during the holidays is roasting S’mores by the Camp Wharf fire pit.

• Purchase your Smore’s kit, find a spot by the fire pit, and warm up to a hot and gooey treat.

• When: Thurs: 6-10pm / Fri: 6-11pm / Sat: 4-11pm / Sun: 4-10pm (Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
• There are different Smore’s options to purchase, including some hot cocoa or some warm apple cider.
• Smore’s $4.75 each or 4 for $16.50
• Hot apple cider $4.75-(credit and debit cards only)

Visit Santa and the Christmas Tree at the Pier

• (TBA) Don’t miss the lighting of the DC Wharf Christmas tree on Nov. 26, 2021 from 6pm-8pm

• (TBA) Theres also a lighting of the Menorah on December 7, 2023

• (TBA) On Dec. 4th (6-9pm), don’t forget to visit with Santa at the pier by the Tree, while you enjoy the sounds of the Christmas carolers at the DC Wharf. The visit with Santa is free, just make sure to bring along your camera and say cheese!

Go Ice Skating at the Wharf Ice Rink

• Another fun holiday experience at the Wharf is Ice skating. Stop by the Wharf Ice rink and lace up your skates while you admire the Potomac River views. ‘

• The Rink also has a snack shop, including some hot chocolate to warm you up.

• When: Nov. 22, 2023-Feb. 2024
• Mon-Tues: Closed/ Wed-Fri: 4pm-10pm/ Sat: 12pm-10pm/ Sun:12pm-8pm
• Special Holiday Hours
• December 23: 12pm-10pm
• December 24: 12pm-7pm
• December 25: 12pm-8p
• December 26-30: 12pm-10pm
• December 31: 12pm-8pm
• Ticket prices: Adult: $13
• Youth (12 & Under): $10
• Skates & Skate Aid Rentals: $7
• Locker Rental: $3
• Group Rate (10 or more) includes skate rental: $15
• $11-Active military, seniors 65+ (Must show a valid ID).
• Location: The Transit Pier on the DC Wharf
• Visit the website here

The District’s Holiday Boat Parade

• Another fun event during the holidays at the DC Wharf is the District Holiday Boat Parade.

• Spend the day decorating gingerbread cookies and ornaments with the kids, and a visit with Santa. 

• In the evening, watch the beautifully decorated boats pass by The Wharf, and get into the holiday spirit. 

• The night ends with an amazing fireworks show, which is the perfect way to end a night of fun during the holidays in DC!

• When: December 2, 2023
• 6-9pm-Activities throughout The Wharf (Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden, s’mores, and live music)
• 7:00pm-Boats arrive in the Washington Channel 
• 8:00pm-Fireworks Salute
• 8:15pm-9:00pm–Live music on District Pier Stage
• Ticket prices: FREE EVENT
• Location: DC Wharf 600 Water St. SW, Washignton DC, 20024
• Visit the website here

Visit the Willard Intercontinental Hotel

On your visit to Washington DC during the holidays, make sure to stop by the Willard Intercontinental Hotel.

• The Grand Hotel lobby is decorated elegantly, with its 20-foot tree as the centerpiece which is absolutely beautiful!

• For the perfect holiday experience in DC, make sure to reserve a spot for some Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Willard.

• This is one of the hotel’s annual holiday traditions, where you can enjoy an array of festive teas, sandwiches, and seasonally inspired pastries.

• Don’t forget to admire the gingerbread display, last year’s theme was the Ronald Reagan Airport and it was pretty cool.

• When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December (excluding December 24 and 30) with seatings at 1:00 p.m. and at 3:00 p.m. 
• Price: $90 per adult or $102 with a glass of champagne | $65 per child (3-12 years of age). Children under three dine at no charge.
• Reservations are required and are limited! Must reserve online here
• Location: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

ZooLights at the National Zoo

The annual Zoolights event at the Smithsonian Zoo is back for the 2023 holiday season with FREE admission! ZooLights features LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns, live music performances, tasty winter treats, and an opportunity for holiday shopping.

• When: November 24 – December 30, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sundays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Tickets: $6 Admissions, but you must reserve a separate entry pass here. Parking costs $30
• Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008

READ NEXT: Fun Christmas Getaways from Washington DC

Visit the Washington National Cathedral

There are an array of special services, concerts, and events happening at the Washington National Cathedral in DC during the holidays.

You can take in a choir performance, a Christmas service, or simply take a tour of this beautiful Cathedral.

• Handels Messiah: Dec. 2,3 & 4 at 4pm-Get tickets here
• Joy of Christmas: Dec. 10 at 2 & 6pm/ Dec. 11 at 4pm-Get tickets here
• More In-person Christmas Concerts here

More Christmas events in DC

• Enchant Christmas: The World’s Most Magical Christmas Light Maze & Village, with and ice skating trail, holiday treats, a visit with Santa, and more.
• When: Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2023
• Ticket prices: starting at $32 adults 18-64 / $24 kids 3-17 (2 and under FREE)
• Purchase tickets online here
• Location: Nationals Park 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003

• Georgetown Glow: Enjoy the FREE public light art installations from local and international artists throughout Georgetowns commercial district nightly from 5-10pm.
• You can also enjoy a guided walking tour of GLOW from Thursday-Sundays at 6pm. The 1.5-hour tour begins at Lock 3 on the C&O Canal and ends at Cady’s Alley. (Name your own price for tickets, but reservations are required here)
• When: December 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024 from 5-10pm

• Christmas at Tudor Place: Enjoy an array of holiday activities at Tudor Place which includes a Wreath making workshop, holiday tea and candlelight tour, and a gingerbread house making workshop as well.

Christmas events in Maryland

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Enjoy Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor 

Just a short drive away from DC is the National Harbor. The National Harbor is a fun holiday destination and hosts many fun Christmas events during the holidays. There are so many fun holiday events to look forward to, and they are some of the best holiday experiences in the DC area.

• Tree Lighting and Fireworks Show from Nov. 11-Dec. 30, 2023, which starts nightly every half hour from sundown to 9pm.

• FREE Hot Chocolate while you shop from participating retailers at Pepper Palace, Bohé, Mason Famous Lobster Rolls, Corinto Gallery, ZAAF, and Public House.

• Holiday movies on the Potomac Sundays Nov. 12-Dec. 17, 2023
• Movie Schedule: November 12: Fred Claus (2007) (2-3pm)
  November 19: Shrek the Halls (12:30-1:30pm)
  November 26: Disney’s Sing Along Songs – Very Merry Christmas (2-3pm)
  December 3: Merry Madagascar (2009) (12:30-1:30pm)
  December 10: Barbie in a Christmas Carol (2008) (2-3pm)
  December 17: The Flight Before Christmas (2008) (2-3pm)

READ MORE: Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor

Gaylord National Resort

During the holidays, the Gaylord National Resort hosts some fun Christmas activities for the whole family.

• ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: ICE! is back for the 2023 season featuring “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”. Walk through life-size giant ice sculptures featuring the beloved classic movie complete with Ice slides the whole family can enjoy.

• There will also be snow tubing, ice skating, Scavenger Hunts, Gingerbread decorating, Ice Bumper Cars, and more! You can read more on all the fun events at the Gaylord National on our Christmas on the Potomac article here.

• When: November 19-December 31, 2023
• Tickets: Purchase tickets here
• Tickets start at $29.99 and vary depending on the day of visit.
• Silver Play & Save Pass: Save up to 20% off on select attractions which include ICE!, Snow Flow Mountain & Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt.
• Gold Play & Save Pass: Save up to 30% off on select attractions which include ICE!, Snow Flow Mountain, Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt, Snowball Build and Blast, Gingerbread Decorating, Ice Skating & Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions.

• Cirque Dream Holidaze: Dazzling family holiday spectacular that features a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry.
• When: December 15-17, 2023
• Tickets: Tickets start at $32.50
• Purchase tickets here
• Location: The Theater at the MGM National Harbor

Holiday Lights Displays in Maryland

• Winter Lights Festival The 3.5 mile festive light displays at Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees.
• When: Nightly Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2023 (closed Christmas Day) from (6pm-9pm Sun-Thurs) and 6pm-9:30pm Friday and Saturday.  
• Ticket prices:
• Monday – Thursday: $15
• Friday – Sunday: $25
• 15+ Passenger Vehicles: $30 (Monday – Thursday only)
• Tickets must be purchased in advance here
• Location: 11950 Clopper Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20878

• Festival of Lights The drive-thru Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park, takes you through dazzling light displays with more than 2.5 million lights, including a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree!
• When: Nov. 24-Jan. 1 from 5 to 9:30 pm.
• Ticket prices:  Car: $10 advance, $15 at gate
• Van/Limo: $20
• Bus: $30
• Carriage rides: $195 (fits 4 people)
• Purchase tickets online here
• Download the Festival of Lights I-Spy game for kids here
• Location: 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

• Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling light displays.
• When: Nov. 17-Dec. 31, 2023
• Ticket prices: $10/person ages 5 and up
• Timed entry and date specific Tickets must be purchased online here
• Location: 1800 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902

Christmas events in Northern Virginia

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Visit Christmas in Old Town Alexandria

Just a short drive, metro ride, or water taxi from DC is Old Town Alexandria.

During the holidays the charming town is transformed with twinkly lights and holiday decor, as well as some fun events for the whole family.

Old Town is also the perfect place to purchase some unique gift ideas, with an abundance of local shops selling locally made, and one-of-a-kind products.

Watch the Holiday boat parade at Old Town Alexandria

• There are a few events worth noting here, such as the District Holiday Boat Parade. Watch the parade of boats go by as they are decked out in holiday lights.

• There will also be a pop-up beer garden, hot chocolate bar, and family activities, such as letters to Santa and more!

• When: December 3, 2023 Parade 5:30pm– Dockside Festivities 2 to 8 p.m.
• FREE EVENT
• Location: Alexandria Waterfront

Visit the Torpedo Factory

• You can’t miss a visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center during the holidays.
• The Torpedo Factory is home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist studios in the US, which makes it the perfect place for some unique gift ideas! 

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

• Find that special present at the Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• This FREE event will feature more than 100 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses. There will also be some activities for the whole family including ornament making and pictures with Santa as well.

Del Ray Artisans’ 28th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market

• Find that unique one of a kind present a the Del Ray Artisans’ 28th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market. The market is open for the first three weekends in December (Dec 1-3, Dec 8-10, and Dec 15-17), plus Dec 22-23 for last minute shoppers.
• Hours are Fridays 6-9pm, and Saturdays & Sundays 11am-6pm; plus open 3-9pm on Friday, December 22
• Located at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.

READ MORE: How to spend the holidays in Old town Alexandria

Christmas at the Mosaic

• Holiday Tree Lighting, and Santa Fire truck parade at the Mosaic on Nov. 24, 2023. The parade goes from 6:30-6:45 pm followed by the tree lighting at 7:15pm. There will also be live entertainment from 6-9pm.

• Santas Motorcade at the Mosaic on Dec. 8, 2023 and Meet and Greets with Santa will continue at the Target lobby most weekends starting Nov. 24 till Dec. 24. 

• You can also look forward to the Mosaic Holiday Market on Nov. 18 & 19 and Dec. 16 & 17 to shop for everyone on your list, including live music, a beer garden, and more!
  
• Don’t miss the Menorah Lighting on Dec. 14, 2023 from 5-6:30pm located at the Blue Dock between Shake Shack & West Elm.

Christmas Illumination at Mount Vernon

The Christmas Illumination at Mount Vernon includes sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River at George Washington’s Estate at Mount Vernon. You can tour the mansion, holiday lights and music, winter market, and more!

• When: Dec. 15-16, 2023 from 5:30-8:30pm
• Ticket prices: (Members): Adult $48 / Youth $26 – $2 extra for mansion tours
• (General Public): Adult $58 / Youth$36 – $2 extra for mansion tours
• Purchase tickets online here
• Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121

Holiday Light displays in Northern Virginia

• The Winter Village at Cameron Run Experience a winter wonderland at Cameron Run, lots of fun photo-ops, holiday lights display, ice skating and more!
• When: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024 – 5:00-10pm
• Ticket prices: $9.19 person online / $10 at the gate (under 2 free)
• $22.03 Village admission and skating (online only)
• $14.07 Ice Skating (includes 1-hour skating and skate rental)
• Purchase tickets online here.
• Location: 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA 22304

• The Winter Walk of Lights at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA is a holiday lights walk thru event that goes for over a half mile. Face masks are required for 5 and up.
• When: Nov.11 – Dec. 8 nightly from 5:30-10pm
• (Prime Nights) Dec. 9-Jan. 8 from 5pm-10pm
• Ticket prices: $16 online-$20 at the door (under 2 FREE)
• Prime nights tickets costs $18
• Tickets must be purchased in advanced online
• Location: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens court, Vienna, VA 22182

• Bull Run Festival of Lights is a 2.5 mile drive thru light display in Centreville, VA
• When: Nov. 10, 2023- Jan. 7, 2024 from 5:30pm-9:30pm daily (till 10pm Fri-Sun)
• Ticket prices: $30 online-$40 at the door
• Use promo code early23 to save $10 from Nov. 10 -19, 2023. (Valid daily including weekends)
• Use promo code lights23 to save $5 daily from Nov. 20-22 & 27-30
• Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 2023 (Valid Mon.-Thurs. / No holidays or weekends)
• Tickets can be purchased online
• Location: 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville VA 20121

Visit Nalls Produce

One of our favorite places to visit during the holidays is Nalls Produce in Alexandria.

This place really knows how to do Christmas, with their insta-worthy holiday displays, like the pumpkin wall.

After the Halloween season, the pumpkins are painted in bright holiday colors, and it’s just so beautiful.

There is also a Christmas tree display, and you can purchase a fresh Christmas tree and wreath.

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