Fun Christmas Getaways from Washington DC
Christmas in Washington, DC, is truly beautiful, with numerous fun holiday events taking place throughout the city. There is always something enjoyable for the whole family during the holiday season in DC.
If you’re still looking for more holiday events in the DC area, I have compiled a list of exciting Christmas getaways from Washington, DC. Some of these events are located within the DMV area, while others are just a few hours’ drive from the nation’s capital.
All of these destinations offer a fun winter weekend getaway for families and are sure to boost your Christmas spirit!
READ NEXT: Best Christmas events in the Washington DC area
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Christmas getaways near Washington DC
CHRISTMAS IN OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
One of the best Christmas getaways from Washington, D.C., that is just a short drive away is Christmas in Old Town Alexandria.
Voted one of the “Best Small Towns in America,” this charming town is particularly stunning during the holiday season.
Notable events to look forward to include the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade along the waterfront, both taking place on December 7, 2024.
Additionally, you can discover unique Christmas gift ideas along King Street and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the beautiful row homes decorated for the holidays.
READ MORE: Christmas in Old Town Alexandria
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
CHRISTMAS IN ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND
Just about an hour’s drive from the DC area is the historic and charming town of Annapolis Maryland.
The city of Annapolis is a fun weekend family getaway during the holidays in Maryland.
Voted as one of the best towns for the holidays by Travel & Leisure, there are so many fun Christmas events to look forward to in Annapolis.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS:
Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival
In early December, look out for the Annual Chocolate Binge Festival. You can sample all sorts of chocolate, with 35 Chocolate vendors, shopping from dozens of local artists, drinks, food, and live music.
There will also be a gingerbread house decorating contest, and a Santa visit, along with music, children’s activities, and more.
- Annapolis Chocolate Festival
- When: December 1, 2024, at 11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Tickets: $5 admission
- Location: 55 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401-2420
Annapolis Harbor Lights Parade
The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade: One event to look forward to every year is the Lights Parade along Annapolis Harbor.
Watch the boats as they sail along the Harbor with festive holiday lights decor. It’s a fun event for the whole family and it’s FREE!
- Annapolis Harbor Lights Parade
- When: December 14, 2024 from 6 – 8 p.m.
- Ticket prices: FREE EVENT
- Location: Annapolis Harbor
Holiday Lights on the Bay
Another must-see holiday attraction in Annapolis is the Lights on the Bay illuminated drive-through lights display at Sandy Point State Park.
This is a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with approximately 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway.
- Holiday Lights on the Bay
- When: Nov. 19 – Jan. 1, 2024 daily from 5-10pm
- Ticket prices:
- 20.00 – PER CAR | $5.00 – 3D Glasses
- $30.00 – LARGE PASSENGER VANS, MINI BUSES AND TROLLEYS
- $50.00 – BUSES purchase tickets online here
- Location: Sandy Point State Park 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409
*Make sure to visit the City of Annapolis website for info on holiday events this year.
READ MORE: Weekend visit to Annapolis Maryland
CHRISTMAS IN BALTIMORE
Another fun Christmas day trip idea from DC is Baltimore.
There are so many fun Christmas events to look forward to, plus Baltimore is only about an hour’s drive from DC.
Some events to look forward to during the holidays in Baltimore are:
- The Christmas Village in Baltimore: Inspired by Germany’s Christmas Markets, the one in Baltimore features indoor and outdoor Markets with over 60 vendors in charming wooden booths selling unique gift ideas, twinkly lights, a traditional German Christmas Pyramid, yummy food, a carousel and Ferris wheel, and more.
- When: November 23-December 24, 2024
- Sun-Thurs 12-8pm / Fri-Sat 12-9pm
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays except on Dec. 23 & 24 ; Closed on Nov. 25, 26, & 27
- Location: 501 Lights Street Baltimore, MD 21230
More Holiday events in Baltimore
- Four Seasons Winter Village
- B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
- Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
- Inner Harbor Ice Rink
- Highlandtown Train Garden
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
CHRISTMAS AT THE NATIONAL HARBOR, MD
One of the most fun holiday events in the DC area is Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor.
From the weekend Christmas tree lighting and fireworks show along the National Harbor, to all the fun Christmas events at the Gaylord National Resort. There is lots to do during the holidays at the National Harbor.
There’s even a larger-than-life lighted Ferris wheel, outdoor Christmas movies, and a visit with Santa. Christmas on the Potomac is a fun kid-friendly winter getaway near DC.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
- Gaylord National Harbor ICE event is back! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Walk through life-size giant ice sculptures featuring this beloved holiday movie!
- When: November 15 – December 28, 2024
- Christmas Tree Light Show at the National Harbor
- When: Nov. 11-Dec.30, 2023 daily every half hour from sundown till 9pm
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
- When: Dec. 7, 2024 7:30pm-10:00pm
- Tickets: Starting at $71
- Location: The Theater at MGM National Harbor
MORE INFO ON ALL EVENTS: Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor
CHRISTMAS IN PHILADELPHIA
Another fun winter weekend getaway from DC is Christmas in Philadelphia.
Just about a two-hour drive from the DC area (depending on traffic) is the Christmas Village in Philadelphia.
- Christmas Village at Love Park: This German-inspired Christmas market in Philly is fun for the whole family. Experience an authentic German-style market with 80 wooden booths and vendors selling traditional European food, sweets, and drinks.
- When: Nov. 18-Dec. 24, 2023 from 12-8pm daily
- Ticket prices: FREE EVENT
- Location: Love Park and City Hall Philadelphia
- Visit website here
RECOMMENDED HOTEL:
- Wintergarden at Dilworth Park: Enjoy Ice skating at the Rothman Orthopedic Ice Rink, and shop for unique gift ideas at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.
- Dickens Christmas Village: Enjoy a stroll along the Dickens Christmas Village, which is a vintage animatronic “A Christmas Carol” display that ends with a visit with Santa at Macy’s Santaland. open on Nov. 24, 2023.
- Make sure to keep warm and drink some hot mulled wine or hot chocolate. This is one of the best weekend getaways from DC during the holidays!
READ MORE: Christmas Markets in Philadelphia
CHRISTMAS IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
Just about a couple hour’s drive from DC is the historic town of Williamsburg Virginia.
There are so many fun holiday events going on here and is the best winter getaway in Virginia near DC.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg and experience what it was like to celebrate Christmas in the 18th century.
Admire the beautiful natural Christmas decor with doors and windows covered in fruit wreaths and garlands. It’s just absolutely beautiful!
READ NEXT: Guide to visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids
RECOMMENDED HOTELS:
Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illuminations
In early December, you can also experience the Grand Illuminations and watch the night sky light up with a fireworks display over the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building.
You can also enjoy holiday songs and stories on Market Square.
Saturday evenings will include an original holiday story, holiday music, and an appearance by Father Christmas. It’s a fun night out for the whole family!
- When: December 7, 14 & 21, 2024
- Fireworks start at 7pm
- Ticket prices: FREE EVENT (bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets)
- Location: Fireworks in two locations along the Governor’s Palace, and the Capitol
- Visit the website here
Ice Skating
You can also enjoy ice skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion on the Duke of Gloucester Street, with some hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies just a few steps away.
- When: November 17, 2023 through February 27, 2024
- Ticket prices: $16 adults / $14 kids 3-12 Skate Rentals $5.61
- Location: Along the Duke of Gloucester Street
- Visit website here
Christmas town at Busch Gardens
Make it a weekend in Williamsburg during the holidays and spend the day at the Christmas town at Busch Gardens.
The theme park is decorated with over 10 million holiday lights, making it the largest display of holiday lights in North America.
Make some holiday memories here with festive food and drinks, and fun holiday shows including a Christmas tree light show at the Festhaus in Germany land.
The kids will love watching Elmo’s Christmas Wish on the stage at Sesame Streets Forest of Fun, and the Ice Show performance of the magic of Christmas Eve with ‘Twas That Night Ice spectacular.
There are so many fun shows to watch to keep you in the holiday spirit.
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- When: Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025 from 2-10pm weekdays-12-10pm weekends
- Ticket Prices: Starting at $49.99
READ NEXT: Fun things to do in Williamsburg Virginia with kids
More Theme Park Christmas Ideas:
- Hersheypark Christmas CandyLane: Enjoy the twinkling lights, a visit with Santa, festive Hershey Character experiences, Boardwalk Christmas Tree Trail, and more.
- When: Select dates November & December
- Ticket prices: starting at $54.95
- Kings Dominion’s Winterfest: Celebrate the holidays at Kings Dominion with holidays lights and decor, ice skating rink, Winter Wonderland Parade, holidays treats and drinks and more.
- When: Select dates Nov. 17-Dec. 31, 2023
- Ticket prices: Starting at $45
- Six Flags Holiday in the Park: Six Flags winter spectacular featuring more than a million glittering lights, holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, visits with Santa and more!
- When: Select Dates from November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024
- Ticket Prices: starting at $29.99
CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK CITY
If Christmas in New York City is on your bucket list, then a trip to NYC during the holidays is a fun Christmas getaway from DC.
If you leave early in the morning, it’s about a three and a half hour’s drive, or you can train from DC to NYC.
There are so many iconic things to do in NYC at Christmas, like the Rockefeller Tree, Ice skating at Central Park, and all the fun holiday markets.
We loved the Winter Village at Bryant Park with its holiday markets, ice skating, and giant Christmas tree.
READ NEXT: Guide to Christmas in New York City
RECOMMENDED HOTELS:
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