Experience the festive spirit of the holiday season in Washington, DC, with these must-attend events. Save the dates and enjoy everything from tree lighting and caroling to immersive holiday markets and pop-up bars.
Things to do in DC the week of November 15 – December 28
Gaylord National Christmas at National Harbor
Location: Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, MD
Activities: ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas (hand-carved ice sculptures), Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, Snow Flow Mountain (ice tubing), Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, Gingerbread Decorating, and more. Saturday weekend firewords
Tickets: Vary by activity; visit Gaylord National for details. Christmas Light Show near Washington, DC | Christmas at Gaylord National
Holidays at National Harbor
Location: National Harbor, Maryland
Activities: Nightly Tree Light Show (every half hour from sunset to 9:00 PM), festive Saturday fireworks, holiday movies on Sundays, National Harbor Christmas Market (weekends starting November 30), and Photos with Santa at the Capital Wheel.
Admission: Free for most events; ticket purchase required for Santa photos. National Harbor Fireworks & Holiday Events 2024 | National Harbor
Things to do in DC the week of November 18 – January 6, 2025
Christmas at the Museum of the Bible
Location: Museum of the Bible, 400 4th St. SW
Activities: Tree lighting, storytime, caroling, workshops, concerts featuring Michael Tait and Lynda Tait Randle, and Keith & Kristyn Getty’s An Irish Christmas. Christmas at Museum of the Bible | Museum of the Bible
Things to do in DC November 22 – Early January
Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden Holiday Pop-Up
Location: Lulu’s Winegarden, 1940 11th Street NW
Activities: Southwestern-inspired festive décor, heated patio seating, wintry eats like Tortilla Soup, seasonal cocktails, and curated Holiday Wine Boxes. Fun Happenings — Lulu’s Winegarden
Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at The Brighton
Location: The Brighton, 949 Wharf St. SW
Dates: November 22 – December 29
Tickets: $20 (includes a welcome cocktail).
Activities: Themed cocktails, holiday bites, and weekend brunch. Holly Jolly Bar at The Brighton
ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Location: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, DC
Activities: Illuminated animal lanterns, festive pathways, live music, carousel rides, seasonal treats, and holiday shopping.
Hours: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM); Sundays (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM). November 22 – January 4, 2025
Tickets: $6 per guest (ages 2+); parking $30 per vehicle.
Member Nights: December 5, 12, and January 2. ZooLights | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Holiday Festivities at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA
Activities: Holiday Tea, Gingerbread House Workshop, Breakfast with Santa, Nutcracker Tea, Thanksgiving and Christmas Brunch, and New Year’s Eve Dinner.
Admission: Reservations required; prices vary by event. The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Holiday Events 2024
Things to do in DC the week of November 25
11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at CityCenterDC
Location: The Park at CityCenterDC
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Activities: CityCenterDC celebrates its 11th Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 30, with its first-ever pop star headliner, Jordin Sparks, performing with the American Pops Orchestra. The evening starts at 5:00 PM with family-friendly entertainment, including face painting, balloon animals, and treats like gourmet popcorn and mini donuts. At 6:00 PM, the dazzling 75-foot tree will be lit, marking the start of the holiday season. Don’t miss this magical event at the corner of New York Avenue NW and 11th Street NW. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration – CityCenterDC
Things to do in DC for November 28 – January 5, 2025
Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Location: U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW
Activities: Outdoor model train display featuring pollinator-themed scenes, DC landmarks made from plant materials, festive poinsettias, evening hours with live music, and seasonal refreshments.
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed December 25); select evenings open until 8:00 PM.
Admission: Free, no tickets required. “Season’s Greenings” holiday exhibit 2024 | United States Botanic Garden
Celebrate the Holidays at The Morrow Hotel!
This December, The Morrow Hotel is the ultimate holiday destination for you and your loved ones—furry friends included! Join festive events like Santa Paws (12/4), Artisans in the Village (12/14), and a dazzling North Pole pop-up bar serving creative cocktails all month. Enjoy exclusive room discounts, s’mores nights, holiday drinks, and contribute to Toys for Tots. Celebrate the season with joy, warmth, and giving! Explore DC Happenings & Events | The Morrow Hotel
Things to do in DC December 1 – 23
Holiday Nightly Caroling at Willard InterContinental
Location: Willard InterContinental Lobby
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM & 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM daily.
Activities: Live caroling performances and festive cocktails from Moët & Chandon pop-up bar. Willard InterContinental Holidays 2024
Things to do in DC December 1 – January 5, 2025
The Jingle Bar Holiday Pop-Up
Location: National Union Building, 918 F St NW
Activities: Holiday cocktails, festive games, music, and themed entertainment. The Jingle Bar – Washington DC – Tickets | Fever
Things to do in DC on Tuesday, December 3
21st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown
Location: Fairmont Washington, DC, Courtyard
Time: 5:30 PM
Activities: Live caroling by the Georgetown Visitation Madrigals, Santa appearances, and holiday treats. Events Calendar – Fairmont Washington D.C.
Things to do in DC the week of December 6 – 13
Heurich House Museum’s Christmas Markt
Location: Heurich House Museum, Dupont Circle
Activities: Local artisan market, Glühwein, German snacks, live music, craft stations, and decorated house tours. Christmas Markt – Heurich House
Things to do in DC on Saturday, December 7
Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf
Location: The Wharf, Washington Channel
Time: Activities start at 5:00 PM; Fireworks at 8:00 PM.
Activities: Live music, s’mores, ornament decorating, photos with Santa, and a dazzling boat parade. The Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf
Jingle Bell Bash at The Boro
Location: The Boro Tysons, 8350 Broad Street, Tysons, VA
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Activities: Kids’ crafts, DJ dance party, hot chocolate bar, bounce house, ornament calligraphy, photos with Santa, and more.
Admission: Free; donations accepted for Food for Others.
Rain Date: December 8. Jingle Bell Bash at The Boro Tickets, Sat, Dec 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
Things to do in DC during December 7 – 25
Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral, and other programming
Location: Washington National Cathedral
Time: December 7 at 7:00 PM; December 8 at 4:00 PM
Tickets: Available online.
Activities: Choral and orchestral performance of the beloved Messiah. Advent & Christmas – Washington National Cathedral
Things to do in DC on Sunday, December 8
Calico’s 4th Annual Winter Festival
Location: Calico, 50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC
Time: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Activities: Ornament painting (starting at $5), boozy cookie shots, hot cocktails, topped tots, photo ops, and an ugly sweater contest with prizes.
Admission: Free to attend; food, drinks, and ornaments sold a la carte. Calico Winter Festival
Christmas Specials from Le Diplomate
Celebrate the holidays at Le Diplomate (1601 14th St NW, DC)! Highlights include Ms. Claus Brunch on December 21, festive Bûche De Noël desserts (pre-order December 9–20), and special menus on Christmas Eve (9:30 AM–10 PM) and Christmas Day (12–9 PM). Enjoy seasonal cheer, Parisian treats, and family-friendly dining in a beautifully decorated setting. Le Diplomate
Things to do in DC on Christmas Day, December 25
Christmas Day Brunch at Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown
Location: The Colonnade at Fairmont Washington, DC
Time: First seating at 11:00 AM; second seating at 2:00 PM.
Tickets: $169 per adult; $39 for children ages 5-12.
Activities: Buffet with carving stations, seafood displays, decadent desserts, and live music by an electric violinist. Events Calendar – Fairmont Washington D.C.
Celebrate the season in style with these festive activities around Washington, DC. For tickets and additional details, visit event websites. Don’t miss out on making magical memories this holiday season! Check out my previous post featuring cozy winter getaways, festive dining, and unique holiday experiences around Washington, DC. Read it here!
