The city is lighting up with festive fun everywhere you look.
Find Unique Gifts at Holiday Markets
The holiday shopping season is in full swing with fantastic open-air markets. The beloved DowntownDC Holiday Market (Nov 21- Dec 23) is back on F Street, and the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle (Nov 14 – Dec 23) offers even more local finds. You can also browse gifts at the Friends of Guy Mason Holiday Market (Dec 13), the Christmas Markt at Heurich House (Dec 3-7), and Dacha Navy Yard’s Holiday Market (Dec 3). For an international flair, don’t miss the Swedish Holiday Market (Dec 6).
See the City Sparkle with Festive Lights
DC’s iconic landmarks are getting a holiday makeover. The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is a classic DC attraction. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo (Nov 23 – Jan 3) is transformed by hundreds of thousands of bulbs for ZooLights. See the elegant displays at CityCenterDC (Tree Lighting Nov 29) and the stunning outdoor art installations of Georgetown Jingle (Dec 6). The U.S. Botanic Garden presents its “Season’s Greetings” exhibit, and Light Yards returns to The Yards Park (Nov 25 – Jan 1). For a massive walk-through experience, check out the Winter Lantern Festival in Tysons (Nov 20 – Jan 20).
Experience Festive Pop-up Bars and Rooftops
DC’s restaurants are transforming into winter wonderlands. Lulu’s Winegarden is back as the “Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden,” offering desert-holiday vibes with cozy chimineas and their famous Christmas Enchiladas. Above Union Market, Hi-Lawn has brought back its “Snowglow” event, turning its rooftop “The Dome” into a magical 50-foot snow dome with festive projections, fondue, and hot cocktails. For an elegant celebration, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown hosts its traditional Christmas Day Buffet Brunch with Santa. Don’t miss the giant nutcrackers guarding Old Ebbitt Grill, and grab Japanese snacks at the new Konbini by Daikaya at the National Building Museum. And there is the Holly Jolly Christmas Bar at Puttery (Nov 13 – Dec 28).
Step Inside DC’s Most Festive Lobbies
Step inside some of the city’s grandest spaces for holiday magic! The Willard InterContinental is a classic DC tradition, offering its beloved nightly holiday caroling and stunning gingerbread display. At the Waldorf Astoria, the massive atrium is transformed with a magnificent tree. In Georgetown, the Four Seasons provides an elegant escape with its “Light Up the Season” decor. There is also a Holiday Her-Story Market (Dec 6) in the Hotel Zena for great gifts. You also can’t miss Union Station, which continues its decades-long tradition by displaying the majestic Norwegian Christmas tree.
Hear the Sounds of the Season
The Folger Shakespeare Library hosts its second annual Frost Fair (Nov 28 – Jan 4), featuring An Austen Afternoon and the Folger Consort’s Resplendent Joy concerts (Dec 5-14). The Museum of the Bible is packed with programming, including concerts from Andrew Peterson (Sold out) and Keith & Kristyn Getty (Dec 11-13). You can also see the new Cirque: Spirit of Christmas (Nov 14-Jan 4) at the Gaylord. For a classical sound, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic (Sold out) presents the free Christmas in Harmony concert. Of course, DC traditions like A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre (Nov 20 – Dec 31) and The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre (Nov 29 – Dec 28) are essential holiday things to do!
Get hands-on with holiday activities
Get ready for some spirited fun. The massive Christmas at Gaylord National experience returns with its signature ICE! attraction, this year featuring The Polar Express™. Head to The Wharf for the spectacular Holiday Boat Parade (Dec 6). Go ice skating at iconic rinks like the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden or Canal Park. Step back in time with Mount Vernon by Candlelight or participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington (Dec 13).
Celebrate with festive fun and games
In Alexandria, the Campagna Center’s 54th annual Taste of Scotland (Dec 5) kicks off the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend with expert-led whisky tastings. If you prefer friendly competition, Flight Club DC is a perfect spot for holiday parties and Social Darts, offering brunch on New Year’s Day. For a major photo op, head to Anthem Row for the National Kiss Under the National Mistletoe (Nov 21 – Jan 31) and help break a record. It’s going to be a brilliant season!
