The holidays are a magical time of year, but there is something extra special about spending Christmas in the Nation's Capital.
The popular holiday shows, as well as the famous holiday tree lightings at the National Christmas Tree, start at the end of November.
Top Things to Do during the Christmas Season
1. Holiday Light Tours
2. National Christmas Tree
3. Holiday Markets & Christmas Shopping
4. Christmas Performances
5. Christmas at the Cathedral
6. Zoolights
7. Wreaths Across America at Arlington Cemetery
8. Boat Parade of Lights
9. Christmas at Mount Vernon
10. US Botanic Gardens "Seasons Greetings"
11. Willard Hotel Carolling
12. Christmas Themed Teas, Drinks & Dinners
13. Go Ice Skating
14. Christmas at National Harbor
Is Christmas a good time to visit DC?
Absolutely! Generally, we don't have to worry about a "white Christmas" and it is not unbearably cold.
While many locations are closed on Christmas Day, there are enough attractions that remain open that you won't need to worry about missing out if your trip falls on Christmas.
The days leading up to and after Christmas have holiday decorations and festivities.
OVERVIEW
There are many things to do during the holiday season, which is why we created this guide.
Timing is everything. Most decorations, lights, and window displays start going up in late November.
Thanksgiving, a U.S. national holiday that takes place on the last Thursday of November, is considered the start of the Holiday Season.
DATES TO KNOW:
- Downtown Holiday Market - TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, November 22 - December 23 DAILY 12 PM - 8 PM.
- US Botanic Gardens "Seasons Greetings Display - TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, November 28 - January 5
- National Christmas Tree Lighting - TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 5
- Holiday Lights Tours - TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, December 01 - December 30.
If you are planning on visiting many attractions during the holidays, then consider a tourist discount pass, and be sure to check out our ultimate guide for things to do in DC.
Below, we highlight the top things to do in DC during the Christmas and holiday seasons.
The city decks the halls, lights the menorah, and celebrates the holidays with markets, parades, and joyous celebrations.
New for 2025:
The National Building Museum will host an indoor rink with disco nights and kid friendly events. This will be a free skating event, though if you need to rent skates there is a $5 fee.
Another favorite downtown event, Frosted at Franklin Park will be returning for 2025. The event has light activations, games, live museum and seasonal snacks.
To compliment the National Christmas Tree and the National Menorah, downtown DC will have a new national holiday decoration - the National Mistletoe. This new art installation is done by one of our favorite local artists, My Ly.
1. Holiday Lights Tours
We have listed the top Christmas light displays around the city if you want to explore on your own but we hope you'll join us for a holiday tour.
DC by Foot's Holiday Lights Tour
We offer an evening stroll through downtown DC to view some of the best holiday light displays - from the famous Old Ebbitt's Grill giant nutcrackers to the National Christmas Tree.
Want to see even more Christmas trees? We also have a bus version of our popular Holiday Lights Tours.
Holiday Lights in the Neighborhoods:
Many of the city's local neighborhoods' Main Streets are sponsoring Holiday Lights and Window display competitions.
You can shop local and vote for your favorite in Logan Circle, Lower Georgia Ave, Eastern Market, Columbia Heights & More.
Find out more at: https://dcholidaylights.org/
Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple
Monday - Sunday | December 5 - January 1 | Dusk – 9:00 pm
If you drive into the city on 495 north of DC, you see the giant white castle that is the Mormon Temple.
Each Christmas, the grounds are decorated with over 400,000 lights and Christmas trees.
MACY'S HOLIDAY WINDOWS
Like most Macy's nationwide, the DC store downtown unveils its holiday windows in mid-November with holiday theme displays.
Walk down the street to see them all or pop into the store for even more.
2. Visit the National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas tree is an actual tree planted on the south side of the White House on what's called the Ellipse - we visit it on our Holiday Lights of DC tour.
So while it is there year-round, it's not until December when it is lit up and surrounded by smaller state-themed threes.
Near the National Christmas tree is the largest menorah in the world, the National Menorah.
You can also attend the tree lighting ceremony if you have a ticket, available through a lottery system.
Other Holiday Trees around Washington DC to see:
- National Christmas Tree
- US Capitol Christmas Tree
- Union Station Norwegian Tree
- The Wharf Holiday Tree
- City Center Holiday Tree
- Main Street Holiday Lights
3. Shop at the Christmas Markets in Washington DC
While we only have one main holiday market that lasts all month long, there are a number of pop-up holiday markets in December.
If you're looking for DC-themed gifts, be sure to check out our DC Holiday Gift Guide!
The main market is the Downtown DC Holiday Market, located just outside the National Portrait Gallery.
For 2025, the Market will be opened daily from 12 pm -8 pm from November 22 to December 23, you can find locally made art, jewelry, ornaments, winter scarves, and gloves.
Below is a list of the most popular markets in DC, but for a full list read our post on the best Christmas markets to find some unique pop-up markets.
- Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt - TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, December 6 to 8 and December 10 to 13.
- White House History Shop's Holiday Book Festival - TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 6
- Takoma Pajama Rama - TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 8
- Van Ness Main Street Pop Up Market - TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 14
- Dupont Circle Christmas Market - TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, November 22 - December 15
4. Attend Christmas Performances
From late November until the beginning of January, DC hosts several Christmas and winter holiday-themed plays, musicals, and other performances.
- Olney' Theatre's Frozen TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, October 24 - January 5
- NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas – TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 7
- The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – TBD for 2025. Last year date was November 30 - December 29
- Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, December 7 at 3PM (ASL) & 8PM December 14 at 3PM (ASL) & 8PM December 15 at 5PM (ASL)
- Handel's Messiah – TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, December 6-8
- National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – December 19-122
- The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas – December 14-15 & 21-22
The most popular events:
One of the most famous Christmas performances in DC is Ford's Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol which runs Nov. 17 – Dec. 31 (get tickets at www.fords.org)
PRO TIP: If you want a good view of the President's Box, select seats in the Left Orchestra (but not too far back) or in the Left Balcony. However, you will have a chance before, during intermission, and after the play to get out of your seat and get a good photo of the President's Box.
5. Christmas at the Washington National Cathedral
All December | More popular services do require tickets.
The National Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit. You can even find the Darth Vader gargoyle on it if you search hard enough!
While we offer tours throughout the year, the National Cathedral puts on special programs during holidays, including Christmas at the Cathedral concert.
There will be a mix of medieval and modern music being performed that will surely put you in the holiday spirit!
In addition to this, there will also be a Christmas Day Organ Recital on December 25th at 1:30 p.m.
6. Smithsonian National Zoo's ZOOLIGHTS
TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, November 22 - January 4
ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping.
Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!
TIP: Tickets are required with a small cost of $6 per person.
Discover more about Zoolights and how to get tickets.
7. Wreaths Across America at Arlington Cemetery
TBD for 2025. Last year date was, December 14
Participating in Wreaths Across America is a special way to honor our fallen veterans.
Every year, this organization lays out thousands of holiday wreaths on graves in military cemeteries across America, including Arlington National Cemetery.
Volunteers will make sure every grave gets placed with a beautiful wreath, and the effect of seeing these thousands of wreaths laid out is incredibly moving. (website)
If you can't participate, you can still visit Arlington National Cemetery on one of our free walking tours.
8. Boat Parade of Lights
TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 7 | Alexandria, Virginia & The Wharf
The annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place in Alexandria again this year.
This family-friendly event invites you out to see the boat parade floating down the Potomac River.
Prior to the parade, there are lots of family-friendly festivities and the parade begins at 5:30 p.m.
The parade stretches a mile along Old Town Alexandria's waterfront and there are a number of places to observe from:
- Founders Park (351 North Union Street)
- Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron Street)
- Waterfront Park (1 King Street)
- Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes Street)
- Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin Street)
If you want to explore more of Old Town Alexandria we recommend taking our Old Town Alexandria free walking tour.
Not to be outdone by its colonial neighbor, The District’s Holiday Boat Parade at the Wharf also occurs on the same day.
The Wharf offers a holiday tree, hot cocoa and smores, live music, photos with Santa, and fireworks in the lead-up to the 6 pm board parade.
Over 60 decorated boats will sail down the channel.
Read our Christmas Lights in DC post for some tips about attending the Wharf Boat Parade!
9. Christmas at Mount Vernon
Weekends in December | Fireworks December 20 & 21 - Note for 2025, there are major renovations happening at the mansion and many of the rooms are closed, though there are still many things to do on the grounds and museums.
Come out to Mount Vernon and celebrate the Christmas festivities!
Tour George Washington's estate and see where the very first family lived. You can learn about the history of the place and partake in a number of holiday activities.
On one weekend, the will be a holiday fireworks show, you can see how 18th-century chocolate is made and there will be a special guest, Aladdin the camel.
Other select weekends in December will offer tours by candlelight - wander his home the same way he and Martha did in the 18th century.
Grab your tickets here.
10. US Botanical Gardens Display
TBD for 2025. Last year dates were, November 28 - January 5
The US Botanical Garden is a great free place to visit anytime you're in Washington DC but the holiday decorations are some of the favorite amongst DC locals.
The highlight is the miniature train display, a large structure you can walk around and under to see nearly a dozen trains in a natural landscape.
The gardens also create small-scale versions of DC landmarks out of natural elements.
For the holidays they usually decorate the area with winterberries, lights, and greenery in the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Park.
11. Willard Hotel Carolling
The Willard Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Washington, DC, located right near the White House.
The lobby will be decorated beautifully and will be hosting nightly choral concerts that you and your loved ones are welcome to attend. You can also join them for holiday afternoon tea!
2025 dates are yet to be announced but last year the Caroling started on December 01 and ran through December 23, at 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
If you're in town for Christmas Day, attend their Christmas Brunch from 11 a.m. to 230 p.m.
To learn more, view their website here.
12. Christmas Themed Teas, Drinks and Dinners
Many places get in the holiday spirit in DC and offer holiday-themed dining options.
Old Ebbitts Grill comes to mind first - a classic DC restaurant, its entrance is flanked by larger-than-life nutcracker statues. It's such a famous site that we include it on our Holiday Lights tour.
Holiday Teas happen at many of the luxury hotels in the city.
- Willard Hotel - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. seating
- St. Regis Hotel - 2025 dates TBD. Last year dates: Nov 24 - Jan 7, Daily between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm
- Salamander Hotel - Friday, November 24th - Monday, January 1st Daily Seatings at 1:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
- Hay-Adams Hotel - Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. in December
- Read more about afternoon teas in DC that happen year-round...
Festive Pop Up Bars show up in December around the city mixing themed drinks and Instagrammable decorations.
- Miracle at Death Punch Bar - opens November 27 for kitschy decorations and holiday drinks.
- Sippin' Santa at Black Whiskey - a more tropical version of Christmas, think Santa on a surfboard.
13. Go Ice Skating
A traditional winter past-time, DC offers a few different ice rinks though the most famous one is at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
The rink is located on the National Mall, surrounded by large contemporary art sculptures and a view of the National Archives.
14. Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
Enchant is NOT coming to Washington, DC for 2025!
15. Christmas at National Harbor
NOVEMBER 19TH — DECEMBER 31ST
National Harbor is not in DC and it's not easily accessible by public transportation (though we have advice here) but for their holiday events it is worth the trip.
The Gaylord National Hotel essentially becomes a giant Christmas village with light shows, fireworks, live entertainment, and games.
The 60 foot RBG digital tree has nightly light shows every half hour from sunset to 9 pm.
On Saturday nights from November 11 – December 30 at 5:30 pm has fireworks lighting up the skyline.
A favorite of our family is the ICE! experience. This year follow the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ with larger than life ice sculptures and ice slides!
The Capitol Wheel is one of the highlights of a trip to National Harbor and on select days in December you can join Santa for photos at the wheel.
What to do in DC on Christmas Day
There is only one day a year that the Smithsonian Museums are closed and that is Christmas Day, there are still many other things to do on December 25 in DC.
These locations are open on Christmas Day
- Walking Tours: We are usually able to run one or two tours on Christmas Day (shout out to our Jewish guides!)
- Organ Recital at the Washington National Cathedral
- Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
- Ice Rinks
- US Botanic Gardens
- Memorials on the National Mall
- Arlington National Cemetery (both the cemetery is open and the trolly tours operate)
- Mount Vernon
- Capitol Jewish Museum
Kid's Events for Christmas in DC
I may love the Nutcracker but my 4-year-old will 100% not sit through it without making a scene (I learned this the hard way!).
Luckily, many of the Christmas events in DC have special days just for kids with shorter performances, interactive parts, or just an understanding that the kids will dance along.
Handel's Messiah at the Washington National Cathedral Family Day: TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 7 12 PM
The Washington Ballet's Family Day at the Nutcracker: TBD for 2025. Last year date was December 15
Maryland Youth Ballet's Mini-Nut shorter kid's version of the Nutcracker: TBD for 2025. Last year dates were December 2-3 & 9
Kennedy's Center A Family Christmas: TBD for 2025. Last year dates were December 15 - 21
Where to find Santa in DC - you can find Father Christmas at the usual places like malls (search for Pentagon City, Tyson's Galleria, Downtown Silver Spring) but here are a few unique to DC places to take a photo with Santa.
- The Capitol Wheel at National Harbor | TBD for 2025. Last year dates were December 7, 14, 21
- District Holiday Boat Parade | TBD for 2025. Last year dates were December 7
- Holly Trolly Fest at the National Capitol Trolley Museum | December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4pm.
- Santa Fly-In at the College Park Aviation Museum | Date TBD but usually first Saturday of the Month
- Polar Express Train Ride at the B&O Museum: TBD for 2025. Last year dates were November 29-30 & December 1, 6-8, 12-15 & 18-22
- Waterskiing Santa Show in Alexandria, VA : usually Christmas Eve but 2025 information is not published
Find a Santa Like Me:
- The Mall at Prince George's in Hyattsville has a Black Santa every year, embracing the diversity of the DC Metro area.
- In years past, Deaf Santa Charles has visited DC for the hard of hearing but there are no published dates or locations for 2025 yet.
