Travel Winter Travel Ideas 22 Washington D.C. Christmas Festivities To Experience For those able to visit our nation's capital during the holidays, there is so much to do to celebrate the season. By Tara Massouleh McCay Tara Massouleh McCay Tara Massouleh McCay is the Senior Travel and Culture Editor for Southern Living. A writer and editor with 10 years of experience in producing lifestyle content for local, regional, and national publications, she joined the Southern Living team in 2021. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on November 20, 2023 Close Photo: OGphoto / Getty Images Washington D.C. goes all out for the holidays. The Big Apple has the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, high-kicking Radio City Rockettes, and elaborate Fifth Avenue window displays—all of which are well worth seeing. But our nation's capital, our very own city on a hill, brings a little something extra. D.C. rivals NYC's celebrations with a dizzying array of tree lightings, events, performances, and all-around festive fanfare that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. Whether you want to marvel at the majesty of the famous National Christmas Tree, go ice skating on a massive rink, or shop at an authentic German Christmas market, once December rolls around (and maybe even a little before), D.C. is all about tinsel, garland, and decor galore. Certain traditions like the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting have been around for decades, while others like the Downtown Holiday Market are a little newer on the scene. One thing's for sure, there's never a dull moment when it comes to Christmas in the Capital. Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the season in Washington D.C. 01 of 20 See The National Christmas Tree Going to Washington D.C. over the holidays and not seeing the National Christmas Tree would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Each year, a massive live evergreen is erected and decorated in President's Park near the White House. If you can't make it for the president's official lighting during the first week of December, you can stop by any day after 4:30 p.m. throughout the month to see it lit in all its glory. 02 of 20 Experience ZooLights At The Smithsonian National Zoo The Washington Post / Contributor / Getty Images This free holiday lights display kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and runs through the end of December. It's a favorite for D.C. families, as well as visitors from near and far, who flock to the zoo to see the 500,000 LED lights and glowing lanterns put on their brightest show for the holidays. There's also an adults-only sister event called BrewLights that features craft beer tastings and snacks alongside the regular show. 03 of 20 Skate At Washington Harbour Ice Rink Yelizaveta Tomashevska / Getty Images Rivaling the Rink at Rockefeller Center, the Washington Harbour Ice Rink is D.C.'s largest outdoor ice skating space. Make an evening of your visit by grabbing dinner at one of many surrounding restaurants like Fiola Mare, Guapo's Restaurant, or Farmers Fishers Bakers, then rent some skates and go for a twirl on the ice. The rink opens on November 17 this year (weather permitting) and will remain open through most of February 2024. 04 of 20 Visit The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree OGphoto / Getty Images The U.S. Capitol Tree travels far and wide before reaching its final display place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Each year, a Christmas tree farmer from somewhere in the U.S. is given the honor of having his or her tree selected as the U.S. Capitol Tree, and thus begins its harrowing journey to the capital. The massive tree is often twice as tall as the National Christmas Tree and has measured up to 75 feet in the past. It's also decorated with more than 10,000 ornaments, so it's truly a sight to behold. 05 of 20 Attend Mount Vernon By Candlelight Walter Bibikow / Getty Images This attraction isn't technically within the parameters of the city, but we give it a pass because it doesn't get much more festive than visiting the former estate of President George Washington during the holidays. This special event begins with a tour of several Christmas trees highlighting the Washington family history, then launches into a walking tour of the property where you'll learn all about historic holiday traditions and the Washingtons' personal family celebrations. The tour concludes with some 18th century dancing, live music, and cider and cookies. 06 of 20 Attend The CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration EVA HAMBACH / Staff / Getty Images Head to this mixed-use development in the heart of downtown D.C. for fun and fanfare all season long. The excitement kicks off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the area unveils its 75-foot lit Christmas tree with a massive party featuring live music, vendors, food, and holiday-themed activities. While you're in the area, be sure to peek into the windows at Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co. for Fifth Avenue vibes. 07 of 20 See Union Station's Model Trains Amy Sparwasser / Getty Images As one of the country's busiest train stations, there's always a sense of hustle and bustle around Union Station, but the energy becomes truly electric around the holidays. Part of that has to do with the added foot traffic from visitors stopping in to see the model trains and giant Christmas tree, both gifts from Norway. The trains are located in the West Hall and are handmade replicas of real Norwegian trains. Little ones will love spotting all the tiny details like skiers, mountains, and fjords meant to depict the Nordic landscape. 08 of 20 Visit The U.S. Botanical Gardens dkfielding / Getty Images Red and green are the official colors of Christmas, and you can find plenty of the latter at the U.S. Botanic Garden. In addition to seeing gorgeous holiday displays full of pine, poinsettias, and maybe even a little mistletoe, you should also take special care to find each of the gardens' replicas of landmark D.C. buildings. They're on display in the gardens year-round, but they're only outfitted in their Christmas best for the season! 09 of 20 Watch The Holiday Boat Parade At The Wharf R. Kennedy for Visit Alexandria This one-of-a-kind D.C. event puts a spin on the classic Christmas parade by taking the celebrations out to sea. The Holiday Boat Parade features more than 60 boats covered from bow to stern in colorful Christmas lights. Bring the whole family to watch them peacefully glide by The Wharf, then stick around for the big firework show at the end of the night. Kids can sip on hot cocoa and cider, while parents can grab an adult beverage from the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden. 10 of 20 Catch A Movie At The National Museum Of American History Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images There's not a better setting to see a classic Christmas movie than at the National Museum of American History. See seasonal favorites like It's A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and A Christmas Story on the big screen, and don't forget to grab a bucket of popcorn and some Junior Mints to complete the night. 11 of 20 See The Washington Ballet Perform "The Nutcracker" The Washington Post / Getty Images Watch a special D.C. version of the famous ballet courtesy of the Washington Ballet. Their interpretation of the classic story is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historic figures all joining in on the fun. The performance features original period costumes, stunning set design, and more than 100 dancers, including students from The Washington Ballet. 12 of 20 See "A Christmas Carol" At Ford Theatre The Washington Post / Getty Images This landmark is best known as the theater where President Lincoln was shot. It's open to the public for tours year-round, but around the holidays it's a stunning setting to see the traditional Christmas play A Christmas Carol. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future take up their residence from November 17 to December 31 this year. 13 of 20 Attend A National Cathedral Christmas Concert Edward H. Pien / Getty Images As the world's sixth-largest cathedral, D.C.'s National Cathedral is a must visit. Plans for its construction were born in 1791, but it didn't open as Bethlehem Chapel until 1912. Today, you can attend a Christmas concert at the historic church featuring a mix of Medieval and modern music from a live choir and accompanying instrumentalists. A performance of Handel's Messiah is especially resounding in the setting. 14 of 20 Shop The Downtown Holiday Market The Washington Post / Getty Images Christmas shopping is a real treat at this annual holiday market held in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The market is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with more than 150 vendors and craftspeople selling artisan goods. You'll also find local roasters ready to keep you warm with coffee and tea, plus holiday treats like mini donuts and pastries. 15 of 20 Browse Christkindlmarket At The Heurich House Museum RomanBabakin / Getty Images This traditional German Christmas market is celebrating its 10th anniversary at the Heurich House Museum this year. From Dec. 2-4, stroll through the German-style craft market, where you can find gifts from more than 50 local small-scale makers. Make sure to grab a mug of Gluhwein to keep you warm, and get shopping! 16 of 20 Georgetown Glow Georgetown GLOW The Georgetown GLOW in D.C. is a free outdoor light installation experience. In its ninth year, these immersive and artful displays will feature five different artists in 2023. Starting on December 1 and running to January 7, the installations are featured in different parts of the city and are lit from 5 pm to 10 pm. 17 of 20 ICE! Featuring Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer™' Gaylord National Resort This is a magical journey through immersive scenes from the iconic classic ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™' carved from over two million pounds of ice. In this larger-than-life holiday experience, you'll zip down two-story-tall slides made of pure ice, traverse through immersive ice tunnels and arches, and step into colorful, multi-sensory scenes that will be the Christmas activity to end all activities. 18 of 20 Enchant: Reindeer Games Enchant Christmas Enchant is an immersive experience weaving magic into every corner, perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through Enchant’s newest adventure Reindeer Games, a captivating light maze that is the foundation of the Enchant experience. Wander the Enchant storefronts that feature artisans, specialty crafters, and boutiques. Indulge in a seasonal treat with the availability of vendors who are there to satisfy your holiday cravings. 19 of 20 DC Winter Lantern Festival Winter Lantern Festival The Winter Lantern Festival’s unique luminescent night walk brings the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals into your holiday celebration. Step into a dazzling world of light with over one thousand Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience. Each unique piece holds a story of its own that will be told to visitors to help contextualize their experience even more. 20 of 20 Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Visit Alexandria Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the classic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. This year the event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans and parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit