Marvel at holiday lights decorating historic homes, ice skate in front of iconic landmarks, warm up with festive drinks and wander winter markets.
One of Travel + Leisure's 15 best places in the world to visit this December, Washington, DC is undeniably magical during the holiday season.
While planning your unforgettable trip, be sure to check out our special discounts and packages – from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options – and our roundups of things to do this week and weekend. Plus, learn more about accessibility at monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
Washington Capitals
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena. Discounted tickets to select games for each team are available below.
Toast to the season
Every year, hot spots deck the halls for you to eat, drink and be merry. Businesses and bars like Death Punch, Penn Social, Wunder Garten, Duke’s Grocery, Colada Shop and Westin City Center are known for making spirits bright with festive beverages like hot buttered rum, mulled wines, hot chocolate and more. Size up some of DC's best hot and cozy beverages and keep an eye out for specials and pop-ups galore.
Season's Greenings
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. The U.S. Botanic Gardens displays will feature not only holiday lights, plus thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
L'Annexe
DC Cocktail Week
The last week of Nov. into the first week of Dec., dozens of DC restaurants participate in this celebration of mixology curated by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. DC Cocktail Week showcases innovative drinks, letting local bartenders put their creative brains to work. These tasty creations are paired with dishes to inspire flavor explosions that you will not want to miss. Local distilleries get in on the act as well.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Winter Glow
See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, purchase gifts from the Mount Vernon shops and enjoy holiday drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, Executive Orders.
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert
For an unmatched night of orchestral holiday tunes and outrageous Christmas attire at one of the coolest music venues in DC, hit up the Anthem. "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells," the Nutcracker favorites and more await you and your ugliest sweater.
901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024
An Irish Carol
The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older.
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Georgetown Jingle
Spend a festive day in DC’s oldest neighborhood at its first-ever holiday music event. Wander through historic Georgetown’s cobbled streets to take in 10 live music performances across 10 outdoor venues. Expect an array of genres, from holiday a cappella and jazz to current pop and alternative. The neighborhood will be alive with cheer as more than 40 businesses offer discounts and pop-ups. You can cap it all off by following the St. Lucia Choir as they process toward Washington Harbour, where Swedish holiday treats await.
The District Holiday Boat Parade
Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the The Wharf. You can observe the parade free of charge, and there are holiday festivities to enjoy beforehand, including winter drink sampling, chances to meet Santa, ornament decorating and more. Prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels and the night will conclude with fireworks and live music.
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show
Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas.” Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Capital Hockey Classic
You’re familiar with the Army-Navy football game. But have you been treated to the thrills of an Army-Navy hockey match? Make your way to Capital One Arena for the Capital Hockey Classic, a new sporting tradition in the nation’s capital that pits Army and Navy’s club hockey teams against each other, as well as Army and Penn State’s Division I programs. Add a little sporty spice to your holiday merriment.
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show combines clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance.
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Army Navy Game
Army-Navy Game
For the 126th year, one of the most storied rivalries in college football will be on display at "America's Game." The Navy Midshipmen will play the Army Black Knights at Northwest Stadium (formerly Commanders Field) in what is sure to be a thrilling matchup. Make it a full weekend by checking out other events like the Alumni Wreath Laying Ceremony, the Patriot Games presented by USAA and the Official Army-Navy Game Block Party.
Northwest Stadium, 1600 Ring Road, Landover, MD 20785
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Opening just before Thanksgiving through mid-December, the 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats.
Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
This holiday epic, which explores the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, is performed at the Kennedy Center each year. The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by standout singers and will be conducted by Baroque authority Masaaki Suzuki at the beautifully decorated Concert Hall to tell Handel’s riveting tale through song.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s estate knows how to celebrate the holiday season like few other locales in the area. Tour the gorgeous mansion, witness chocolate-making demonstrations, visit a winter market and hang out with the estate’s favorite pet, Aladdin the Camel. To cap it off, enjoy an incredible fireworks display along the Potomac River.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
DowntownDC Holiday Market
The DowntownDC Holiday Market occupies the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the holiday season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing for the season on Dec. 23.
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Christmas Day Organ Recital – Dec. 25
Enliven your Christmas afternoon with a trip to the National Cathedral as house organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren perform a program of festive music. The free performance does not require tickets to attend. A livestream will also be available.
Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Celebrate Hanukkah around the District – Dec. 14-22
The District is shining bright for the Jewish festival of lights. Take part in menorah lightings on all eight nights at the larger-than-life National Menorah as well as at the Union Market District. Stay tuned for other pop-ups, festivals and ways to celebrate.
ZooLights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event 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 Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
A Christmas Carol
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
New Year’s Eve in DC
As the new year approaches, it’s time to start planning how you’ll say farewell to this one. Washington, DC’s restaurants, attractions and venues present you with plenty of options for celebrating New Year’s Eve your way.
O Tree Jubilee – Through Jan. 8, 2025
Even outside of the holiday season, the Mansion on O Street is a wonder to behold—a mind-bending, multilevel miracle that rewards repeated visits to search for its secret doors and hidden treasures. Add some of the District’s most creative Christmas trees to the mix and you’re sure to be dazzled. These trees (and wreaths and gingerbread houses) are created and donated by volunteers, landscape architects and florists, and you can try to win your favorites! Who wouldn’t want Oscar the Grouch as a tree?
Tickets
O Museum in the Mansion, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Places to Stay
The Riggs Hotel
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
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