How To Celebrate The Holiday Season in DC
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s officially the season of bright lights, festive happenings, and holiday cheer — all to be enjoyed against the backdrop of our Nation’s Capital, fully decked out in that warm yuletide glow. From spirited markets to dazzling displays, seasonal events, and more, we’re unwrapping the best ways to welcome the holidays in DC this year. Our advice? Start planning your merry lineup of celebrations now, before it’s too late — so you don’t end up turning into the Grinch!
#1 The National Christmas Tree
DC’s claim to fame during the holidays is planted in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it’s surrounded by other trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 US states/territories and accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. This year’s lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 4th!
#2 Season’s Greenings
The US Botanic Garden’s free Season’s Greenings celebration is one of DC’s most beloved holiday traditions, running this year through November 27th-January 4th. G-gauge model trains wind through intricate, plant-made scenes (a hit with kids), while thousands of poinsettias and stunning miniature landmarks — think the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Gallery of Art’s East Building — come to life entirely from natural materials. Step out into the Terrace and Bartholdi Gardens for twinkling lights, festive evergreens, and that unmistakable holiday magic.
➤ There’s so much to see and do in DC. Take a look at some of our other ‘best of’ posts here:
- Best Music Venues in the DMV
- A Guide to Giving Back in the DC Community
- Where to Find the Best Italian in DC
#3 DC Holiday Hunt
This holiday season, DC’s “main streets” come alive with the DC Holiday Hunt: a citywide scavenger hunt running November 23rd through January 6th. Explore neighborhoods like Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle, and U Street as you track down clues, complete festive missions, and support local businesses along the way.
#4 Zoo Lights
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. What’s all the buzz about? Each year, environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the iconic National Zoo into a winter wonderland — and one you don’t want to miss. This free event, which runs from November 21st through January 3rd, includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Note that timed passes are required.
#5 Skating At The Sculpture Garden
One of our favorite winter traditions in all of DC is the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden ice skating rink. What are you waiting for? Lace up your skates, grab a date, and glide around this fountain-turned-ice-rink all season long.
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#6 The District Holiday Boat Parade
This one-of-a-kind DC event puts a spin on the classic Christmas parade by taking the celebrations out to sea. The annual Holiday Boat Parade features more than 60 boats covered from bow to stern in colorful Christmas lights — and this year is no exception. Come watch the boats peacefully (and brightly) traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, VA to the The Wharf on December 6th, and stick around for the big firework show at the end of the night. Kids can sip on hot cocoa and cider, while parents are welcome to grab an adult beverage from the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden nearby.
#7 A Mount Vernon Holiday
On select evenings — November 28th–29th and December 12th–13th, 19th, and 22nd–23rd — Mount Vernon transforms for its beloved candlelit tours. Visitors can explore 18th-century holiday traditions, wander through the Revolutionary War encampment, meet Aladdin the Camel, and enjoy festive music and dancing throughout the estate.
#8 Miracle at Death Punch
Famed holiday-themed pop-up bars Miracle and Sippin’ Santa are returning to the District for their 6th year at Death Punch and Black Whiskey, respectively. Get ready to throw on your most festive ensemble to soak up lots of kitschy decor, listen to carols, and (of course) sip on spirited drinks to wash down all the cheer.
#9 The DowntownDC Holiday Market
This year’s edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets. Now in its 21st year, the market brings bright lights to Penn Quarter and Chinatown, giving the entire neighborhood a treasured holiday spark. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, opening ahead of Thanksgiving on November 21st (closed on Thanksgiving Day) before closing for the season on December 23rd.
Looking for real estate advice over the holidays? We’re here for you not just this season, but all year long! Get in touch with us directly by calling 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com today.
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