With Thanksgiving week upon us, 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 lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it’s surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 US states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. This year’s lighting ceremony will take place on November 30th!

#2 Season’s Greenings: From November 23rd through January 2, 2023, the US Botanic Garden will feature a G-gauge model circulating through agricultural displays made from plant parts and new plant-based landmarks, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Gallery of Art’s East Building. Throughout the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Gardens, trees and shrubs will feature string lights, festive evergreens, and six large plant-based sculptures of pollinators. Plus, a gift store run by the Friends of the US Botanic Garden and local DC small business Rewild will offer a variety of botanically themed gifts for purchase in the Conservatory’s West Gallery.

➤ 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 Neighborhood Lights: Like in years past, neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital are getting ready to adorn their “main streets” with colorful lights, which will be on display through January 7th, 2023. Additionally, vendors in each neighborhood are offering holiday specials and promotions throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. You can savor this holiday cheer in U Street, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle, Lower Georgia Ave, and Logan Circle, among other locales. Votes can even be cast for the best decorated corridor!

#4 Zoo Lights: Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, 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 24th through December 30th, 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 Washington, 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.

➤ Looking for more things to do in DC? Check out these posts next:

• Best Holiday Markets to Check Out in DC
• Best Bagels in DC
• Best Independent Bookstores in DC

#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 2nd, 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: Explore George Washington’s estate by candlelight and learn about historic holiday traditions on the following dates: November 24th–25th, December 1st–2nd, December 8th–9th, and December 17th — plus, enjoy the dazzling spectacle of Christmas Illuminations from December 15th–16th.

#8 Sippin’ Santa: Famed holiday themed cocktail pop-up bars, Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, are returning to the District for the 2023 season at Death Punch and Black Whiskey, respectively. Get ready to throw on your most festive ensemble and be immersed in kitschy decor with carols blasting in your ears and spirited drinks in hand to wash down all the cheer. The pop-ups run from November 24th to December 31st!

Looking for real estate advice this holiday season? We have you covered! Get in touch with us directly by calling 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com today.