Things to Do in the DMV This Month
With the holiday season in full swing, the Capital Region is brimming with festive fun around every corner. Whether you’re looking for showstopping theater, live music, family activities, or seasonal celebrations, here’s a roundup of the top events happening this December — from DC to Maryland to Virginia!
Want more of the best of DC? Check out our Lifestyle Blog for everything from the best places in DC to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids!
Washington, DC
Arts & Culture
Heurich House Christmas Market: Browse 45+ indie makers, check out a mini craft exhibition, and sip German snacks + mulled wine in a historic mansion.
Dec 4–7 | $12+ adults / $2 kids | Dupont Circle
Finding Awe Workshop at the National Gallery of Art: A 90-minute mindfulness session offering a close-up look at Panini’s grand architectural paintings.
Dec 5–6 | Free (registration required) | National Mall
Procrastinator’s Holiday Market
Last-minute gifts from local makers in a lively community pop-up.
Dec 20 | Free | Brentwood
Theater
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew put on a Broadway-style holiday show for all ages.
Dec 3 | $45+ | U Street Corridor
Washington Improv Theater Holiday Show: Fast-paced holiday hilarity at Studio Theatre.
Dec 5–28 | $20 | Logan Circle
An Irish Carol at Keegan Theatre: A Dublin-infused remix of Dickens’s classic story.
Dec 11–28 | $65 | Dupont Circle
Shows & Performances
Step Afrika! Holiday Performance: High-energy stomps, flips, and choreography set to hip-hop holiday beats.
Dec 5–21 | $59+ | Southwest DC
Matt Rogers Holiday Comedy Show: Comedian and podcaster brings festive standup to the 9:30 Club.
Dec 12 | $56 | Shaw
John Mulaney at The Anthem: Lighthearted holiday jokes from the Emmy-winning comedian.
Dec 18–21 | $90+ | Wharf
Music
Carols at the Willard InterContinental: Local choirs perform festive carols in the hotel’s glittering lobby.
Dec 1–23 | Free | Downtown
Gunna at The Anthem: High-energy rap show from Atlanta star Gunna.
Dec 2 | $319+ | Wharf
Folger Consort: Resplendent Joy: Early music from 15th-century Spain and Portugal performed live.
Dec 5–14 | $20+ | Capitol Hill
Georgetown Jingle: Ten pop-up musical performances throughout Georgetown.
Dec 6 | Free | Georgetown
Epiphany Choir: Vivaldi’s Gloria: A chamber orchestra joins the choir for this holiday classic.
Dec 9 | Free | Downtown
Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center: The Opera House Orchestra continues a beloved holiday tradition.
Dec 23 | Free | Kennedy Center
Holiday Lights
The Wharf Holiday Boat Parade: A glowing flotilla of 60+ boats plus fireworks over the waterfront.
Dec 6 | Free | Wharf
Bites & Beverages
DC Cocktail Week
Tastings, happy hours, and mixology classes at bars across the city.
Dec 1–7 | Prices vary | Multiple locations
Philip Greene’s Holiday Cocktails: The DC cocktail historian mixes seasonal drinks with local bartenders.
Dec 10 | $70 | National Mall
Kids & Family
Winter Festival at the National Arboretum: Holiday train rides, hot chocolate, and live carols for families.
Dec 6 | Free | National Arboretum
Ice Skating at the National Building Museum: Skate inside one of DC’s most iconic interiors.
Dec 27–Feb 8 | $20 adults / $17 youth + seniors | Penn Quarter
Looking for more things to do in DC? Check out these posts next:
Maryland
Shows & Performances
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas at Olney Theatre: Olney Theatre favorite Michael Russotto takes on more than 50 characters in this acclaimed solo adaptation of Dickens’s classic. Staying almost entirely true to the original text, this ghostly, one-man “Christmas Carol” brings Scrooge, the spirits, and the full Cratchit family to life in a way you’ve never seen.
Dec 5–28 | $ (varies) | Olney
A Motown Christmas at Weinberg Center for the Arts: Celebrate the season Frederick-style with a soulful spin: A Motown Christmas brings high-energy holiday hits and smooth classics to the Weinberg Center for one unforgettable night.
Date + pricing vary | Frederick
Arts & Culture
Silver Spring Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Fair: 70+ local vendors selling ornaments, decor, and handmade gifts.
Dec 7 | Free | Silver Spring
Music
The JoGo Project: DC’s beloved band performs at the Good Hope Neighborhood Rec Center.
Dec 13 | Free | Silver Spring
Holiday Lights
Washington DC Temple Festival of Lights: Walk through a wonderland of 500,000 holiday lights.
Dec 4–Jan 1 | Free | Kensington
Rockville Tree Lighting at The Square at Rockville: Kick off the season at Rockville’s biggest community celebration of the year. Enjoy live music, festive performances, and photos with Santa as the town’s holiday tree lights up The Square for the 2025 season.
Dec 5, 6–9pm | Free | Rockville
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice at Carroll Creek Park: Dozens of artist-designed, brilliantly lit boats transform Carroll Creek into a glowing winter art walk. Stroll the waterfront, enjoy the reflections, and vote for your favorite to support local nonprofits.
Nov 22–Mar 2026 | Free | Frederick
Kris Kringle Procession: A beloved Frederick tradition, the Kris Kringle Procession brings costumed characters, festive floats, and local musicians through downtown, ending with the lighting of the City Tree in Baker Park.
Dec 12 | Free | Downtown Frederick
Need more local recommendations? Discover more DC gems in these posts:
Virginia
Arts & Culture
Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market: Shop fine art, ceramics, sculpture, and gifts from local artists.
Dec 5–21 | Free | Alexandria
Community & Heritage
Norwegian Festival: Nordic books, sweaters, cheeses, chocolates, linens, and more.
Dec 5–7 | Free (registration required for indoors) | Fairfax
Music
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long: Join local choirs and “The President’s Own” Marine Band for a massive outdoor sing-along.
Dec 6 | Free | Vienna
Holiday Lights
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: A waterfront parade of illuminated boats on the Potomac.
Dec 6 | Free | Alexandria
Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Meet Aladdin the camel, tour the estate by candlelight, and enjoy holiday lights.
Dec 12–13, 19 | $58 adults / $36 ages 6–11 / Free ages 5 and under | Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Fireworks: A two-night fireworks celebration at the 18th-century estate.
Dec 20–21 | $41 adults / $33 ages 6–11 / Free ages 5 and under | Mount Vernon
Kids & Family
The Lodge Holiday Festival: Pet-friendly live music, Santa visits, and holiday train rides.
Dec 6 | Free | Arlington
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Craft Show: Kids can make ornaments and take photos with Santa while adults shop.
Dec 13 | Free | Alexandria
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