Plan your holiday itinerary with ease in Washington. Our guide has all the best festive events and activities. Whether you call Washington home or are just visiting, this guide unlocks the best of the season.
Popular events include the National Christmas Tree Lighting, where the iconic tree lights up the National Mall, creating a picturesque holiday backdrop. The DowntownDC Holiday Market offers an array of local crafts and seasonal treats, making it a delightful shopping destination. And the Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring mesmerizing performances that capture the magic of the holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Happy Holidays!
Top Events Events In and Around Washington
- National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Ford's Theatre's A Christmas Carol
- Ford's Theatre's A Christmas Carol
- DC Holiday Lights Tour
- DowntownDC Holiday Market
- DowntownDC Holiday Market
- National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
- Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt
- 44th Annual Holiday Concert & Gala at the Kennedy Center
🎃 Explore all 10+ featured events below!
Washington Events Events
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington) • 0.1 miles
Ornaments from every U.S. state and territory
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington) • 0.1 miles
A century-old tradition featuring a decorated tree with ornaments from every state.
Ford's Theatre's A Christmas Carol (Washington) • 0.6 miles
Music-infused production of a Yuletide classic
Ford's Theatre's A Christmas Carol (Washington) • 0.6 miles
Music-infused production of Dickens' Yuletide classic
DC Holiday Lights Tour (Washington) • 0.7 miles
Guided tour of national Christmas trees and festive displays
DowntownDC Holiday Market (Washington) • 0.7 miles
Expanded marketplace with over 100 vendors and festive food options.
DowntownDC Holiday Market (Washington) • 0.7 miles
Over 100 vendors and festive holiday activities
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink (Washington) • 0.8 miles
Skating amidst world-class sculptures and the National Mall.
Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt (Washington) • 1.0 miles
DC's only all-local maker holiday market
44th Annual Holiday Concert & Gala at the Kennedy Center (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Elegant holiday concert, reception, silent auction, and gourmet dinner.
Elf in Concert (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Beloved holiday film brought to life with a live orchestra
A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Beloved holiday tradition with interactive carols and special guests
Free Holiday Events at Millennium Stage (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Free world-class performances and film screenings
National Symphony Orchestra: A Holiday Pops (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Dazzling holiday concert with soul-stirring guest artist
Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Washington D.C.'s beloved holiday tradition returns
Notes of Honor: NSO Salutes the Military: A Holiday Pops (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Free holiday pops concert for military families
NSO Youth Fellows Program (Washington) • 1.0 miles
Full-scholarship orchestral training for aspiring young musicians
The Wharf Ice Rink (Washington) • 1.2 miles
DC's only over-water ice skating rink.
Sunday S'More at the Fire Pit (Washington) • 1.2 miles
Washington Nationals 20th Anniversary themed s'mores experience
Small Business Saturday (Washington) • 1.3 miles
Nationwide celebration of independent businesses
U.S. Botanic Garden Season's Greenings Holiday Display and Trains (Washington) • 1.4 miles
Whimsical model trains winding through plant-made D.C. landmarks.
District's Holiday Boat Parade (Washington) • 1.4 miles
Dazzling holiday boat parade and fireworks over the water.
US Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Washington) • 1.5 miles
Iconic 80-foot Sitka spruce from Alaska's Tongass National Forest.
National Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Washington) • 1.5 miles
Lighting of the world's largest menorah
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show (Washington) • 1.6 miles
Holiday extravaganza with soulful carols and dazzling performances.
A Celtic Christmas at Dumbarton (Washington) • 1.7 miles
40-year holiday favorite featuring Celtic music and narration
Tudor Place Candlelight Tour (Washington) • 1.8 miles
Historic house and garden tours
Tudor Place Holiday Events (Washington) • 1.8 miles
Historic house and garden with diverse family programming
A Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Season (Washington) • 1.8 miles
Baroque Mass with festive folk carols and instrumental concertos
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Washington) • 2.2 miles
Nationals Park transformed into a Christmas wonderland
ZooLights at the National Zoo (Washington) • 2.4 miles
Enchanting winter wonderland with glowing lantern animals.
The Light Yards (Washington) • 2.4 miles
Interactive light installation with swinging bells
Back to the Yards Throwback Bash (Washington) • 2.4 miles
Retro arcade battles and 90s-themed fun
The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker (Washington) • 2.6 miles
A cherished DC tradition with local Georgetown and cherry blossom scenes.
Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show (Washington) • 2.7 miles
World's first holiday show highlighting African American stepping tradition.
Capital City Symphony Annual Holiday Concert (Washington) • 2.7 miles
Audience sing-along of seasonal favorites
Handel's Messiah at Washington National Cathedral (Washington) • 3.1 miles
Iconic cathedral setting for Handel's masterpiece
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