Sam Kittner / Georgetown BID
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 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.
Washington Capitals Discounted Tickets
Washington Wizards Discounted Tickets
Capital City Go-Go Discounted Tickets
Harry Benson: Washington D.C.
For the duration of the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Ted and Lynn Leonsis and Jeff Skoll present a landmark exhibit featuring more than 150 photographs by legendary photojournalist Harry Benson, renowned for his chronicles of culture, politics, music, movies, television and sports. The gallery, produced by Ted Leonsis and Jeff Skoll, is located next door to Capital One Arena at 707-709 7th Street NW and spans two floors across 10,000 square feet. The free exhibit includes photographs of every President and First Lady since Dwight Eisenhower, iconic images of legendary athletes and musicians, a behind-the-scenes look at The Beatles' arrival to the United States, stunning moments from the Civil Rights Movement and much more.
Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free Admission | Reserve Tickets
707-709 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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.
A Christmas Carol – Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
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
DowntownDC Holiday Market – Nov. 22 – Dec. 23
This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 20th year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The DowntownDC BID has partnered with The Makers Show to revitalize the market. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, opening just ahead of Thanksgiving on Nov. 22 (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing for the season on Dec. 23.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
ZooLights – Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2025
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
ARTECHOUSE
Tingle Bells: An ASMR-Inspired Holiday Special – Nov. 22 – Jan. 5, 2025
Join ARTECHOUSE for a holiday celebration where tradition meets innovation. The warmth of the holidays is reimagined through cutting-edge digital artistry. Let Tingle Bells be your space for reflection, relaxation and the rediscovery of joy. Step into a world of serenity and sensory wonder this holiday season with an immersive digital exhibition designed to soothe your senses and warm your spirit.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Season's Greenings – Nov. 28 – Jan. 5, 2025
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
The Kennedy Center
Elf™ in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
Even if you watched a hundred times over, there's a new way to enjoy the beloved Christmas classic Elf this holiday season. At the Kennedy Center, you can see the film's timeless score come to life with live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Winter Glow – Nov. 29-30, Dec. 15-19 & 23
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.
Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
DC Holiday Hunt – Nov. 29 – Jan. 5, 2025
This holiday season, DC’s "main streets" come alive with DC Holiday Hunt, a festive scavenger hunt. From historic sites to modern marvels, explore Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Logan Circle and U Street, among other locales, while completing holiday missions and supporting local businesses to win prizes.
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Capital One Arena
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time – Dec. 1
If you love to belt out "All I Want for Christmas is You," don't miss the chance to do so with the queen of Christmas herself and thousands of other fans at Capital One Arena. Crowned the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, Mariah Carey will visit 20 cities across the country.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Swingin' Little Christmas! Starring Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery – Dec. 4
Billed as "one part cabaret, one part comedy, and a dash of Christmas kitsch," A Swingin’ Little Christmas capitalizes on the holiday nostalgia of holiday specials. This raucous show features Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch (Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kate Flannery (The Office) and Tim Davis (Glee's vocal arranger) alongside the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Travel back to the 1950s and 60s with joyful tunes and lots of laughs.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert – Dec. 4
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.
8 p.m. | Tickets
901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show – Dec. 5
See the longest-running group in American music perform at one of the most magical venues in the area: Wolf Trap. Not only have the Blind Boys of Alabama been gracing the world with soulful sounds since the Civil Rights era – they recently won the 2024 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For one night only, the group will bring their most festive hits to life in an awe-inspiring holiday experience.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories – Dec. 5
As much as we love the Nutcracker, those looking for a more contemporary dance spectacle will fall in love with Dissonance Dance Theatre's Winter Stories. Choreographed to music from Vivaldi to Billie Eilish, storylines are inspired by the "everyday feelings" we experience in the cold and around the holidays. The Ngoma School will perform new works by Principal Choreographer Shawn Short.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Shop Local at Christkindlmarkt – Dec. 6-8, 10-13
Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden hosts the Christkindlmarkt every year, with a focus on local vendors. Tickets grant you access to the arts and crafts-laden market featuring goods from dozens of vendors and the historic mansion, which will be decorated to the nines. This year, the markt wraps up Maker Month, a new month-long celebration of artisans.
Hours
1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
The District Holiday Boat Parade – Dec. 7
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, which begin their journey at 6 p.m., fireworks will cap off the parade at 8 p.m. and live music will continue on until 9 p.m.
More Info
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 7, 14 & 15
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.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Atlas Presents Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra– Dec. 9
Enjoy a jazzy winter evening with a live, 17-piece band playing hits from Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn, Stan Kenton, plus arrangements by BCJO Ghosts of Christmas Past. Directed by Brad Linde and Joe Herrera, the lively group has been playing this electric show for 12 years.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Suki Waterhouse with Special Guest Bully – Dec. 11
Catch English singer-songwriter, actor and model Suki Waterhouse's “The Sparklemuffin Tour” as it stops by the Anthem in advance of her next studio release. A queen of the "sub pop" genre, Waterhouse has released viral hits and ballads like “Nostalgia," “Good Looking," “To Love," “OMG," “My Fun” and “Faded.”
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024
The Kennedy Center
KEM: Home for the Holidays – Dec. 11-12
The platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter joins the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening jam-packed with jazz and holiday hits. The setlist will include numbers from his album, "What Christmas Means," plus other seasonal favorites and can't-miss KEM vocal masterpieces.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 13-22
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 will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance. Furry friends from the animal kingdom and a dance party hosted by DJ Nutcracker are also on the docket.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake – Opens Dec. 13
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Army Navy Game
Army-Navy Game – Dec. 14
For the 125th 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.
Tickets
Northwest Stadium, 1600 Ring Road, Landover, MD 20785
Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca 2024 – Dec. 14
Drawing from the vibrant, festive traditions of Spain and Puerto Rico, join Atlas Theatre Co. for a night of music, song (villancicos) and flamenco dancing. Members of the Furia Flamenca Dance Company will swirl across the stage to flamenco guitar (Maestro Torcuato Zamora, Juan L. Romero and Guillermo Juan Christie) and suave vocals (Margarita Osorio and Jorge Porta).
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle – Through Dec. 15
Make your way to the 1500 block of 19th Street NW for the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, which will feature 30-plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items from Nov. 22 to Dec. 15 (closed on Nov. 28). The market (which used to be situated Downtown) brings its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor and popular holiday treats, including Migue’s Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts. The neighborhood will also host its holiday pop-up on Dec. 7 and 8.
Monday-Friday, 12-8 p.m. | Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – Dec. 19-22
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.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon – Dec. 20-22
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.
Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Celebrate Hanukkah around the District – Dec. 25 – Jan. 2
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.
Partner Content