There are so many holiday events like Christmas markets, parades, and winter festivals happening this weekend that it might be overwhelming to make plans on account of the expected crowds and the chaotic traffic that comes with weekends like these.
Fortunately, the U.S. National Arboretum is set to host one of the best winter festivals of the season, and it’s the perfect plan for a festive day outside without being swamped by crowds or scammed by overpriced vendors!
When is the U.S. National Arboretum Winter Festival?
The U.S. National Arboretum Winter Festival is going to be held by FONA this weekend, on Saturday, December 6th!
The festivities are set to take place between 10 am and 3 pm, with a majority of the Festival’s activities taking place near the National Arboretum’s Visitor Center.
It is completely free to attend, and there is no need to register in advance before you arrive; however, if you are planning to purchase your Christmas Tree here, you can opt to order it online in advance, which will ensure you get a great tree at the best price.
What vendors and activities will the National Arboretum Winter Festival have?
This year’s National Arboretum Winter Festival will feature over 30 local artisans in the “gift vendor village”, a Christmas-themed train ride that will take you around the Capitol Columns, and several family-friendly activities!
Here’s a full breakdown of the details behind this year’s festival:
- Vendor Village & Food Trucks
- Art & Home Decor
- ABBYiK.STUDIO: Watercolor art, prints, and cards
- Bruce Ciske Pottery: Hand-built ceramic vases and ikebana containers
- Fahrenheit99 & Co.: Vegan container candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, perfumes/colognes, and more
- Lita+Ro Home Goods: Soy candles, incense cones, potpourri, and small home goods
- Pretty Girl Rising Foundation: Cards and hot chocolate balls to support the foundation’s initiatives
- Books & Activities
- Addi and Friends: Children’s book series
- Book of Venus Publishing: Speculative fiction author with books for all ages, plus fantasy-inspired goods
- Lotts Of Luv: Hands-on STEM activities for children
- Fiber Products & Jewelry
- Inti Phaxsi Gems: Jewelry crafted from preserved flowers, crystals, and hypoallergenic metals
- Loopswithluv: Crocheted hats, sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and more
- Seven Sadie Lane: Colorful yet durable sewn fabric bags, including new District-themed zipper pouches
- Food & Drink Products
- 10/10 Provisions: Seasoning mixes, baking mixes, hot cocoa, and more
- Cookie YAY: Gourmet baked goods with classic, vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar options
- Friends of the National Arboretum: Honey from the Washington Youth Garden at the Arboretum, plus t-shirts and totes
- Paste & Rind Cheese Co.: Artisanal local cheeses and holiday cheese collections
- Pearl Fine Teas: Hand-crafted loose leaf teas and botanical herb blends
- Republic Restoratives Distillery: Locally-made spirits such as gin, bourbon, brandy, and more
- Second Story Honey: Honey harvested from D.C. and MD neighborhoods, plus hand-dipped beeswax taper candles
- The Little Hearth: Small-batch baked goods with a touch of sophistication
- Art & Home Decor
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- Food Trucks
- Black Sesame Rolls: “Ongiri” rice balls with Korean and Japanese fillings
- Blossom Bakery: Baked goods and comfort food
- Dos Carnales Taco Truck: Mexican cuisine
- PhoWheels: Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist
- The Gyro Brothers: Fusion of Mediterranean, Latino, and American cuisines
- Food Trucks
- Family Friendly Activities
- Face painting
- Arts & Crafts station
- Games