December is in full swing! Though the year may be ending, the month is filled with enchanting activities and events. As you head into the holiday season, D.C. is brimming with wonderful ways to get into the spirit and send out the year in style.
1. Step into a super-sized ‘snow globe’
Union Market is set to unveil an extraordinary attraction this year: a 50-foot, heated dome atop their Hi-Lawn rooftop.
Inspired by the charm of a European winter escape, the unique pop-up offers a wonderfully cozy setting to enjoy a scenic light experience, themed cocktails, delicious bites, and more.
The dome seats up to 60 people, and tickets are officially on sale! Learn more here.
Location: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
2. Head to the immersive Bubble Planet experience to unleash your inner child
Bubble Planet is headed to D.C., so if you love museums that double as photo ops, you’re going to love it!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, each with unique themes, colors, and sights.
Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
Get your tickets here!
Where: Rhode Island Center
524 Rhode Island Ave NE, 20002
3. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is a perfect plan for a quiet, intimate evening with loved ones at unique venues like St. Francis Hall.
This December, Fever’s holiday-themed Candlelight series transforms iconic seasonal songs into beautiful classical music.
- Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
There are also some non-holiday concerts taking place this month:
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
- Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
- Candlelight: Tribute to Drake
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
- Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
- Candlelight: Jazz The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole
4. Take in lights on the water at the District Holiday Boat Parade
Kick off the holiday season with this stunning light display on the water!
The Wharf is hosting its annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The free event features more than 60 boats, decked to the bow with holiday lights, setting sail down the Washington Channel.
You can watch the boats and fireworks display, roast s’mores, get pictures with Santa, and even skate at the ice rink!
Location: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC
5. Take the time to volunteer at or donate to one of the Food Banks around the District
There are countless ways that you can give back to the community around the holidays, but sometimes it just takes one person and their motivation to spark others into doing the same thing!
Whether you want to bake cookies from your own house to give to others, organize a food drive in your community, or even help distribute food on Christmas day, there are plenty of ways in which your contributions will greatly help others.
6. Participate in Downtown D.C.’s attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most couples kissing underneath a mistletoe
Couples who are interested in being part of this fairly funny, wacky event should mark their calendars and be prepared to make kiss-tory!
7. Secure your spot at a Candlelight Concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Candlelight are bringing the magic of Middle-earth to life with Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — a classical music concert.
This 60-minute journey features a string quartet performing iconic scores from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Surrounded by thousands of candles, guests will revisit epic themes as the franchise nears its 25th anniversary.
Tickets are now on sale for the stunning tribute show taking place early next year!
8. Head to see some of the best tree-lighting ceremonies around the District
There are several notable Christmas Tree lighting events happening across the city, most of which are incredible festive events that you do not want to miss out on!
9. Soak up some holiday cheer at these seasonal pop-up bars
As we enter the holiday season in Washington, D.C., the bar scene has definitely taken notice! From some of D.C.’s favorite bars decking the halls and revamping their menus, to holiday pop-up bars magically appearing all over the District, the festive spots are calling our names! Here’s a preview of some of our favorite D.C. holiday-themed bars you don’t want to miss, and you can find the full list here:
- Miracle at Black Whiskey
- Winter Chalet at Dirty Habit
- Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden
10. Spread smiles at Dopamine Land
Right in the heart of Friendship Heights, this upbeat, happiness-inducing experience is a great place to escape the chaos of the city this December! Perfect for friend adventures, family outings, and date nights, Dopamine Land invites you to stimulate your senses through media, technology, and play.
Grab tickets to the multi-sensory, interactive experience here before the exhibit closes on December 31.
Location: 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
11. Head to one of the nation’s best Christmas parades an hour from D.C.
The town of Middleburg, VA, was ranked one of he best Christmas towns in the nation last year and again this year for good reason!
This year, on December 6th, thousands of people will flock to this small countryside town to enjoy a Christmas Parade that several publications called one of the most authentic “old-fashioned” Christmas experiences in the nation.
12. Check out the National Harbor holiday activations
Decked out with a 60-foot RGB tree, National Harbor is looking spectacular this season!
The massive tree is now illuminated, putting on a colorful show every evening through December 27th.
This festive light show will occur every thirty minutes, starting at sunset through 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Location:150 National Plaza, National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
13. Time travel to ancient Peru inside D.C.’s Machu Picchu expedition
Embark on the perfect no-passport getaway this holiday season at Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City! The VR adventure will transport you to the heart of the ancient Andes, unveiling the rich history and mysteries of Machu Picchu. Tickets start as low as just $24, and are available here!
14. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting culinary surprise? What’s more unique than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences that will stimulate your senses!
15. Head to the longest snow tubing hill on the East Coast, just an hour away
Located in Harper’s Ferry, WV, the River Riders’ incredible Snow Riders Tubing Hill is around 3 football fields in length and features a special ‘magic carpet’ lift that will take you right back to the top, so you can make the most of your time!
In addition to the massive tubing hill, there is also a smaller one meant for children, making this a perfect plan for families of all ages.
16. Grab the family and head to ICE! at Gaylord National
With larger-than-life sculptures made from nearly 6,000 blocks of hand-carved ice, this family-friendly holiday wonderland is worth the visit! This year’s installation captures the story of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with 14 whimsical scenes spanning across 17,000-square-feet. Learn more here.
Location: 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
17. Visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting
Hailing all the way from Nevada’s remote national forests, this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree makes a long journey across the continental USA to make it to the District.
The lighting of the 50-foot tree will take place on the West Front Lawn, starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2!
Location: U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, DC 20004
18. Explore the haunted side of the district
Just because spooky season is over doesn’t mean you can’t embark on a ghost tour! D.C. is overflowing with history—and with that history comes a few frights and spooky legends. This walking ghost tour will show you the haunted side of the District that you likely never knew.
19. See over 500,000 Christmas lights at this Festival of Lights
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Washington, D.C., Temple will return with its iconic holiday light display from December 5 through January 1, featuring 500,000 twinkling lights. If you’ve ever spotted the top of this unique temple from the road, now’s your chance to get closer!
Location: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895
20. Check out the D.C. Holiday Lights and vote for the best decorated area
D.C. Holiday Lights gets the city into the holiday spirit as it turns the various D.C. neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands all December long! With eye-catching displays and a themed scavenger hunt, you can experience it all in various dazzling forms across each participating neighborhood. Check out the map of participating businesses here.
21. Kick off Hanukkah with the lighting of the National Menorah
The Festival of Lights will arrive in the District soon, and Washington, D.C., will be kicking it off with the lighting of the world’s largest menorah.
Head on over to the White House Ellipse on Sunday, December 14th, to admire the giant menorah and celebrate the start of Hanukkah!
Location: The Ellipse, Washington, DC 20004
22. Head to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to experience the fun of ZooLights
ZooLights is back at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! A $6 admission ticket allows you to peruse the zoo’s beautiful light displays, take in live performances, and enjoy tasty treats after dark on select nights all December. For a full list of dates and to reserve an entry pass, please visit the zoo’s website.
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
23. Bask in the beauty of D.C.’s holiday lights
As holiday celebrations are poised to begin, Washington, D.C., is stringing up dazzling holiday light displays all around the city.
So put on a scarf and hat, grab a warm beverage, and bask in the cheerful spirit of the holiday season with these stunning displays!
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the best displays, and you can find the full list here.
- Frosted at Franklin Park
- Light Yards at The Yards Park
- CityCenterDC
24. Shop for the special people in your life at these holiday markets
With the holidays swiftly approaching, it’s the perfect time to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping. What better place to do so than one of D.C.’s holiday markets? Get your holiday spirit on while supporting local vendors and, of course, sipping on some delicious beverages while you’re at it! Take a look at some of our favorite seasonal markets here.
25. Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden’s ‘Season’s Greenings’ exhibit
Open through January 4th, this year’s “Season’s Greenings” theme is called ‘Dino-Mite!’, a not-so-subtle reference to the fact that massive dinosaur models have been scattered around the Garden’s grounds, but also a reference to the fact that this year’s theme highlights animals and plants from the Cretaceous period!
Location: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001