There are so many things to do in and around D.C. this week that it might be overwhelming to decide what to do. But this is exactly why Secret D.C. aims to make your life easier by creating this list of the best things to do in D.C. this week.
There’s also something fun in the district, whether it be a limited-time exhibit, a big show coming to town, or even opening a new place to eat or drink!
So, without further ado, here is our list of the most exciting activities to enjoy in D.C. this week:
1. Zip on over to National Harbor to experience their nightly festivities celebrating the holiday season
Whether it’s the nightly lighting of their massive LED Christmas Tree, walking around to enjoy all the incredible seasonal decorations, or even just doing some holiday shopping at the nearby stores, National Harbor is a great destination for an easy yet fun mid-week plan!
While National Harbor’s Christmas Market & Craft Show is only active on the weekends, there are still plenty of fun activities to do in the area that make the trip worth it!
2. Check Out The DowntownDC Holiday Market
The market will open on November 21st and feature the same festive cheer and fun you may have come to expect, and will be open until December 23rd.
The exact location will be on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW.
The closest metro stop will be the Gallery Place – Chinatown station on the Red, Yellow, or Green lines.
3. Grab your passes to the Metropolitan Beer Trail
D.C.’s Metropolitan Beer Trail is officially back for the 2025 season!
Spanning from NoMa to Brookland, the pedestrian and bike-friendly adventure is home to 12 participating locations along the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
This year’s pass includes new prizes, a new location this upcoming summer, and plenty of beer to enjoy!
4. This new immersive museum will 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, all with different 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
5. Step into a serene oasis at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a D.C. gem. Visitors are invited to explore an extravagant mansion, grab a bite to eat at Merriweather Café, and soak up the lush beauty of the outdoor gardens.
Tickets for adults are $15, with various discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Plan your visit here!
There’s no better place to pay respects on Memorial Day than here in D.C., where the city hosts some of the best events of the year, from the National Parade, National Concert, and events at the nation’s biggest cemetery for military veterans.
6. Check out Light Yards at The Yards Park
Open every night from November 25th to January 2nd, the Light Yards at The Yards Park will be an interactive holiday lights display that lets you hop on a special seat that activates animated light displays and fills the air with the sounds of holiday bell chimes!
7. Get happy at Dopamine Land
There’s a new interactive museum heading to D.C. that is sure to put a smile on your face. Dopamine Land has 10 themed interactive rooms that are perfect for photo ops, try oxygen aromatherapy, and sip on CBD sodas to get that happy feeling you might be missing in your day-to-day.
Grab your tickets today.8. Unleash your inner maker at one of D.C.’s craft classes
Feeling crafty this week?
Featuring paintings, jewelry, candles, and beyond, these hands-on creative classes will unleash your inner maker (and reduce your screen time).
Take a look at some of our favorite DIY classes and workshops here.
9. Check out the Winter Lantern Festival to experience some jaw-dropping visuals
Located in Tysons, VA, this year the Winter Lantern Festival is truly a can’t-miss experience that is perfect for date night, a night out with friends, or even a family-friendly evening.
The display features hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns powered by vibrant and powerful LED lights to create a stunning visual experience that will immerse and captivate you!
10. Check out the five new galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Just the other week, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum unveiled five galleries at its Washington, D.C. location along the National Mall!
The location has been under renovation since 2018, and while all remaining galleries will not be opened until 2026, the following five galleries are now open to the public:
- Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
- Futures in Space
- Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight
- World War 1: The Birth of Military Aviation
- Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery
11. Head to the U.S. Botanic Gardens to see the new “Season’s Greenings” event
The new annual event in honor of the holiday season has a special dinosaur theme!
During the week is a perfect time to go if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds of the weekend.