What better way to get into the holiday spirit than to explore the many fun and festive things happening in Washington, D.C., this year?! From fun winter cocktails to igloo dining and dazzling displays, here are 10 fantastically festive things to do in D.C. this holiday season!
1. Enjoy a magical, candlelit holiday concert in a stunning festive setting
Around the District this holiday season Candlelight Concerts are taking place featuring iconic tunes that are sure to put you in a jolly mood!
Make sure you get your tickets and reserve your spot early because these winter specials tend to sell out fast as the holiday season approaches.
- Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
2. Feel the magic at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
A woodland trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series will be debuting in Leesburg, VA. in late October!
Inspired by the wizarding world, the Forbidden Forest will take guests through a magical woodland trail filled with curious creatures and characters from both popular series.
Have you ever wanted to bow to a Hippogriff? This is your chance!
3. Bask in the beauty of all of D.C.’s holiday lights
As holiday celebrations are poised to begin Washington, D.C., is stringing up dazzling holiday light displays 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!
There are a few displays you might already know about like CityCenterDC, Holidays at the Harbor at National Harbor, or D.C. Holiday Lights, but you can find our full list here.
4. Shop for the special people in your life at one of these holiday markets
With the holidays swiftly approaching, lights are up, the city’s holiday trees will soon all be lit, and it’s the perfect time to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping.
What better place to do so than one of D.C.’s own holiday markets?!
Get your holiday spirit on while supporting local vendors and, of course, sipping on some delicious festive beverages while you’re at it!
- D.C. Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
- Nall’s Winter Market at Union Market
5. Visit one of these dazzling holiday trees
Washington, D.C., has a few dazzling holiday trees, and Secret D.C. has rounded up the best D.C.-area holiday trees for your viewing pleasure!
6. Cozy up inside one of the Watergate Hotel’s charming igloos
Cocktails, cozy blankets, and igloos? Yes, please! Winter and cozy season are upon us, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the many awesome winter setups the city has to offer, including the Watergate Hotel’s enchanting igloos!
7. Head to Georgetown Glow
Taking place throughout December will be the 10th annual Georgetown Glow event right here in DC!
The can’t-miss unique light show is such a hit that you’ll want to keep it on your holiday season to-do list.
8. Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden’s “Season’s Greenings” exhibit
Open from November 28th to January 5th, 2025, this free exhibit features several hand-crafted displays of iconic landmarks made entirely from plants, such as the U.S. Capitol Building and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
This is one of the most unique and fun holiday exhibits to see this winter, so do not miss it if you have the chance!
9. Go ice skating at one of D.C.’s public ice rinks
The weather is getting colder, the holiday lights are glimmering all around, and what better way to take it all in than with a favorite winter pastime: ice skating! Luckily, there are several easily accessible ice rinks around the Washington D.C. area.
10. Keep cozy with one of these delicious hot chocolates
As the weather begins to get colder and we wake to frost layering the ground and cars, we’re officially entering hot chocolate season! A tasty, chocolatey cup of sweet goodness is key to keeping warm during cold D.C. winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! Here are some of our favorite D.C. spots to grab a cup of hot chocolate, and you can find the full list here:
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
11. Shop for your perfect Christmas tree
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s nothing quite like a freshly cut Christmas tree and the scent of pine to help get you into the Christmas spirit. To help you set the holidays into motion, Secret D.C. mapped out a few places where you can find your perfect Christmas tree. Here’s our take on some of the best spots to shop for your tree, and you can find the full list here:
- Dan & Bryan Christmas Trees
- Olde City Farm & Garden
- Clemsonville Christmas Tree Farm
12. Make a seasonal meal a memorable one at Dining in the Dark
If you’re looking for a unique holiday date night idea or something fun to do with your foodie friend around the holidays, then Dining in the Dark is the perfect experience for you!
The unique experience heightens your senses of smell and taste, making for a completely unmatched culinary experience.
Currently, three locations in D.C. are hosting Dining in the Dark events: