
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 dazzling displays, here are 12 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 at unique venues, such as St. Francis Hall, and 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.
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 is now open in Leesburg, VA! The spellbinding adventure is filled with brand new surprises around every bend. Beware of the dragon, cast a patronus, marvel at the golden egg, and more!
Have you ever wanted to bow to a Hippogriff? This is your chance! Get tickets here.
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!
- DowntownDC Holiday Market
- DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
- Mt. Pleasant Artist’s Collective Holiday Market (December 8)
- Cleveland Park Winter Market (December 14)
- Holly Jolly Holiday Market on 14th Street (December 14)
5. Embrace the holiday spirit(s) at these seasonal pop-up bars

As we dive into the holiday season in Washington, D.C., the bar scene is buzzing with excitement! Our favorite local spots are embracing the festive spirit, sprucing up their decorations and refreshing their menus. Plus, don’t forget the festive pop-up bars that are popping up all over the city! Discover some of our top picks for holiday-themed bars in D.C. here.
6. 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 local holiday trees for your viewing pleasure!
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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:
- Dolcezza
- Colada Shop
- Café Georgetown
10. 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
11. 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:
12. See over two million pounds of ice at ICE! at Gaylord National

ICE! is an amazing event for the whole family at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, MD. You’ll be amazed by the stunning hand-carved ice sculptures that bring to life the iconic holiday images from our favorite childhood stories and movies! Find out more here.
13. Have a ball at this epic bingo party

If you want a celebratory experience right before Christmas to let loose, don’t miss Bingo Loco. This thrilling evening isn’t your grandma’s bingo night; it’s an all-out party with epic dance-offs, confetti explosions, CO2 cannons, and incredible prizes from trips to cruises. It’s only one night on December 21, so get your tickets now!