Photo courtesy of Destination DC, unless noted

From its vibrant lights to its energetic events, Washington, DC, is one of America’s best destinations for savoring the spirit of the season.

This high-profile political city, and its surrounding area, offers a unique blend of entertaining activities, deep-rooted traditions, and dazzling displays, making it appealing to a wide range of ages and interests. Once you discover its sheer breadth of festivities, you may find yourself eager to pack your suitcase and snow boots for an absolutely heartwarming excursion.

Holiday scenery

Our nation’s capital offers no shortage of awe-inspiring visuals, and many of its iconic landmarks amp up the holiday cheer. Be sure to include these essential stops on your itinerary.

The Ellipse
The lighting of the National Christmas Tree, located within President’s Park, has been a cornerstone of DC’s festivities since 1923. This stunningly tall structure located in the Ellipse, a huge, oval park south of the White House, features ornaments representing all fifty states and several US territories. Due to its popularity, only ticket-lottery winners can attend the event—so visit recreation.gov to register as soon as possible. But don’t fret if you miss the affair; visitors can enjoy the glowing conifer and nightly musical performances throughout the following month.

If you’re a Hanukkah celebrant or simply looking for another brilliant installation, be sure to seek out the world’s largest menorah. Also located on the Ellipse, this regarded symbol will be lit for all eight nights of the holiday.

Norwegian Christmas Tree
Every year since 1997, Norway has gifted a tree to the United States as a symbol of friendship and gratitude for its assistance during World War II. Displayed at the famous Union Station, it is adorned with over seven hundred decorations, many of which reflect the Nordic country’s culture and history. You can attend a free lighting ceremony to experience its reveal and indulge in authentic Norwegian cuisine.

ZooLights
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland during its annual ZooLights event—open for three to five days each week from late November to early January. This family-friendly celebration showcases thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights, glowing lantern animals, and winter-themed activities such as train and carousel rides. Unfortunately, attendance doesn’t include a tour of the zoo’s wildlife exhibits, so it’s highly recommended that you stop by during the day for animal encounters and return at night for ZooLights.

Holiday strolls

Come winter, Washington is one of the finest places to take a long, leisurely walk. These are some of the must-see destinations to experience on bicycle or foot.

DowntownDC Holiday Market
For those seeking unique gifts and festive treats, this outdoor marketplace is an indispensable activity. Open from late November through late December, it is situated in the Penn Quarter–Chinatown neighborhood, whose streets are closed for a three-block radius so visitors can peruse the over seventy shops freely and safely. Browse the diverse array of handcrafted items, artwork, and specialty foods, or select souvenirs to remember your trip by. Live entertainment and seasonal refreshments top off the experience for a wholly cheerful atmosphere.

Holiday Boat Parade and Party
The Wharf, a popular waterfront promenade, comes alive with the Holiday Boat Parade early each December. Over sixty festively decorated vessels sail along the Washington Channel in succession, creating a stunning spectacle of lights on the water. The event also showcases live music, fireworks, and activities for children, such as photos with Santa, for a festive outing that will delight the entire family.

Historic Alexandria
Just across the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, welcomes shoppers to walk its charming cobblestone streets and observe its picturesque colonial architecture. During winter, it features festive decorations for a setting right out of a greeting card and local boutiques provide unique gifts and themed merchandise. On the first Saturday of December, the neighborhood also hosts the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, where tartan-clad marchers trek through Old Town to the tune of live bagpipe music, celebrating the city’s Scottish origins.

Activities and adventures

While the DC metro area is certainly scenic, visitors also jump at the chance to enjoy its more immersive experiences. The following options invite families to let loose and embrace the seasonal cheer.

Ice-skating
If you’re eager to lace up some skates with your family, take to the ice at the National Gallery of Art’s Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden, which typically operates from late November to early March, weather permitting. This picturesque showcase invites you to glide gracefully (or perhaps slip and slide humorously) among festive decorations and magnificent sculptures by revered artists. If you need a rest, you can warm up with hot cocoa and a fresh meal from the nearby Pavilion Café. Once you’ve had your fill, make your way to the National Mall to view the Washington Monument, US Capitol Building, and other famed sights—all conveniently located just steps from this famous park.

Performing arts  
Washington, DC, lays claim to one of America’s most vibrant theater scenes, especially in winter. Look no further than the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to catch seasonal shows ranging from orchestral concerts to choral recitals and more. Local performance companies also stage remarkable shows, including the ever-beloved A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. And for a thoroughly moving musical occasion, step inside the majestic National Cathedral on Christmas Day for its traditional organ recital.

Mount Vernon celebrations
For an experience you can’t find outside the area, book a colonial tour at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the first president’s home. During the holidays, Mount Vernon by Candlelight invites visitors to step back to 1775 for a glimpse into the era’s festive traditions, complete with period-appropriate decorations, caroling, and storytelling. The event is only held for seven days total in November and December, so tickets may be hard to come by, but you can also experience Christmas Illuminations, an event that includes festive lights in the mansion, a fireworks show, and even a holiday greeting from President Washington.

If you can secure tickets to Mount Vernon by Candlelight, though, you won’t want to miss it. This special event provides insight into how our capital’s namesake would have celebrated the season, and the pleasantly lit tour under the stars easily makes this one of the most charming ways to spend a chilly evening with those you love.

For more info, visit washington.org