Christmas events Washington dc

The final six weeks of the year are arguably the most magical in the D.C. metro area. From mesmerising light spectaculars to beloved theatrical productions, the metropolitan area offers abundant Washington DC Christmas events and Holiday things to do in Washington DC, extending across Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the exact dates, locations, and pricing details needed to help you plan an unforgettable late-year experience. Get ready to explore the dynamic spirit of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area and Experience the full spectrum of DC Christmas celebrations.

The Iconic DC Christmas Celebrations

The heart of DC lights up with spectacular, long-standing traditions that define the holiday season. From Georgetown’s waterfront to the historic theaters of Penn Quarter, Christmas events in Washington DC are central to the region’s festivities.

1. Zoolights at the National Zoo

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo transforms into a festive canvas of light during ZooLights. This annual show is one of the most popular Washington DC holiday activities, featuring thousands of dazzling environment friendly LED lights and animal-themed light displays, complemented by live music and seasonal treats.

• Dates: Opens November 21 and runs on select nights through January 3, 2026.
• Location: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC.
• Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Mondays-Saturdays); 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Sundays).
• Ticket Price: General Admission is $9 per guest (ages 2 and up). Parking Pass is $30 per vehicle. Look for special themed evenings like the $19 Adults-Only Date Night on December 17th.

2. A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre

A true Washington tradition, A Christmas Carol returns to Ford’s Theatre for its annual run. This musical-infused production captures the spirit of Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey. It’s an ideal way to immerse your family in the holiday spirit.

• Dates: November 20, 2025 – December 31, 2025.
• Location: Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC.
• Ticket Price: Tickets range from approximately $51 to $118, depending on the performance time and seating.

3. The Downtown Holiday Market

A staple among winter festivals in DC, the Downtown Holiday Market is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts and enjoy festive food. Featuring over 35 local artists, crafters, and boutique businesses, this market brings a European village feel to the nation’s capital.

• Dates: November 14, 2025 – December 23, 2025 (Closed Thanksgiving, Nov 27, and Dec 1).
• Location: Two blocks of F Street NW, between 7th and 9th streets, Downtown, DC.
• Ticket Price: Admission is FREE. Items for sale vary in price.

4. Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf

Head down to the Southwest Waterfront for the spectacular Holiday Boat Parade on the Washington Channel. This nautical event features over sixty beautifully decorated boats lighting up the night sky, followed by an evening party with live music and fireworks.

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025.
• Location: District Pier, The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC.
• Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Ticket Price: Viewing the parade and enjoying the atmosphere is FREE.

Exploring Nearby Festive Spectacles MD and VA Attractions

The magic of the season radiates beyond the city limits, offering incredible light shows and attractions that qualify as must-see Christmas events near Washington DC in both Maryland and Northern Virginia.

1. Christmas at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor, MD)

Located just across the Potomac in National Harbor, the Gaylord National hosts one of the region’s largest indoor holiday extravaganzas, which features the signature ICE! event. This is a crucial stop for anyone planning christmas holiday events in washington dc and the surrounding areas.

• Dates: November 17, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
• Location: 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD.
• Featured Event: ICE! featuring The Polar Express™, where artisans carve two million pounds of ice into stunning, colorful sculptures.
• Ticket Price: General admission for ICE! starts from $41.49. Other activities like Snow Flow Mountain tubing (from $28.29) and Cirque: Spirit of Christmas are ticketed separately. Don’t forget to check out the nightly (Nov 20 – Dec 31) FREE Tree Lighting Show at National Harbor Plaza.

2. Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville, VA)

For a stunning drive-thru experience, the Bull Run Festival of Lights offers 2.5 miles of brilliant, animated displays. This is the ultimate family activity in Northern Virginia, perfect for experiencing the spirit of the holidays from the comfort of your own vehicle.

• Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
• Location: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, VA.
• Ticket Price: $30 per car (online purchase) or $40 per car (at the door). Admission also includes entry to the Holiday Village and Carnival rides.

3. Festival of Lights at the DC Temple (Kensington, MD)

This beautiful tradition features hundreds of thousands of lights draped across the grounds of the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center. As one of the most serene Christmas events near Washington DC, it also hosts an indoor exhibit of international nativities and a nightly performance series.

• Dates: December 4, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
• Location: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD.
• Time: Lights are at 4:30 PM – 8:45 PM. Performances are nightly at 6:30 PM (Dec 4 – 24).

Ticket Price: FREE admission for the lights and performances.

Essential Winter Activities: Hitting the Ice Rinks

No list of winter activities keywords would be complete without detailing the region’s fantastic outdoor ice rinks. The feeling of gliding across the ice with monumental backdrops is a quintessential Washington DC holiday activities experience.

1. The Washington Harbour Ice Rink (Georgetown)

The largest outdoor rink in Washington D.C., the Washington Harbour ice rink in Georgetown offers stunning views of the Potomac River, the Key Bridge, and the Kennedy Center. It is open for extended hours throughout the holiday break.

• Dates: Opens November 20, 2025 – March 1, 2026.
• Location: The Washington Harbour, 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC.
• Ticket Price: Adult Admission: $11. Children (12 & under): $9. Skate Rental: $7.

2. The Wharf Ice Rink (SW Waterfront)

Located on Transit Pier, this rink offers a unique waterfront experience, allowing you to skate right next to the Potomac. It’s part of a thriving, modern entertainment area featuring great dining and nightlife.

• Dates: Opens November 26, 2025 – February 22, 2026.
• Location: Transit Pier, The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC.
• Ticket Price: Adult Admission: $20. Youth (12 & under): $15. Skate rental is separate.

3. Ice & Lights: The Winter Village (Alexandria, VA)

For a combined experience, head to Cameron Run for this event that pairs an ice rink with an immersive light display. This is a fantastic option for those seeking DC ice skating rinks south of the city, offering a cozy village atmosphere alongside the activity.

• Dates: Lights Village only: Nov 15-16, 22-23 (Weekends). Village and Skating: Nov 28 – Dec 30 (Daily).
• Location: Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria, VA.
• Ticket Price: Village Only: $9.00 online. Village and Ice Skating: $21.50 online.

While enjoying the festive glow, remember to look for other signature seasonal entertainment, such as an enchanting holiday carriage rides DC tour through Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria, offering a cozy, old-world way to view the dazzling holiday lights. The Downtown DC Holiday Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum is another great, often free, event coming in December.

Make the Most Out of Christmas Events  Washington DC

The final six weeks of the year in Washington D.C. and its suburbs including Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland, offer an incredible density of seasonal spectacles. To truly enjoy these diverse offerings of the DMV area, including everything from the bustling Christmas events in Washington DC markets to a luxurious date night at the Washington Harbour ice rink, dependable and comfortable transportation services are paramount. We offer premier professional service, including black car services, luxury SUVs, and spacious limousines, specializing in reliable travel to all major Washington DC Christmas events. Eliminate the stress of downtown traffic and expensive event parking by booking one of our premium vehicles. Arrive relaxed, on time, and in style. Book your ride today at limoservicedc.com and make your holiday travel experience as spectacular as the events themselves.