Christmas in DC: Top Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
I can’t believe it is already about to be Christmas already – this year has flown by! There are lots of fun things to do in DC to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. Here is my list of festive ways to celebrate the holidays!
National Christmas Tree
I always said the National Tree used to be the ugliest Christmas tree when they used net lighting, making it look like a cone. They seem to have done away with the nets though and it is much better! The National Christmas Tree is a must see during the holiday season, surrounded by smaller trees for each state decorated with ornaments created by local students.
Bonus: If you like a nice collector’s item, the White House Historical Association releases a White House Christmas Ornament every year.
Closest Metro Stop: Metro Center
Capitol Christmas Tree
My personal preference to the National Christmas Tree is the Capitol Christmas Tree – also referred to as “The People’s Tree.” Each year, a tree is shipped from a national forest in the US. This year, our tree is named “Sugar Bear” and came from Six Rivers National Forest in California. Learn more about the People’s Tree and where it comes from here.
Closest Metro Stop: Federal Center SW
Botanic Garden Train Display
The US Botanic Garden has an outdoor train display during the holidays! It is open Thanskgiving through January 2nd (daytime only 10am-5pm). This display is on the right side of the Botanic Garden in the fenced outdoor gardens – there are signs leading the way so you can’t miss it. The intricate display features trains winding through different agricultural scenes.
Closest Metro Stop: Federal Center SW
Pro Tip: the Botanic Garden is right next to the Capitol making it easy to visit the tree and the train display in one stop!
Downtown Holiday Market
I love a good outdoor holiday market and DC’s Downtown Holiday Market does not disappoint!! Located on F Street NW just next to the Capital One Arena, the market features local small businesses and vendors.
Closest Metro Stop: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Christkindlmarkt at Heurich House Museum
Speaking of Christmas Markets – Heurich House Museum has an outdoor German-style Christmas Market! Note: this is only open for one weekend (December 3-5) and requires tickets.
Closest Metro Stop: Dupont Circle
Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
The ice skating rink in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden is returning this year! Masks aren’t required for the outdoor skating rink but make sure to bring one in case you decide to stop in the pavillion cafe or the museums.
Closest Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter
Light Displays
My favorite part of the holidays to check out all the decorations around the city. Union Station is always a gorgeous spot with its wreaths but even exploring the decorated neighborhoods can be a beautiful sight!
What are your favorite things to do during the holidays?
13 Comments
hanna
What a beautiful pictures in this article! Great read
Jeanine
Wow everything is so pretty and lit up, some lovely places to visit…
Samantha
Oh my gosh, this has got to go on my list, I love Christmas!
Stephanie batty
A Christmas light maze sounds like a fun idea! Adding to my bucket list.
mekopp
Still chuckling at your description of the National Christmas Tree – fun read!
David N Brace
Great list! The sculpture garden would be an awesome and intimate evening.
Jenn
DC always looks so beautiful, can’t wait to go one day!
Puloma.B
What an amazing display of lights and Christmas 🎄 in DC, the whole city is glowing.We love to see Christmas decorations and every city has its unique style.
Jenn
Wow! the lights are everywhere in DC at Christmas! Gotta see that “ugly” national tree- the photo is pretty, guess it is uglier in person, LOL!
Gemma
Great article and beautiful photos!
Komal Singh
I have a friend that recently moved to DC and I’m super excited to visit it during the holidays! This list is super helpful, thanks for sharing!
Kaybee Lives
Love this! So fun to see and experience through your wonderful descriptions and pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Hanna
Wow! I love to see how are the countries celebrate Christmas! Love all those pictures especially Enchant Christmas at Nats Park. It looks so festive and beautiful