Washington, DC Shines During Holiday Travel Season

(Washington, DC) — During the holiday season, the nation's capital is filled with rich holiday traditions and unique cultural experiences. Destination DC (DDC) invites visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit by admiring the 100th annual National Christmas Tree, basking in holiday decorations, enjoying local shopping, and more. For more information, visit Destination DC's official website.

Elliott L. Ferguson II, President and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, said, "With joyful seasonal events, celebrations, and over 100 free attractions that offer great value, Washington, DC is the perfect destination for the holiday season." This year, by saving on experience costs, visitors can fully enjoy local shopping while taking in light displays, classic holiday performances, and unique DC-only experiences.

What's New in Washington, DC

The Wharf Phase 2

The Wharf has welcomed an additional 1.15 million square feet of mixed-use space, including the Pendry Hotel, residences, marinas, parks, and public areas.

National Air and Space Museum Reopens

This free museum, the most visited in the Smithsonian family, reopened in October with eight newly renovated galleries. A free timed-entry pass is required for admission.

Rubell Museum DC

Focused on contemporary art, this 32,000-square-foot museum draws from the Rubell family collection. Spanning three floors, it offers exhibition galleries, public programs, flexible event spaces, a bookstore, and more. Admission requires tickets, but DC residents enter free.

Washington Cocktail Week by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) will take place from November 28 to December 4. Participating restaurants will offer cocktails and mocktails paired with food, host special events such as cocktail classes, tasting dinners, and happy hours for the public, and create cocktail kits for fans to take home.

Located in the downtown shopping district, the museum will provide an immersive interactive experience for all ages. The museum features exhibits and lectures on visual perception, the brain, and scientific knowledge, while showcasing intriguing illusions. Opens December 13, 2022. Admission requires tickets.

Select Seasonal Hotel Packages; find more information at

The Churchill Hotel: Book the Bubbles & Breakfast package to receive a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your room, plus a continental breakfast for two. Use code BUBBLES.

InterContinental Washington, DC – The Willard: Celebrate the New Year with a suite reservation that includes a bottle of sparkling wine, macarons, daily complimentary parking, and a $50 credit at Café du Parc. Valid for stays from December 28, 2022 to January 3, 2023.

Zena Hotel: Make family vacations stress-free by sharing a room. Book one room by December 31, 2022 and get up to 50% off a connecting room.

Dewey Hotel: Driving this holiday? Enjoy overnight parking for one car and high-speed WiFi, a $60 value. Choose the Park and Stay offer from special offers.

Hyatt Washington DC: Stay at Hyatt Washington DC from November 1 to December 31, 2022, and choose two of the following five museums to visit (National Children's Museum, National Building Museum, International Spy Museum, National Law Enforcement Museum, and Chinese American Museum) to receive a free dessert or drink. Code MUSE.

Holiday Events and Performances

The "Bells of Bethlehem" exhibit opens November 9 at the Museum of the Bible, featuring six bells from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This is the first time these bells have been exhibited in the United States.

From November 18 to December 31, experience Charles Dickens' beloved Christmas story of transformation and redemption, "A Christmas Carol," at Ford's Theatre.

The Washington Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" from November 25 to December 30.

The Wharf will host a Holiday Boat Parade on December 3, with more than 60 Christmas-decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.

From December 9 to 18, enjoy the spectacular dance performance of Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday at the Mead Center for American Theater at Arena Stage.

On December 10-11, the National Cathedral presents "Christmas Joy," a return of unforgettable choral music.

Watch "A Candlelight Christmas" at the Kennedy Center on December 17-18.

The Wreaths Across America volunteer wreath-laying program returns to Arlington National Cemetery on December 17.

Dazzling Light Displays

Georgetown Park transforms into a holiday wonderland from November 25, 2023 to January 30, with colorful lights, festive decorations, and perfect photo opportunities.

Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park from November 25, 2023 to January 1. This family-friendly experience offers ice skating, festive drinks, a holiday market, and the chance to meet Santa.

From Friday, November 25 to Friday, December 30, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM nightly, head to the National Zoo, adorned with eco-friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns, to enjoy the festive atmosphere and joy of ZooLights.

On November 26, the Downtown DC Shopping District kicks off the DC holiday season with the 9th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. The 75-foot tree is decorated with more than 155,000 lights.

Capitol Hill lights its treasured Sunny Tree on November 26 at Eastern Market Metro Park.

On December 2, the National Christmas Tree is lit, marking the 100th anniversary of this American holiday tradition.

On December 3, the inaugural City Ridge Holiday Tree Lighting Festival includes free photos with Santa, caroling and live performances, ice carving demonstrations, train rides, and more.

SPECTACULAR FACTORY at the new art space Artechouse invites visitors into a multiverse world of immersive experiences filled with candy canes, nutcrackers, and more.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is selected from the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Once lit, the tree will shine on the West Lawn until New Year's Day.

The National Menorah is lit on December 18 at the Ellipse and remains lit through Hanukkah.

Holiday Markets and DC-Specific Shopping Experiences

Support businesses in the heart of Capitol Hill during Holly Days. From November 1 to December 31, enjoy holiday shopping, dining, lights and window displays, music, and more on the Eastern Market Main Street.

The 18th Annual Downtown Holiday Market returns to Pennsylvania Avenue with local vendors, treats, and festive decorations. The market is free and open to the public from November 18 to December 23.

From December 2 to 4, the Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House Museum returns with a small shopping event. Shoppers can stroll through the German-style market in the castle garden, featuring dozens of local artisans demonstrating their crafts.

Through Shop in the District, DC's new digital retail platform, purchase goods from minority- and women-owned businesses in Washington from anywhere.

Find locally made gifts at Shop Made in DC, Nubian Hueman, and La Cosecha.

The Wharf Ice Rink opens November 11.

At the outdoor beer garden Wunder Garten, enjoy more than 20 varieties of beer and warm cocktails by numerous fire pits.

The Wharf Rink returns November 23.

Enjoy winter al fresco dining at any of Washington, DC's permanent restaurants.

Skate from November 26, 2022 to March 5, 2023 against the backdrop of the National Gallery of Art.

At Estuary in the Conrad Hotel, escape winter near the bay. Enjoy cozy outdoor dining with a warm seasonal menu, hot cocktails, and cuisine inspired by the Chesapeake Bay.

Luxury hotels around the city offer holiday afternoon tea, with advance reservations required:

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.: Holiday Afternoon Tea is served from November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023. Each guest receives an official 2022 White House Christmas ornament and enjoys Dammann Frères select teas, tea sandwiches, holiday sweets and pastries, with optional champagne pairing. Tickets available via OpenTable.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC: On Saturdays in December from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, attend a special charity holiday tea benefiting Children's National Hospital. Each child attending the tea receives a Dr. Bear plush toy as a gift. Tickets available via OpenTable.

InterContinental Washington, DC – The Willard: Holiday Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley is served Fridays through Sundays from December 2 to 30. Indulge in unique teas, delicious sandwiches, and seasonal sweets.

The Watergate Hotel: Enjoy a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea with specialty pastries and festive table decorations. Available Saturdays and Sundays from December 3 to 31.

Opaline Brasserie at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square offers de l'après-midi des Fêtes, a French-style afternoon tea for sweet and savory lovers of all ages. Available from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM from November 26 to December 17.

Destination DC is the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, a non-profit membership organization with over 1,000 member businesses. Destination DC is dedicated to promoting Washington, DC as a premier global destination for meetings, tourism, and unique events, especially in arts, culture, history, and community activities. For more information, please visit the official website.