Washington, D.C. Shines in Winter Tourism
Treasured seasonal traditions, free light displays, and expansive holiday markets make Washington, D.C. the perfect winter travel destination. From dazzling attractions like the National Christmas Tree to festive local shopping, classic performances, and enticing hotel deals, Washington, D.C. is a season for making wonderful memories.
"Whether you enjoy ice skating on the National Mall or watching the ballet 'The Nutcracker,' having afternoon tea in a classic hotel or sipping a warm cocktail at an outdoor bar, Washington, D.C. has something for everyone," said Mr. Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC. "This is the most wonderful time of the year to visit Washington, D.C., and it will surely leave you with many unforgettable memories."
Additionally, this winter, Destination DC is launching a new campaign: "D.C. Only." The campaign officially begins on November 1st, positioning Washington, D.C. as a unique city, highlighting its diversity of travel experiences and free activities.
Dazzling Displays
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at the White House enters its second century. The giant National Christmas Tree is surrounded by smaller trees decorated with handmade ornaments from all 58 U.S. states and territories. The lighting ceremony will be held on November 30th, and the display will be open to the public from December 2nd to January 1st.
National Menorah Lighting
Hanukkah begins with the lighting of the world's largest menorah standing in the White House Ellipse Park, where visitors will be greeted with potato pancakes, doughnuts, menorah kits, and dreidels. The event runs from December 7th to 15th.
CityCenterDC Christmas Tree
The luxurious CityCenterDC shopping center, for the tenth consecutive year, has erected an impressive 75-foot Christmas tree in the plaza to add to the city's festive atmosphere, and this year is no exception. The tree boasts over 155,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments. You can enjoy the Christmas tree throughout the holiday season, along with the brilliant lights along Palmer Alley. The event runs from November 20th to January 8th.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
A tradition on the West Lawn for 53 years, this year's Christmas tree comes from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The tree display runs from November 28th to January 1st.
ZooLights
ZooLights is part of the annual holiday celebration tradition. Hundreds of thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland, accompanied by festive live music that will immerse you and share this winter carnival with the animals. This year's ZooLights requires a $6 ticket to support animal care and conservation science. The event runs from November 24th to December 30th.
U.S. Botanic Garden Holiday Greens
The U.S. Botanic Garden maintains its tradition of an annual holiday exhibition. This year's "Holiday Greens" display will feature model trains in the garden outside the main entrance, with the entire garden festively lit. The conservatory will showcase poinsettias, holiday decorations, and Washington landmarks made from plants. On the lawn of the outdoor garden, G-scale model trains will run through pollinator displays made from plant parts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. These travel scenes include oversized models of native U.S. flowers, butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, as well as orchid bees pollinating vanilla orchids, chocolate midges pollinating cacao flowers, lemurs pollinating traveler's tree flowers, and more! The garden will be closed on December 25th.
Enchant Christmas runs from November 24th to December 31st at the magnificent Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. It features the popular light maze, along with an ice skating trail, a holiday village offering local goods, and a children's playground. In this unique venue, a rich and warm festive atmosphere awaits, and you are encouraged to discover these Instagram-worthy spots and share the joyful moments with friends on your social media.
Georgetown Glow
From December 1st to January 7th, stroll through Washington, D.C.'s most historic neighborhood to see breathtaking illuminated art works. Participants in the Georgetown Glow festival include local and internationally renowned artists, whose works splendidly decorate outdoor spaces throughout Georgetown.
Tudor Place Holiday Lights
From December 2nd to 15th, wander through Tudor Place Historic House and Garden to enjoy holiday lights, explore the historic house by candlelight, learn about traditional holiday celebrations, and then follow lanterns to delve into the well-preserved gardens for a unique mysterious journey.
The historic Willard InterContinental is a famous resort that sings Christmas carols every evening. The stylish Riggs Hotel features a bejeweled Christmas tree designed by a renowned designer. The Conrad Washington, D.C.'s holiday decorations include a mistletoe flower arch that has been widely shared by influencers.
Holiday Events and Performances
From November 4th to December 17th, Shakespeare's romance pays tribute to the power of storytelling at Folger Theatre, presenting a rich tapestry of love, conflict, hope, human folly, and resurrection.
The lavish Victorian-style musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless classic is a holiday tradition at Ford's Theatre. Join Scrooge on his captivating journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This year's performances run from November 17th to December 31st.
The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker
From December 2nd to 30th, experience the magic of this long-standing tradition at the Warner Theatre. The newly adapted ballet unfolds on the charming streets of Georgetown and under cherry blossom trees.
Holiday Boat Parade
On December 2nd this year, this iconic Washington, D.C. event will see over 60 festively decorated boats assemble at the marina and cruise along the Washington Channel.
National Symphony Orchestra with Norm Lewis: Holiday Pops
On December 8th and 9th, Norm Lewis will perform songs from his best-selling Christmas album in the festively decorated Kennedy Center Concert Hall, adding to the city's holiday spirit.
Handel's Messiah
From December 8th to 10th, join the Washington National Cathedral Choir and the Baroque Orchestra to hear Handel's beloved Messiah.
Step Afrika! Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Step Afrika! in Washington, D.C., the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, presents a spectacular holiday feast every year. This year, from December 8th to 17th, they will bring the world's first holiday production blending African American stepping traditions at the renowned Arena Stage.
Japanese Bell Offering Ceremony
On January 1st, listen to the sacred Japanese temple bell, cast in 1789, ring for the first time at the U.S. National Arboretum.
