# The Best Holiday Events In Washington, DC Discover Washington DC's top holiday events from the National Christmas Tree to the Potomac Boat Parade. Find event dates and plan your next holiday trip. --- Washington, DC is an enchanting place to visit no matter the season. But, come holiday time, this city transforms into a winter wonderland you won't want to miss. In this post, we'll cover the top five things to do in Washington, DC during the holidays. So, whether you're a traveler looking for a new adventure or a holiday enthusiast, get ready to be dazzled by the nation's capital! ## Table of Contents - #### [Check out the National Christmas Tree](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#christmastree) - #### [Go ice skating in front of the National Gallery of Art](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#nationalgallery) - #### [Visit the ZooLights](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#zoolights) - #### [Experience the Downtown Holiday Market](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#downtownholiday) - #### [Watch the National Menorah Lighting](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#menorah) - #### [Celebrate An Annual Tradition At The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greetings Exhibit](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#botanic) - #### [Holiday Concerts and Performances](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#concerts) - #### [Enjoy A Boat Parade Along The Potomac River](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#boatparade) - #### [FAQs Related To The Holiday Season In Washington DC](https://www.placemakr.com/blog/things-to-do-during-holidays-in-washington-dc#FAQs) ## **1. Check out the National Christmas Tree** The National Christmas Tree, located on the Ellipse, is the home to a massive tree that is decorated from top to bottom with twinkling lights and ornaments. Surrounding the tree are dozens of smaller Christmas trees decorated by different states and territories. Once lit, visitors can see the tree 24 hours a day until early January. The lighting ceremony of the tree, a tradition since 1923, usually takes place on the first Thursday of December and marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington, DC. The event is a spectacular celebration with live performances, celebrity appearances, and of course, the lighting of the tree. For more information, check out the [National Park Service’s official website](https://thenationaltree.org/). The location is easily accessible at 1600 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001. ## **2. Go ice skating in front of the National Gallery of Art** Ice skating at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden is a fun winter activity perfect for enjoying views of the Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the National Archives. The ice rink is open from November through mid-March, weather permitting. Operating hours are: - Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM The rink provides a unique ambiance, surrounded by large-scale sculptures from renowned artists and iconic landmarks on the National Mall. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. For more details, including ticket pricing and events, visit the [National Gallery of Art's Ice Rink webpage](https://www.nga.gov/visit/ice-rink.html). Address: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC, between 7th and 9th Street ## **3. Visit the ZooLights** The Smithsonian National Zoo's "ZooLights" event transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland, with over 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights illuminating the entire park. The mesmerizing light displays include larger-than-life animal sculptures and sparkling trees, and there are a variety of activities such as live musical performances, winter-themed crafts, and an opportunity to see some of the nocturnal animals up close. ZooLights will be open on select nights from November 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025, with hours from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on most nights and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sundays. Admission is $6 per person, and parking is $30 per vehicle. The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. For more details, visit the [official ZooLights page](https://secure.nationalzoo.si.edu/overview/zoo-lights-2024). ## **4. Experience the Downtown Holiday Market** The Downtown Holiday Market is a one-stop shop for holiday goodies. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, this market offers a wide variety of crafts, decorations, and treats. The market is open daily from November 17 through December 23, 2024, with around 150 exhibitors participating each year. It’s the perfect spot to find unique gifts for Christmas stockings or grab a snack while exploring the city. For more information about the Downtown Holiday Market, visit their [official website](https://downtownholidaymarket.com/). ## **5. Watch the National Menorah Lighting** The National Menorah Lighting is a cherished annual tradition held at the White House Ellipse in Washington, DC. The event features the lighting of a towering 30-foot menorah, making it one of the most iconic Hanukkah celebrations in the United States. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 7, at 4:00 PM ET. Additional Details: - Dates: December 7, 2024, for the main lighting ceremony. - Location: White House Ellipse, Washington, DC. - Admission: Free, but tickets may be required for entry. - Official Website: [National Menorah](https://nationalmenorah.org/) ## **6. Celebrate An Annual Tradition At The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greetings Exhibit** The U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greenings Exhibit runs from November 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024, with daily hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Christmas Day). This free, family-friendly event includes a model train display themed around pollinators and replicas of 22 iconic DC landmarks, crafted entirely from plant materials. You’ll find the exhibit at 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001. More details are available on their [official website](https://www.usbg.gov/). ## **7. Holiday Concerts and Performances** Washington, DC, is hosting various festive holiday concerts and performances this season. Here’s a list of some highlights: ### **National Symphony Orchestra Pops: A Holiday Pops!** - **Dates:** - December 14, 2024, at 8:00 PM - December 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM - **Location:** Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC - **Details:** This festive event features the National Symphony Orchestra performing beloved holiday classics. - **Tickets:** Available on the [Kennedy Center's official website](https://www.kennedy-center.org/) ### **A Candlelight Christmas – The Washington Chorus** - **Dates and Locations:** - December 14, 2024, 7:30 PM at Music Center at Strathmore - December 15, 2024, 4:00 PM at Kennedy Center Concert Hall - December 21, 2024, 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM at Kennedy Center Concert Hall - December 22, 2024, 8:00 PM at Kennedy Center Concert Hall - **Details:** Celebrate the season with a festive chorus and spirited brass. - **Tickets:** Available through [The Washington Chorus](https://thewashingtonchorus.org/) ## **8. Enjoy A Boat Parade Along The Potomac River** The Potomac River Boat Parade of Lights is a dazzling annual event that lights up the Potomac River with brightly decorated boats cruising along the shore. The event is scheduled for December 7, 2024, with dockside festivities, including food, music, and activities for the whole family. For more details, check out the official event website [Visit Alexandria](https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/biggest-weekend/). ## **FAQs Related To The Holiday Season In Washington DC** ### What are the best neighborhoods in Washington, DC to see holiday lights and decorations? Washington, DC offers several neighborhoods brimming with holiday lights, including Georgetown, which features the Georgetown GLOW light installations and the National Christmas Tree near the White House, lit throughout December. ### What are the must-visit attractions in Washington, DC during the holidays? During the holidays in Washington, DC, the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greenings display offers a charming view of plant-based DC landmarks, and the Downtown Holiday Market is a great spot to explore for unique gifts and holiday treats.