What better way to get into the holiday spirit than exploring the many fun and festive things going on in Washington, D.C., this year?! From fun winter cocktails to igloo dining and dazzling displays, here are 10 fantastically festive things to do in D.C. this holiday season!
1. Enjoy a magical, candlelit holiday concert in a stunning D.C. setting
Step into the District’s most exquisite spaces to experience some of the most treasured holiday classics. The beloved Candlelight series is bringing talented musicians to perform at venues, illuminated with hundreds of candles this December. This holiday season you’ll be able to enjoy three different special concerts series including:
- Candlelight: Holiday Jazz and Soul Classics
- Candlelight Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
2. Bask in the beauty of all of D.C.’s holiday lights
As holiday celebrations are poised to begin, Washington, D.C., is stringing up dazzling holiday light displays all around the city. So put on a scarf and hat, grab a warm beverage, and bask in the cheerful spirit of the holiday season with these stunning displays! Here’s a sneak peak of some of the best displays, and you can find the full list here:
- CityCenterDC
- Holidays at the Harbor—National Harbor
- Enchant at Nationals Park
3. Shop for the special people in your life at one of these holiday markets
With the holidays swiftly approaching, lights are up, the city’s holiday trees will soon all be lit, and it’s the perfect time to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping. What better place to do so than one of D.C.’s own holiday markets?! Get your holiday spirit on while supporting local vendors and, of course, sipping on some delicious festive beverages while you’re at it! Here’s a sneak peak of some of the most festive holiday markets, and you can find the full list here:
- Downtown Holiday Market
- Nall’s Winter Market at Union Market
4. Visit one of these dazzling holiday trees
Washington, D.C., has a number of different dazzling holiday trees, and Secret D.C. has rounded up three of the best D.C.-area holiday trees for your viewing pleasure!
5. Cozy up inside one of the Watergate Hotel’s charming igloos
Cocktails, cozy blankets, and igloos? Yes, please! Winter and cozy season are upon us, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the many awesome winter set ups the city has to offer, including the Watergate Hotel’s enchanting igloos!
6. Step into a magical winter wonderland of lights with Enchant at Nationals Park
Enchant at Nationals Park is true winter wonderland! Held from Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023, Enchant whisks you away with twinkling light tunnels, a Christmas Light Maze, ice skating, a Santa meet-and-greet, a holiday market so you can shop for your loved ones this holiday season, and so much more!
7. Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden’s “Season’s Greenings” exhibit
Open through Jan. 2, 2023, this free exhibit features a number of plant-crafted displays of iconic landmarks, such as the U.S. Capitol Building and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Still need to do some holiday shopping? No problem! Grab a botanical gift for the person in your life with a green thumb from the gift shop, made possibly by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and Rewild.
8. Experience Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse at Artechouse D.C.
Fully immerse yourself in art, lights, and holiday cheer with Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse at Artechouse D.C. From Nov. 19, 2022 through Jan. 8, 2023, can journey through a spectacular and dreamy immersion of “thousands of nutcrackers, thrilling train rides through wreaths, spinning candy cane carousels and more.”
9. Keep cozy with one of these delicious hot chocolates
As the weather begins to get colder and we wake to frost layering the ground and cars, we’re officially entering hot chocolate season! A tasty, chocolatey cup of sweet goodness is key to keeping warm during cold D.C. winters and even boosting one’s intelligence! Here’s a sneak peak of some of some of our favorite D.C. spots to grab a cup of hot chocolate, and you can find the full list here:
- L.A. Burdick
- Colada Shop
- Sticky Fingers Diner
10. Shop for your perfect Christmas tree
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s nothing quite like a freshly-cut Christmas tree and the scent of pine to help get you into the Christmas spirit. To help you set the holidays into motion, Secret D.C. mapped out a few places where you can find your perfect Christmas tree. Here’s a sneak peak of some of the best spots to shop, and you can find the full list here:
- Dan & Bryan Christmas Trees
- Olde City Farm & Garden
- Clemsonville Christmas Tree Farm
Article written by Ma Del Rosario Castro Diaz and Jenna Romaine