Updated on December 23, 2024 by Julie McCool
Annual events bring so many fun and free things to do on a Washington DC holiday visit, for a happy start to winter in the nation's capital. Many DC holiday events are perfect for children and families, but there is plenty to entertain adults too.
All of the Washington DC holiday events listed below return annually, but dates and hours shift year-to-year. Follow the links to plan your visit and check the latest hours. The holiday season is a beautiful time to visit the capital.
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1. United States Botanic Garden Seasons Greenings
Nov 28 – Jan 5
The annual Seasons Greenings celebration returns in 2024! The US Botanic Garden is one of the hidden gems of the city, and it is free and open daily except closed Christmas Day.
One of our favorite holiday traditions is to visit the annual display of poinsettias and models that fill the Conservatory. Recreations of DC landmarks, all built from natural materials, are paired with heirloom poinsettias and festive topiary in the Garden Court.
Favorites like the Smithsonian Castle and the Capitol Building return each year, and new models are added to honor new structures. In 2017, a model of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture was added.
TIP: The Conservatory is accessed through the main entrance of the Botanic Garden, and there is usually no line to get in. The garden stays open late on some weeknights, with holiday music adding to the fun.
2. US Botanic Garden Holiday Train Display
Nov 28 – Jan 5
The US Botanic Garden train display will be outdoors in the gardens in 2024 and it opens on Thanksgiving weekend. The elaborate model train display is one of the best things to do in DC with kids during the holidays and admission is free.
Most of the train decorations are made from natural materials and they highlight places throughout the United States. For example, in 2016 the focus was US National Parks in honor of the park service's 150th anniversary. In 2024, pollinators and unusual plants surrounded the trains.
The trains used to be inside the US Botanic Garden building which was a very cramped space. Lines are shorter and it's easier to move around the outdoor display in the Rose Garden.
Past the train display is a pretty collection of trees decorated with natural elements and sparkling lights.
TIP: Arrive close to sunset to enjoy the colorful lights and still see the sculpture details. Since the trains are outdoors in 2024, they may be closed during inclement weather.
3. Capitol Christmas Tree
Across the street from the Botanic Garden stands the US Capitol building and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Each year an enormous tree is shipped from one of our National Forests, erected on the Capitol's front lawn, and decorated with ornaments from the tree's home state.
In 2024, the tree came all the way from Alaska's National Forests. Capitol tree decorations are handmade, giving this tree an authentic touch.
TIP: The tree is lit from dusk until 11:00 pm nightly, but we like to visit in the daytime too. During the day you'll have a better view of the decorations. Visit at dusk and you may capture a pretty background sunset.
4. Library of Congress Christmas Tree
The Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol are open to visitors with timed entry tickets.
Close to the Capitol is one of the most beautiful building interiors in the city. A giant Christmas tree on the upper floor makes a fantastic photo opp in the colorfully decorated Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.
Reserve a free timed entry ticket online to enter the Library of Congress. Once there you can also request a ticket to walk through the Main Reading Room (as seen in the movie National Treasure).
You can see the Christmas tree once you clear security and enter the library's Great Hall. Walk upstairs for a closer look and to take photos of the tree decorated with miniature books.
TIP: When the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open, you can walk between the Capitol and the Library of Congress via an underground tunnel, a nice break on a winter day.
Plan a Washington DC Holiday Getaway
You could try to visit all of these Washington DC holiday attractions on a day trip, but why not extend your fun with a longer getaway? Spend a night or two in DC to enjoy the holiday activities listed here and to visit some of the Smithsonian museums.
Stay at the Kimpton George Hotel near Union Station and you'll have easy access to the entire US Capitol area. We also love the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Penn Quarter. The DowntownDC Holiday Market is right outside your door and it's midway between the Ellipse and the US Capitol. Plan your DC holiday getaway with our tips to Exploring the US Capitol Area on a DC Overnight.
5. Union Station
Giant wreaths, garlands, lights, and a Christmas tree add DC holiday spirit to Union Station every December. The Norwegian Embassy erects and decorates the tree each year, and there is sometimes a model train display nearby. The station is an excellent stop to warm up, enjoy a meal, and do some shopping.
There is usually a free tree lighting ceremony with live entertainment in late November.
TIP: Head to an upstairs restaurant for a nice view of the meticulously renovated coffered ceiling and Roman Legionnaires surrounding the main hall.
6. National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace
Dec 5 – Jan 1
President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree in 1923, and the tradition continues each year. The heavily decorated tree is located on the Ellipse, in front of the White House.
Surrounding the National Tree is the Christmas Pathway of Peace, with 56 trees from each state and territory. Unique hand-made ornaments decorate each state tree. The display used to include a model train and holiday village but the current set-up only includes the decorated trees.
The Pathway of Peace and National trees are free and open to the public. The 2024 official lighting ceremony is on December 5 and tickets are required. On other nights the area is open from 10:00-10:00 daily (to 11:00 Friday and Saturday). Lights turn on nightly at sunset.
TIP: A lottery for tickets to the tree lighting ceremony opens in late October. We prefer to skip the crowded lighting ceremony and visit another evening for clear views of the state trees.
7. National Menorah
Dec 25
The National Menorah is also located on the White House Ellipse. The annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony features proclamations, entertainment, hot donuts and latkes, and free dreidels and menorah kits.
TIP: Tickets to the lighting ceremony are free but limited. Follow the link to request a ticket.
8. DowntownDC Holiday Market
Nov 22 – Dec 23
The DowntownDC Holiday Market has become a favorite for seasonal shopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas. A rotating schedule of over 70 vendors offers an array of unique gifts, arts, and crafts.
The 2024 holiday market is expanded, with more booths and food options and a more festive vibe. Booths are open daily from noon to 8:00 pm, and admission is free. We visited on a weekday close to Christmas and crowds were much larger at night.
In 2024, a second market opens in Dupont Circle. The DC Holiday Market is open daily from November 22 to December 15 and features 30 artisans and small businesses.
TIP: The DowntownDC Holiday Market is located at 8th and F Street NW, close to the Gallery Place metro stop. Need a break from the crowds? Until 7:00 pm, relax in the peaceful courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery.
Check our guide Favorite Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and the DC Region for more gift shopping fun.
9. Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Nov 22 – Jan 4
Zoo Lights at the National Zoo is an annual DC holiday extravaganza that features more than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights that transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. The event used to be free but Zoo Lights tickets are now $6 per person.
TIP: Admission and shuttle buses from Woodley Park metro are free, but there is a $30 fee for on-site parking.
10. Skating at the National Sculpture Garden
Ice skating at the National Sculpture Garden is another fun, though not free, addition to any Washington DC holiday visit. Visit the large-scale sculptures by major artists that surround the rink during the day, and skate under festive lights at night.
TIP: The skating rink is open daily from mid-November to early March except for major holidays, weather permitting.
Find details and more Fun DC and Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks.
11. Georgetown Jingle
Dec 7
New in 2024, Georgetown Jingle hosts a night of musical performances at 10 outdoor locations. Afterward, watch a procession to Georgetown Harbor and enjoy Swedish treats and drinks.
Georgetown Glow will not be held in 2024. Usually, 11 curated lighted art installations are spread among the historic buildings and shops of Georgetown.
Tip: Visit Georgetown throughout the season on your own or join one of the many themed walking tours featuring history, food, photography, and art.
12. CityCenter DC Christmas Tree
Nov 30 – Jan 5
Kick off the holiday season when CityCenter DC celebrates its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on November 30. Live performances, face painting, sweet treats, and more add to the family fun. The 75-foot treat is a great backdrop for holiday photos and it's accompanied by 20-foot reindeer and artist-decorated trees.
Whichever holiday experience you choose, we wish you a very happy DC holiday outing.
Are you visiting DC for Christmas? You'll find activities for all ages in our guide to Fun Things to Do in Washington DC on Christmas Day and Week.
And for even more holiday fun, check out our our Best of the Holiday Season collection in DC, Virginia and Maryland. Our holiday guides include 12 Holiday Favorites from Northern Virginia Experts and a big listing of the Best Holiday Lights in the Washington DC Area.
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