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.
Fortunately, the best holiday events in DC are open again in 2022 and it's a beautiful time to visit the capital.
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1. United States Botanic Garden Seasons Greenings
Nov 24 – Jan 2, 2022
The annual Seasons Greenings celebration returns to an in-person event in 2022! The US Botanic Garden is one of the hidden gems of the city, and it is open and free every day, including Christmas and New Year's Day.
One of our favorite Washington DC 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 24 – Jan 2, 2022
The US Botanic Garden train display moves to the outdoor gardens in 2022 and opens on Thanksgiving weekend. The elaborate model train display is constructed to reflect a different theme each year and in 2022 the theme is farming. The 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 2018, the theme featured train stations from around the country, while the 2019 theme was “America's Gardens.” No matter what the theme, there are always multiple trains in motion over bridges, through mountains, and past scenes you'll recognize if you've traveled the U.S.
TIP: Arrive early or late in the day to avoid long and slow-moving lines around the train display. Since the trains are outdoors in 2022, 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 2022, the tree will come from the National Forests in North Carolina. 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. Most years, a giant Christmas tree makes a great photo opp in the colorfully decorated Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.
TIP: When the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open, you can walk to the Thomas Jefferson Building via an underground tunnel; a nice break on a winter day. The Library of Congress is open Tuesday to Saturday and the U.S. Capitol is open Monday to Friday.
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 and you'll have easy access to the entire US Capitol area. Plan your DC holiday getaway with our tips: 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.
The Norwegian Christmas tree is back in 2022 but there is no train display this year. There is a free tree lighting ceremony with live entertainment on November 28.
TIP: Head to an upstairs restaurant for a nice view of Roman Legionnaires surrounding the main hall and the meticulously renovated coffered ceiling.
6. National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace
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 Pathway of Peace and National trees are free and open to the public.
In 2022, the National Christmas Tree is open from December 2 to January 1. The official lighting ceremony is on November 30 and tickets are required. 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
The National Menorah is also located on the White House Ellipse. The annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Dec 18) features proclamations, entertainment, hot donuts and latkes, and free dreidels and menorah kits.
TIP: Tickets to the lighting ceremony are free, but may be limited in 2022.
8. Downtown DC Holiday Market
The Downtown DC 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. Visitors also enjoy live entertainment and festive treats.
Booths are open daily from noon to 8:00 pm, and admission is free. In 2022, the market is open from November 18 to December 23.
TIP: The market is located at 8th and F Street NW, close to the Gallery Place metro stop.
Check our guide Favorite Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia and the DC Region for more shopping fun.
9. Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Zoo Lights at the National Zoo returns in 2022!
Holiday lights, animals at night, tubing runs and choo-choo fun are all part of Zoo Lights at the National Zoo. This annual DC holiday extravaganza 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.
In 2022, Zoo Lights is open from November 25 to December 30.
TIP: Admission and shuttle buses from Woodley Park metro are free, but there is a fee for parking and some optional activities.
10. Skating at the National Sculpture Garden
Ice skating at the National Sculpture Garden is a 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 places to skate: 11 Fun Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks.
11. Georgetown GLOW
Georgetown GLOW returns for the holidays in 2022!
Georgetown Glow is a free annual exhibition of lighted public art installations. 11 curated lighted art pieces are spread among the historic buildings and shops of Georgetown. Spend a festive evening checking out the lighted art and visiting Georgetown's many shops, bars, and restaurants.
In 2022, Georgetown Glow will be held from November 26 to January 22. Works are lit nightly from 5:00 to 10:00 PM.
Tip: Visit GLOW on your own or join one of the many themed walking tours featuring history, food, photography, and art.
Whichever holiday experience you choose, we wish you a very happy DC holiday outing.
Are you visiting DC for Christmas? Check out our guide to Fun Things to Do in Washington DC on Christmas Day.
If you enjoy DC holiday fun, you'll find more seasonal events and displays in Virginia and Maryland in our guides:
- 12 Holiday Favorites from Northern Virginia Experts
- Holiday Lights in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC Area
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