Christmas Things to Do/See

Question

Hello,

I looked back at posts from the last year but didn't see much. Any suggestions for Christmas themed things to do or see this coming weekend? Doesn't have to be a specific event, could be something like: Light shows, trees, decorations, holiday markets? Restaurants with nice decorations or any type of holiday theme?

We are staying at either Fairmont or Park Hyatt but happy to go to other parts of the city.

Thank you!

Answer

Great question! Washington, D.C. lights up beautifully for the holidays, and since you’re staying at the Fairmont or Park Hyatt (both centrally located), you’ll have easy access to many festive spots. Here are some top Christmas- and holiday-themed things to do and see, plus nearby places to soak in the holiday spirit.

Here are some recommendations:

DowntownDC Holiday Market: This is a classic holiday market in Penn Quarter (on F Street between 7th & 9th NW) with dozens of vendors selling crafts, gifts, seasonal food, and more — all in a charming, festive setting.
Smithsonian ZooLights: Visit the National Zoo at night when it’s transformed by hundreds of thousands of LED lights, glowing animal lanterns, and seasonal music. It’s very magical, especially for a relaxed evening stroll.
Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden: The Botanic Garden mounts a beautiful holiday display, complete with poinsettias, plant sculptures, model trains, and tiny replicas of D.C. landmarks — very photogenic and peaceful.
National Christmas Tree & Surrounding Trees: Check out the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park, plus the smaller “America Celebrates” trees around it. The lights are typically on nightly through the season.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: There’s a decorated tree on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol that stays lit through much of the holiday season — a quieter, yet meaningful, photo spot.
Ice Skating at Washington Harbour (Georgetown): If you don’t mind heading toward Georgetown, the ice rink at Washington Harbour is charming and beautifully lit at night.
Light Displays / Light Shows:
- Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple: Just outside the city, the temple grounds are illuminated with hundreds of thousands of lights, including a nativity scene and nightly performances.
- Mansion on O Street – O Tree Jubilee: This quirky museum / mansion has tons of creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and hidden nooks to explore.
Holiday Theater / Performances: You can catch *A Christmas Carol* at Ford’s Theatre — a classic seasonal production in an historic venue.
DC Holiday Hunt: If you’re in the mood for a fun, slightly more active holiday adventure, the DC Holiday Hunt is a scavenger-hunt-style event that takes you around festive neighborhoods.

Cozy / Festive Restaurants / Hotels to Visit for Holiday Vibes:

Many restaurants and hotels in D.C. go all out with holiday decor. Locals recommend places like cozy, seasonal dining rooms in historic hotels.
Strolling around CityCenterDC or Union Station at night is especially nice — both are usually beautifully decorated for the season.

Tips for Visiting During the Holidays:

Go in the evening — light displays, markets, and trees are often at their most magical after dark.
Wear comfortable shoes — many of these experiences involve walking between sites (e.g., from the market to the tree).
Use public transport or rideshare — parking can be difficult around the National Mall and Georgetown, especially at night.
Bring a camera — the lights, decorations, and displays make for fantastic photo ops!

Overall, you have a wonderful variety of options: from markets and light displays to skating and cozy strolls. Whatever you choose, you’ll definitely feel the holiday spirit. Enjoy your weekend in D.C.! 🎄

Christmas Things to Do/See

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