Best Christmas places to visit

Question

I have found out I have an extra long weekend next weekend and I discovered the hotels are pretty cheap in Washington DC next week after christmas

In NYC we have a bunch of places one goes to see the holiday season like the rockefeller center tree, Bryant Park, Macys

What places in DC are similar, I know about the White House Christmas Tree and the Capital Christmas Tree , what else is there simialr to what we have in NY

Answer

Great question — Washington, D.C. has plenty of festive Christmas-season charm, and visiting right after Christmas can still be a magical time. Here are some top places and activities to experience “Christmas in D.C.” that feel comparable to NYC’s holiday highlights.

Here are some of the best Christmas and holiday-themed places to see around Washington, D.C.:

National Christmas Tree & Pathway of Peace: Located on the Ellipse near the White House, this is D.C.’s iconic Christmas tree. It’s surrounded by smaller trees representing all 50 states and U.S. territories, each decorated with handmade ornaments.
Capitol Christmas Tree: This is a large, beautifully decorated tree on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It stays lit into the New Year, making it a quieter but meaningful seasonal display.
DowntownDC Holiday Market: Think of this like D.C.’s holiday “bazaar” or winter market. It’s set up in Penn Quarter (F Street between 7th & 9th) and features artisan gifts, crafts, food, and festive ambiance.
National Zoo – ZooLights: At night, the Smithsonian National Zoo is transformed by half a million LED lights, glowing animal lanterns, and walk-through displays — very family-friendly and festive.
U.S. Botanic Garden – Seasons’ Greetings Display: This is a lovely, free display featuring poinsettias, a model train, and botanical recreations of D.C. landmarks.
Light Yards at The Yards Park: This is a fun, modern light display. Huge illuminated “swinging bells” light up at night, and the installation remains through early January.
Georgetown GLOW: Georgetown’s historic streets are decorated with creative luminescent art installations, making for a very atmospheric walk.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink: Located in Georgetown along the Potomac, this large outdoor rink is beautifully lit at night. Skating here under lights feels very festive, like a holiday scene in a movie.
Wharf Holiday Boat Parade: If the timing works, D.C.’s Wharf often hosts a decorated boat parade — vessels dressed in lights cruise along, and there may be fireworks or musical performances.
Frosted at Franklin Park: This is a free walking display of tiny festive lights in Franklin Park that gives a cozy, twinkly walk-through experience.

Bonus spots & traditions to check out:

Union Station has a holiday tree (the Norwegian Christmas Tree) plus a model train display.
The Canadian Embassy often has a beautifully decorated tree in its rotunda, which many locals consider one of the city’s prettiest.
If you’re interested in holiday lights more broadly, many neighborhoods like Dupont Circle and Georgetown are part of DC’s “Holiday Lights” walking routes.

Why D.C. is a great post-Christmas destination (similar to NYC):

You’ll get the feel of a “holiday city” without the same level of crowds as peak Christmas week in NYC.
Many displays are free or donation-based, making it easy to see a lot in a short time.
Walking around at night gives you great views of lights, monuments, and iconic D.C. architecture dressed for the holidays.

Tips for visiting:

Bundle up — December nights in D.C. can be crisp.
Use Metro or rideshare — parking around the Mall, the Ellipse, and Georgetown can be very challenging, especially at night.
Plan your route — you could start at the National Christmas Tree, walk around to the Capitol Tree, then head over to the Botanic Garden or The Yards for lights.
Bring a camera — these sites are very “photo moment” worthy.

In short: yes, D.C. has its own holiday magic that’s absolutely worth exploring — from grand tree displays to neighborhood light walks, ice skating, markets, and more. It’s not just government buildings — the city comes alive for Christmas in a way that’s both elegant and warm.