The DC holiday season spans seven weeks of magic. From the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting tonight (Dec. 2) through New Year’s and beyond, the region fills with tree lightings, holiday markets, performances, light displays, and family festivities. Whether you’re looking for iconic traditions, cozy neighborhood experiences, or something completely new, here’s your complete guide to making the most of the 2025 holiday season.
DC Holiday Guide: The Official Kickoff (Dec. 2–8)
Tonight: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:00 PM
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building
Cost: Free The 53-foot red fir “Silver Belle” from Nevada lights up tonight at 5:00 PM. Once lit, the tree glows nightly from dusk to 11:00 PM through early January 2026. Pro tip: Arrive 3:00–4:00 PM for good viewing. Security lines and crowds are real. Use Metro (Capitol South station) to avoid parking nightmares.
Tonight: Gingertown DC
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 PM
Where: Check local listings for venue details
Cost: Free A festive celebration featuring gingerbread displays, holiday treats, live entertainment, and photo opportunities.
This Week: Holiday Markets Begin
DC Holiday Market (Dupont Circle)
Nov. 14 – Dec. 23 | Free
Browse 30+ small businesses selling seasonal goods, handmade items, and gifts. Grab Migue’s Mini Donuts or Capital Candy Jar’s roasted nuts while you shop.
Downtown DC Holiday Market (F Street, NW)
Nov. 21 – Dec. 23 | Free
Two blocks of outdoor shopping, food trucks, and glimmering lights from 7th to 9th Streets.
Chanukah Holiday Market
Dec. 2 | Free
Celebrate with holiday shopping and community festivities.
Saturday: The 33rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Where: The Wharf (District Pier, Transit Pier, M Street Landing)
Cost: Free This is DC’s marquee holiday event. 60+ decorated boats parade the Washington Channel with fireworks at 8:00 PM. What to expect:
- 5:00–8:00 PM: Ornament decorating, karaoke, s’mores, Santa visits, live music, Corona Cheer Gardens
- 7:00 PM: Boat parade begins (emceed by Tommy McFly)
- 8:00 PM: Fireworks over the channel
- 8:15 PM–Late: After-party with live music from My Hero Zero
Planning notes: Arrive by 5:00 PM. Dress warm (30–40°F). Consider Metro (Blue Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark). Bring a camera for the 45-foot illuminated Christmas tree and Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree.
HOLIDAY MARKETS: Shop Local All Season
Over 30 markets operate across the DC area through December. Here are the must-visit destinations:
| Market | Date | Location | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heurich Christmas Markt | Dec. 4–7 | Heurich House Museum | $12–$14 |
| Swedish Holiday Market | Dec. 6 | House of Sweden | $12–$17 |
| Silver Spring Christmas Market | Dec. 7 | Veterans Plaza | Free |
| Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market | Dec. 13 | John Carlyle Square | Free |
| Mount Pleasant Holiday Market | Dec. 13 | Mount Pleasant | Free |
| Cleveland Park Winter Market | Dec. 13 | Cleveland Park | Free |
| National Harbor Christmas Market | Dec. 6–7, Dec. 13–14, Dec. 20–21 | National Harbor | Free |
| Bethesda Winter Wonderland | Dec. 6 | Downtown Bethesda | Free |
Niche markets for specific vibes:
- Sapphic Holiday Market (Dec. 6) — LGBTQ+-owned vendors
- Art Enables & Friends Holiday Market (Dec. 6) — Artist-run, mission-driven
- Artesian Alley Holiday Market (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) — Rotating pop-up
PERFORMANCES & SHOWS: Theater, Ballet, Music
The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, Warner Theatre, and Arena Stage offer world-class holiday performances:
Iconic Holiday Traditions
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Nov. 29 – Dec. 28 | Warner Theatre | Tickets: $50–$100+
DC’s favorite with a local twist: Nutcracker Prince as George Washington and cherry blossom designs set in 1882 Georgetown. A Christmas Carol
Nov. 20 – Dec. 31 | Ford’s Theatre | Tickets: $25–$75
Craig Wallace stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian musical—a time-honored DC tradition.
Cirque Dream: Holidaze
Through Dec. 31 | Various venues | Tickets: $30–$75
The Theater at MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill
20745, Maryland.
December 19 – 20, 2025
Acrobatic holiday spectacle with costumed characters, gingerbread men flipping through the air, and toy soldiers on wires.
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 18–21 | Kennedy Center | Tickets: $30–$80
The epic performance returns, conducted by Ton Koopman.
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Dec. 5–21 | Arena Stage | Tickets: $20–$50
DC’s first professional stepping company performs clapping, stomping, and stepping with furry animal friends and DJ Nutcracker.
A Very Improv Holiday
Dec. 5–28 | Studio Theatre | Tickets: $20–$40
Unscripted holiday comedy from Washington Improv Theater.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: 2025 Winter Tour
Dec. 30 | Capital One Arena | Tickets: $50–$90
Electrifying holiday rock opera.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Dec. 30, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | National Theatre | Tickets: $40–$80
The beloved musical adaptation of the holiday classic.
LIGHT DISPLAYS & ILLUMINATIONS
ZooLights (Ongoing Through Jan. 3)
When: Nightly through Jan. 3, 2026
Where: Smithsonian National Zoo
Cost: $6 admission (timed passes required) LED lights and glowing animal lanterns transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Live music, holiday shopping, and winter treats. Book timed passes in advance to avoid sellouts, especially on weekends.
Holidays on the Ellipse (National Christmas Tree)
When: Daily through early January
Where: President’s Park | National Ellipse
Cost: Free The iconic National Christmas Tree, National Menorah, and displays from all 50 states. Perfect holiday photo backdrop with the White House and Washington Monument glowing in the distance. Frequent live musical performances.
Folger Frost Fair
When: Nov. 28 – Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library
Cost: Free admission (pay-what-you-will timed entry) Month-long winter festival inspired by frost fairs held in London (1600s–1800s). Holiday music, decorations, printing press demos, gift shopping, and craft stations.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight & Christmas Illuminations
When: Nov. 28–29, Dec. 12–13, 19, 22–23 (by candlelight); Dec. 20–21 (illuminations)
Where:George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Cost: $25–$35 Tour the historic mansion by candlelight or view Christmas illuminations with fireworks along the Potomac.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
When: Dec. 20–21
Where: Mount Vernon
Cost: Included with admission Holiday fireworks display along the Potomac River.
ICE SKATING & WINTER ACTIVITIES
Multiple ice rinks operate throughout the season:
- The Wharf Ice Rink (Ongoing) — Great for skating with festive vibes
- Cabin John Ice Rink (Ongoing through winter)
- Rockville Town Square Ice Skating (Seasonal)
Most rinks offer holiday specials on weekends and evening rates during the week.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS
Best for Young Families
- ZooLights: Manageable crowds, LED animal lanterns
- Holidays on the Ellipse: Short visit, iconic photo ops
- Folger Frost Fair: Indoor/outdoor, craft stations
Best for Teens & Adults
- The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker: World-class, local twist
- Cirque Dream: Holidaze: Acrobatic spectacle
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra: High-energy rock
- Holiday Markets: Shopping, food, community
Best for Romantic Outings
- Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Historic elegance
- A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Victorian charm
- Holiday Boat Parade: Fireworks, festive energy
Best on a Budget
- Holidays on the Ellipse: Free
- Downtown DC Holiday Markets: Free entry
- Holiday Boat Parade: Free
- Folger Frost Fair: Free
TIMELINE: What’s Happening When
| Period | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Now – Dec. 8 | Tree lightings, markets, boat parade |
| Dec. 9–15 | NSO Holiday Pops, markets, performances |
| Dec. 16–23 | Peak season: all markets, shows, crowds |
| Dec. 24–26 | Holiday performances, family time |
| Dec. 27–31 | New Year’s events, Grinch musical |
| Jan. 1–4 | ZooLights, Frost Fair, performances end |
PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON
Skip the Crowds
- Visit markets weekday mornings (10 AM–1 PM)
- Attend Capitol Tree Lighting on Monday evening
- Visit ZooLights on weekday nights
- Book matinee performances instead of evening shows
Maximize Your Dollar
- Buy multi-performance packages at Kennedy Center (20% discount)
- Check out free community celebrations
- Visit free markets (most are free entry; shopping optional)
Bring the Whole Family
- Performances: Check venue ratings for age suitability
- Markets: Stroller-friendly, food trucks available
- ZooLights: Timed passes help manage crowds
WHAT HAPPENS IN JANUARY
The holiday magic continues into early January:
- ZooLights: Through Jan. 3
- Folger Frost Fair: Through Jan. 4
- Grinch Musical: Dec. 30 – Jan. 4
- Various performances extend into mid-January
