Our Ultimate Winter Activities List For The DMV!
The leaves are starting to fall, the evenings are getting darker and the weather is cooling down… BUT the holiday season is just around the corner with Thanksgiving in 2 weeks, the December holidays start sneaking up on us and the new year will be here before we know it!
To ensure you aren’t overwhelmed by the abundance of activities going on around the DMV, we decided to relieve your stress by combining a list of winter fun, holiday markets and activities for all ages. Check out our Ultimate Winter Activities List below!
Where to shop for holiday gifts:
The Downtown DC Holiday Market is a free, open air market with more than 70 exhibitors, 6 food vendors and a live stage of exceptional regional performers.
November 18 to December 23 - 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Unique Markets: DC Holiday Market 🎟
Enjoy the freedom of coming Saturday, Sunday... or both! Shop from 70 amazing designers/artists, plus enjoy free drinks and our Unique perks! Support your community and small businesses while having a blast.
December 17 to December 18 - 10 am to 4 pm
Where to see holiday lights and displays:
The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and will be open to the public after the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
December 2 - Opens to the public
Hailed by international media as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally.
November 10 at 5 pm - Tickets become available
December 18 - Date of the ceremony
City Ridge Tree Lighting Festival 🆓
City Ridge is celebrating its first holiday season by hosting fun, FREE seasonal activities all evening long for guests of all ages.
December 3 - 4 pm to 8 pm
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park 🎟
Let Enchant light up your holiday season. Bring your friends and family for a magical evening with over 4 million sparkling lights, our story themed walk thru light maze, Ice Skating, and so much more!
November 25 to January 1
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free, ticketed, event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!
November 25 to December 30 - 5 pm to 9 pm
With signature events like ICE, classic holiday activities such as photos with Santa, and thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all during Christmas at Gaylord National Resort.
November 20 to December 31
U.S. Botanic Gardens - Season’s Greenings Display 🆓
The U.S. Botanic Garden will offer a garden-wide "Season's Greenings" holiday display this year. As part of the festivities, G-gauge model trains will run between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day in the gated outdoor gardens and the Conservatory will feature poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants.
November 24, to January 2
Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend 🆓
Bask in the warmth of time-honored festivities like the 51st Annual , featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, as well as the 22nd Annual on the Potomac River. Come take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season as you stroll under a canopy of twinkling lights that shine above brick-lined streets. Enjoy warm drinks in cozy cafes and pubs and unforgettable meals in independent restaurants. Stroll historic streets and step inside dozens of locally owned boutiques that welcome you with greenery at their doorsteps.
December 2 to 4
A magical holiday experience of 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18-acres of an outdoor winter wonderland where it is guaranteed to Winter City snow every night. The largest light show in the DC area and Baltimore area, complete with 14 bonfires, Winter City Lights includes an enchanted 1.5-mile long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, an 8 lane Snow Tubing Ride, s’mores, funnel cakes & more.
November 19 to December 31
Where to go ice skating and enjoy winter activities:
National Gallery Of Art Ice Rink 🎟
Take a spin on the ice surrounded by the grand architecture of national museums and monuments.
Experience The Wharf Ice Rink—DC’s only over-water ice skating rink. Lace up your skates—bring your own or rent some rink-side—to glide over the ice and enjoy amazing views of the water and monuments. While you’re here, treat yourself to some hot beverages and seasonal specialties at our nearby restaurants and shops.
November 23 - February 2023
The Washington Harbour Ice Rink 🎟
Skate the night away in Georgetown at the Washington Harbour ice rink! Near the waterfront and next to a variety of restaurants, you’ll have plenty to do once you’re done having fun on the ice!
November 18 - March 12
Miracle at Death Punch Pop Up Bar 🎟
Christmas decor, holiday drinks and themed nights! For those 21+ you can experience it all at the Christmas Miracle Pop-Up Bar in DC!
November 25 to December 30 - 12 pm to 3 am
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park 🎟
Glide through a dazzling forest of Christmas lights at Enchant Christmas in Nationals Park.
November 25 to January 1
Enjoy a perfect day or evening under the stars by going on a yuletide glide on the outdoor ice skating rink made with real ice.
🎟 Requires tickets and/or admission fees.
🆓 Free admission.
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