Details to be released soon at www.fords.org. You can also join them for holiday afternoon tea! Enter a living storybook of larger-than-life, stunning light sculptures and … ga && ga('send', 'event', 'Forms', 'Sign-up', 'Name: ' + form.name + ' URL: ' + window.location.href); Ford’s Theatre will be producing a radio version. The 2020 edition of the family-friendly show, which combines clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance, will be a free, virtual experience held on Dec. 16. Located on the Ellipse just south of the White House, the National Christmas Tree is lit in early December after making … The best way to get to know a city is to take a tour, and no … Each guest performs at least one solo, but the prominent marquee performer usually has one or two more songs. It will be transformed this holiday season so there will be a number of events to partake in. Christmas Tree Lighting With Your Kids. Share Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair with your friends. You … There will be one entrance at 8th and F streets and guests will walk one-way through the market.12-8 p.m., daily |  Free admission | Safety guidelinesF Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC. Season’s Greetings at the Botanic Gardens. Canden is a historian and tour guide in Washington DC with 3 published books about the city. // analytics.js The tree will be lit on the west side of the Capitol and has been a tradition since the first time it was lit in 1964. Find out more at: https://dcholidaylights.org/. Transit Pier at the Wharf hosts a 20-foot, outdoor … This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be from Carson National Forest in New Mexico. MAIN Christmas USA Christmas in Washington, DC A tourist magnet for millions of visitors a year, Washington DC really pulls out all the stops during the holiday season. Cobblestone streets and cupcake tours. The annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place in Alexandria again this year. Join our Newsletter! For other things to do at night in DC, check out our night section below. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah. } She currently resides in DC, but has also lived in London and South Korea, and has travelled to 25 countries. Her two children (both under the age of 3) have their passports and own frequent flier accounts. forms: { Sure, the District might be part of the Mid-Atlantic region, but it feels more like the North Pole during the holidays thanks to the National Christmas Tree, holiday markets, one-of-a-kind seasonal light displays and lots more. The Capitol Christmas Tree (Photo via Wikipedia) Every year since 1923, people from around the Washington, DC region and around the world have flocked to see the National Christmas Tree, an enormous monument to the season nestled among the monuments to our history. This family-friendly event invites you out to see the boat parade floating down the Potomac River. ); Usually, you can attend the ceremony, which has taken place since 1923 if you apply and win the, It’s located on the south side of the White House on what’s called the Ellipse, and the view can be seen from our, Near the National Christmas tree is the largest menorah in the world, the National Menorah. All sure to make the season extra-merry and bright for family, friends or a special someone! This is the back entrance but you can still get in this way. This post covers the top things to do on Christmas in Washington, DC (updated for 2020), including nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options. As guests of Enchant, your charge is to help find them inside our custom-designed, 90,000 square foot light maze! And remember: please wear a face covering and maintain social distance when out and about in the city. Stop for dinner and enjoy the festive decor at the Occidental. This event is fun for the whole family and free to attend. $50. Please make sure to review Mount Vernon’s COVID-19 protocols before you plan your visit.5:30-8:30 p.m. |  TicketsGeorge Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121, Victura Park at The REACH has transforms into an outdoor holiday market with local artisans, craftspersons and an array of specialized vendors from Nov. 27 – Dec. 20. From our popular White House ornament to the Washington DC series these ornaments are all … { The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace is lit up every evening in December at dusk. Like most Macy’s nationwide, the DC store downtown unveils their holiday windows mid-November with holiday theme displays. You can also attend the lighting ceremony if you have a, Ford’s Theatre will be producing a radio version. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Come out to Mount Vernon and celebrate the Christmas festivities! Save yourself some money this holiday season with the tourist attraction discount pass. Additionally, vendors in each neighborhood are offering holiday specials and promotions throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. Or explore the Georgetown Window Displays on our History & Holiday Lights Georgetown tour. Each year over 34 million Americans hang Christmas ornament on their trees. They also can save you time with skip-the-ticket-line privileges. } } You can also get your holiday shopping done while you’re there, as there are a number of boutiques to explore. You can visit the lit-up tree any time after for free! See a Holiday Toy Train Exhibit. Here are a few more free activities to enjoy in DC during Christmas time. (function() { (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The National Botanical Garden is a great free place to visit anytime you’re in Washington, DC. Celebrate the holidays here with a self-guided tour of the festively decorated home and participate in activities while enjoying music and historic cocktails. Christmas in Washington DC | Events and Things to Do (2020) 34 Restaurants with Christmas Day menus & details. Follow the tree’s Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates, including a tracker of its tour across the U.S. George Washington’s estate will be washed in ambient light in this special holiday illumination that can be enjoyed from Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 26-28. Please wear a mask if you plan to attend.4 p.m. (gates at 3 p.m.) | Free admission | Tickets requiredWhite House Ellipse, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, One of the city’s most historic destinations decks its gorgeous garden in holiday lights on Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19. For more free things to do in DC, check out our free section below. Cantina Bambina will offer drinks and snacks and each seating will include a special stocking filled with offers and treats from vendors all over The Wharf. Not too far from the National Christmas tree is the Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The gorgeous conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. She has written for HuffPost Travel and has been featured in the Washington Post, WTOP, and numerous other DC papers. }); You can find it at the Ellipse area near the White House.Every year in early December, this tree, which is known as the National Christmas Tree, is illuminated in grand fashion. Check back on the website to see the 2020 tree lighting date and details announced. Unfortunately Washington DC Christmas Day Restaurant Reservations has come and gone, but don't let that stop you from dining at one of these great OpenTable restaurants. While they offer tours throughout the year, the National Cathedral puts on special programs during holidays, including Christmas at the Cathedral concert. It generally draws fewer visitors than the National Christmas, especially on weeknights. listeners: [], window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { *** washington dc *** examination of climate records going back to 1872 for christmases in washington dc show a typical christmas day is partly cloudy with a frosty early morning low of 30 and an afternoon high of 44. but the year-to-year weather can vary considerably. $30. Another place to see a Christmas tree lighting is at the U.S. Capitol! Canden is the host of our podcast, Tour Guide Tell All. Seating begins 30 minutes before show time.Screenings at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. |  TicketsTransit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024, Find the best places to shop in Washington, DC, The Willard InterContinental Washington offers its wondrous holiday tradition on weekends throughout December. Canal history and charming boutiques. Save Dashin' Through The Bars Holiday Crawl | Washington, DC - Bar Crawl Live to your collection. DIY Holiday Farm Wreath Making Sat, Dec 11, 1:00 PM + 2 more events Standard, vegetarian, vegan and children’s menus will be offered and a 90-minute dining restriction will be applied for all reservations. Free Tours by Foot is the original pay-what-you-like walking tour. The lobby will be decorated beautifully and will be hosting nightly choral concerts that you and your loved ones are welcome to attend. Tour George Washington’s estate and see where the very first family lived. This station has a lot of commuters and a lot of history! Volunteers will make sure every grave gets placed with a beautiful wreath, and the effect of seeing these thousands of wreaths laid out is incredibly moving. The beloved outdoor market continues to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure and enhanced shopping experience in the heart of the District this year. Located just steps from the Willard is … ... Washington, DC - Bar Crawl Live to your collection. The main Washington DC Christmas tree is a large Colorado blue spruce from York Pennsylvania that was transplanted in 1978. With a M.A. Aladdin the Camel will be on-hand and artisan-made goods will be on sale, as will food and holiday drinks. Masks are required, hand sanitizer is available and space heaters will be placed throughout the park. The most well-known production from Ford’s Theatre has been canceled for the 2020 season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience its famous Craig Wallace as Scrooge. A lot of the items we’ve listed in other sections like Zoo Lights are completely free to attend. These are free to attend! The Express will visit one ward in DC each Friday and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. For a full schedule and routes through each ward, visit the Zoo’s website.Fridays & Saturdays, 6-8 p.m. | Free admission, This free-to-frequent downtown bazaar has expanded its space this year to account for social distancing. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background. Centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. There will be a number of markets in DC during Christmas: These are free to attend! Tickets begin at $25 ($15 for students) and you can get yours here. hey usually feature local artists and craftsmen who sell their unique wares that become the treasures you gift your loved ones. All Rights Reserved. The upper garden and greenhouse at Mount Vernon will sport blue and lavender lights, patterns will grace Bowling Green and lanterns will guide the way through the Historic Area. For more nighttime activities, visit our post on things to do at night in DC. These passes bundle together many popular attractions and tours into one discounted price and can save you over 50%, leaving you with more money to spend on present shopping! One of the most iconic pictures of Christmas in Washington DC is a photo of the Capitol Christmas Tree with the famous rotunda and Capitol steps behind it. DC at night is lovely and full of things to do, especially around Christmas! Below we have a list of a few more things to do after the sun goes down. You can even find the Darth Vader gargoyle on it if you search hard enough! Attractions you can see with these passes include: We detail how these passes work and help you decide which, if any, is best for you. The US Capitol Christmas Tree: Not to be outdone by The National Christmas Tree, you’ll find another holiday tree on the Capitol lawn. The lineup includes beloved flicks such as Home Alone, Elf, A Christmas Story, The Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and many more. Locally roasted coffee and crafted-before-your-eyes mini-doughnuts inspire a cold-weather appetite, creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in DC. Neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital are adorning their “main streets” with colorful lights this December. Expect twinkling lawns, illuminated garden rooms and tunnels of light at Tudor Place. Follow the tale of the disappearance of Santa’s reindeer just before Christmas Eve. Sun, Dec 5, 12:00 PM. As thanks, we'll send you a City Guide! on: function(evt, cb) { (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The National Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit. The parade stretches a mile along Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront and there are a number of places to observe from: If you want to explore more of Old Town Alexandria we recommend taking our Old Town Alexandria free walking tour. Here are some of the virtual and in-person ways to experience the holidays in Washington, DC. It’s located on the south side of the White House on what’s called the Ellipse, and the view can be seen from our National Mall tour. There’s also a holiday train display in the West Hall that’s sure to delight all ages! The Pathway of Peace is composed of 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories and DC. Waterfront picnics and political watering holes. You can also get your holiday shopping done while you’re there, as there are a number of boutiques to explore. Learn Washington DC’s History & Stories. Union Station is America’s second busiest train station, only after Penn Station in New York. Related: Washington, D.C. Christmas weather history The 7” of snow on the ground (remnants of Snowpocalypse) in 2009 ties for the high on that account, though the … While 2020 is a unique year for holiday events, you cannot have Christmas in the Capitol without a production of A Christmas Carol. Special measures will be in effect due to COVID-19, with limited seating available. Make sure to stop by here if you’re spending Christmas in Washington DC! Just check out 34 Washington DC restaurants on our website or mobile app to book a table. The lighting ceremony and concert will be live streamed on their website – https://thenationaltree.org/. You can learn about the history of the place and partake in a number of holiday activities. Step back into the 18 th century for an evening at George Washington’s Virginia estate just outside of Washington, D.C. Start your visit with a tour of Christmas trees highlighting the Washington family’s lives, and then take a walking tour of the property. Starbucks is hosting a Night of Giving at Enchant on the date you've selected. To check out our full tour schedule, click here. Music from the United States Navy Band will add a soundtrack to the scene. We have a number of things to do at night in DC listed in our top 10 section above, such as seeing the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah lit up at night. The city decks the halls, light the menorah, and celebrates the holidays with markets, parades, and joyous celebrations. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor! Harvested from Uncompaghre Plateau in Colorado, the tree will travel across the country to Washington, DC. Events DC is the official one-stop-shop for conventions, entertainment, sporting and cultural events in the nation’s capital. in History from University College London and a B.A. Happy Dining. washington, DC > > > for sale > ... Christmas / Holiday Gifts - matching plate and mug set $5 (Near Olney, Md) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. If you’re up for venturing outside of downtown, Olney Theatre will be hosting the one-man show, A Christmas Carol, in person with safety protocols in place. For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in DC. If you can’t participate, you can still enjoy the handwork by visiting Arlington National Cemetery on one of our free walking tours. Choose from our wide selection of historic and patriotic ornaments that will be treasured for years to come. One of the first of the season happens in the centrally located CityCenter. The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. Toy train displays are a family favorite for the holiday season. There are multiple Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to take place in the district throughout the holidays. The Capitol Tree is located on the West Lawn of Capitol Building. Recorded at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the show will feature furry friends from the animal kingdom, including Popper the Penguin and polar bear twins, and enough rhythm to have your whole living room rockin’.7:30 p.m. |  Free – Registration required, Women-Owned Restaurants and Chefs in Washington, DC, 8 Awesome Photos You Can Take With a Go Washington DC Explorer Pass, 10+ Dazzling Holiday Light Displays & Events in Washington, DC, Guide to the Washington Convention Center, Find the Right Space for Your Intimate Meeting, 901 7th Street NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20001-3719, © 2020 Washington.org. There will be a holiday fireworks show, you can see how 18th-century chocolate is made and there will be a special guest, Aladdin the camel. A lot of the items we’ve listed in, For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on, To check out our full tour schedule, click. Recorded in Washington, D.C. at the National Building Museum, on the second Sunday of each December before being re-edited for later broadcast, Christmas in Washington is a one-hour concert featuring artists from musical genres. As usual, a DC Christmas will kick off with the lighting ceremony of the National Christmas Tree -- traditionally attended by the President and family and accompanied by musical performances This year there will be a train room where you can enjoy plant-based recreations of icon train stations from across the United States, like New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, St. Louis’ Union Station, and more. 'The Nutcracker' – Nov. 23– Dec. 29 The Washington Ballet pulls out all the stops for this classic … While they offer tours throughout the year, the, Tickets begin at $25 ($15 for students) and you can get yours, Volunteers will make sure every grave gets placed with a beautiful wreath, and the effect of seeing these thousands of wreaths laid out is incredibly moving. 99 $39.99 $39.99 Get it as soon as Fri, Mar 12 The 16th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.’s outdoor shopping village, kicks off the holiday season Friday, November 20. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Willard Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Washington, DC, located right near the White House. They usually feature local artists and craftsmen who sell their unique wares that become the treasures you gift your loved ones. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Tickets are limited for this tour so book now. There will also be a botanical version of DC’s Union Station! Our guides have given tours to over 3 million guests around the world. (, If you can’t participate, you can still enjoy the handwork by visiting Arlington National Cemetery on one of our, The event sells out fast, so be sure to get your tickets. We offer an evening stroll through downtown DC to view some of the best holiday light displays – from the classic Macy’s window displays to the National Christmas Tree. Ever wanted to walk through a president’s house? You can visit the tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. favorite this post Apr 5 12-piece Traditional Christmas Ornament Set $50 (Arlington - Rosslyn) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. in History from Elon University, she is an authority on D.C. history, and has led tours in the city for over 10 years. There has been a tree lighting ceremony here every year since 1997. Catch a holiday flick at The Wharf. })(); For more free things to do in DC, check out our, Save yourself some money this holiday season with the, We have a number of things to do at night in DC listed in our, For more nighttime activities, visit our post on, Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron Street), Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes Street), If you want to explore more of Old Town Alexandria we recommend taking our, To learn more about the Capitol Christmas Tree click, DC is loaded with free things to do! December 24, 1913 saw the first community Christmas celebration in Washington, DC. Usually, you can attend the ceremony, which has taken place since 1923 if you apply and win the lottery but for 2020 the ceremony is virtual and open to all. The display is free to visit and open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. while the National Christmas Tree is lit each day from 4:30-10 p.m. event : evt, Smithsonian’s National Zoo is taking its popular holiday installation on the road this year. Eater DC’s Chef of the Year Peter Prime taps into his Trinidadian roots for a to-go Christmas dinner filled out by a whole Berkshire ham marinated in pineapple chow and quart-size portions of pigeon peas stewed in coconut milk or pepper pot, a rich holiday stew full of oxtail, brisket, and beef tendon. There will be seasonal decor, sandwiches, pastries and the beautiful sounds of a harp to accompany you as you sip on festive teas from one of DC’s most historic hotels. Our Christmas gifts in Washington DC include anything from fun city tour excursions, delectable ways to taste your way through town, heart-pounding outdoor adventures, scenic ways to wine and dine, bucket list ambitions, and much more. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Other events. The city decks the halls, light the menorah, and celebrates the holidays with markets, parades, and joyous celebrations. The National Menorah - White House Ellipse - Washington, DC, Chanukah kicks off with this Dec. 10 lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Please make sure to read the market’s safety information before your visit. You can also attend the lighting ceremony if you have a ticket. Hot chocolate and cider will be available for your stroll through the five-and-a-half acre garden. (website). All ticket and ice skate rental proceeds from this date, Monday, December 9 will go directly to the Mary's Place 'No Child Sleeps Outside' campaign. Many of our guided walks are free to join and operate on a pay-what-you-like basis, which means you decide what a tour was worth or what you could afford (even free) when the tour is over. We also have self-guided tours and GPS-enabled audio tours of neighborhoods that you will likely visit as a tourist in the city. Bring some cheer to the 2020 season with our hotel packages and private dining igloos. For other things to do at night in DC, check out our. You can shop local and vote your favorite in Logan Circle, Lower Georgia Ave, Eastern Market, Columbia Heights & More. To learn more about the Capitol Christmas Tree click here. callback: cb You can enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant Peacock Alley and on Dec. 13 and 20, the hotel will take the event to its spacious Crystal Ballroom. Downtown DC Holiday Market: The 2020 market is open November 20 through December 23, from noon to 8 p.m. daily.It is located on the sidewalks on F Street between Seventh and Ninth streets in front of the National Portrait Gallery.Enjoy a unique seasonal shopping marketplace in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of downtown Washington, D.C. Find gift items from more than 180 exhibitors and … Participating in Wreaths Across America is a special way to honor our fallen veterans. You can light up the Christmas Tree with your entire family … Details to be released soon at. DC is loaded with free things to do! Make your way the 14th and F ST NW. mc4wp.forms.on('subscribed', function(form) { The Christmas tree and related pageantry occurred on the East Plaza of the US Capitol on Christmas Eve. You’ll learn about historical holiday traditions while you walk past the slave quarters and outbuildings. You can have your own fire pit with seating for up to four people. This Is From The 1992 One Track CD Christmas Eve In Washington By Maura Sullivan. This year it’s called “The People’s Tree” and is chosen from a different national forest each year. Christmas in DC Celebrate the Holidays in Washington DC at the historic Watergate Hotel! Expect a menu featuring light snacks, grilled items, beer, wine, spiked cider and hot chocolate. Be sure to read our master post on things to do in DC for even more ideas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The National Christmas Tree gets lit each year on the first Thursday of December and marks the official beginning of the Christmas season here in Washington, DC. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Holiday Markets are wonderful places to get your holiday shopping done. Explore beautiful plants, trees, and flowers from around … Your journey will also be graced with holiday music and chats with soldiers at a recreated 18th century winter encampment. Georgetown is a lot of things to a lot of people. You can enjoy this holiday cheer in Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park, among other locales. Save Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair to your collection. Many of the city’s local neighborhood Main Streets are sponsoring Holiday Lights and Window display competitions. Sat, Feb 13, 8:00 PM. There will be a mix of medieval and modern music being performed that will sure you put you in the holiday spirit! No, we’re not talking about the White House, we’re talking about the Woodrow Wilson House, which today is a museum to our 28th president. The event sells out fast, so be sure to get your tickets here. Enjoy some holiday spirit at this family-friendly destination that is free to enter.Fridays: 4-8 p.m. |  Saturdays & Sundays: 12-8 p.m. |  Free admissionVictura Park at The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566, Transit Pier at the Wharf hosts a 20-foot, outdoor LED screen specifically for screening holiday classics this December. Founded in 1751, 40 years before the nation’s capital, DC’s original neighborhood has a … She's also been interviewed by the Travel Channel and Discovery Family Channel. Afternoon tea is also available to-go and for private groups – visit The Willard’s website for more information.Seatings at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. |  ReserveWillard InterContinental Washington, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. } Every year, this organization lays out thousands of holiday wreaths on graves in military cemeteries across America, including Arlington National Cemetery. Don't forget to check out the Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Mormon Temple, … This year’s tree, which will come from the Grand Mesa, Ucompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado, will go aglow in DC on Dec. 2. Near the National Christmas tree is the largest menorah in the world, the National Menorah. This year's lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 3. There will also be a series of concerts that will keep the Conservatory open late until 8 pm on certain Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December. Leave this field empty if you're human: This section covers our top ten list of things to do in DC for the Christmas holidays. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online; you will be granted access to the garden for one hour, along with one free beverage.4:30-7:30 p.m. |  TicketsTudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza every year.