brookside gardens

A Capital Holiday: Christmas Trees, Lights & Markets in Washington, DC

November 22, 2024

As the holiday season descends upon the nation’s capital, Washington, DC transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, majestic Christmas trees, and festive markets that bring the spirit of the season to life. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, there’s nothing quite like strolling through DC’s illuminated streets, sipping hot cocoa at a bustling holiday market, or marveling at the iconic National Christmas Tree.

From neighborhood tree lightings to dazzling displays at beloved landmarks, the city offers countless opportunities to celebrate the magic of the season. This guide will take you on a journey to the best holiday markets for unique gifts, the most breathtaking light displays, and the must-visit Christmas tree locations in and around DC. Bundle up, grab your family and friends, and explore the merry and bright moments that make the holidays in DC unforgettable!

Holiday lights and experiences-

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– November 8 – January 5
Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights in Vienna, Virginia. The garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Purchase tickets online.

Holidays on the Harbor– November 11 – December 31
Whether you prefer an extravagant holiday display or a cozy experience, there are seasonal activities for every moment. Nightly tree light show, festive fireworks and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Ice!, Santa at the Wheel.

Zoo Lights– November 22 – January 4
Now in its 16th year, this annual holiday light spectacular welcomes visitors to walk down festive pathways and explore immersive displays throughout the Zoo. Marvel at glowing lantern animals in their dazzling habitats, watch live nightly musical performances, take a ride on the train or the Conservation Carousel, sample sweet and savory seasonal treats, and check gifts off your holiday shopping lists at our Asia Trail, Panda Plaza and Great Cats stores.

Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum– November 22-27, December 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23, & 26-31
What better way for the B&O to celebrate the holidays than with trains! On select days November through December, come to the Museum from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to see festive model train layouts, enjoy the holiday decor, get photos with Santa, take a ride on the Reindeer Railway, and so much more!

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– November 22 – January 5
The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton. The lights will be closed November 25 to 28, December 24 to 25, and January 1.

City Ridge Tree Lighting– November 23
City Ridge is celebrating the holiday season by hosting fun, seasonal activities from 4pm to 8pm, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony featuring a performance and sing-along with the Children’s Chorus of Washington. Before the ceremony, gather throughout City Ridge for a festive family occasion with lots to explore. Jump aboard the Ridge Square holiday train rides, enjoy crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting, and send out your holiday wishlist to Santa. There might even be a Grinch tiptoeing around! Grab a bite from King Street Oyster Bar, Taco Bamba, Rooftop Kitchen, and more! Don’t forget to stop by the Sweets Shoppe to select from various seasonal treats!

Light Yards– November 25 – January 1
Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at The Yards Park! This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplify the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging.

Outdoor holiday display at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– November 28 – January 5
Our popular annual holiday display “Season’s Greenings” features model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden, and the poinsettias, holiday decor, and D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory. On the lawn in the gated outdoor gardens, G-gauge model trains circulate from 10:00-5:00 daily through displays of pollinators made from plant parts. These scenes range from oversized models of native U.S. flowers like milkweed and bats pollinating a banana to an orchid bee pollinating a vanilla orchid flower, a chocolate midge pollinating a cacao flower, a lemur pollinating a traveler’s tree flower, and more! The Garden will be closed on December 25.

National Christmas Tree Lighting– December 5
The 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Mickey Guyton, will feature performances from Adam Blackstone, Stephen Sanchez, James Taylor, Muni Long, Trombone Shorty, The War And Treaty, and Trisha Yearwood. The ceremony will take on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park.

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– December 5 – January 1
Anyone is welcome to visit the National Christmas Tree this season! The Pathway of Peace and the National Christmas Tree are free to visit and open to the public. The National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening and turn off promptly at 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Christmas Village at Leesburg Animal Park– December 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22 & 23
Photos with Santa Claus, Christmas arts & crafts room, live animal encounters, holiday photos with live animals, kid’s indoor play zone and more, bonfire & marshmallow roasting, thousands of outdoor holiday lights, nativity scene, animal petting & feeding, Christmas tree & wreath sales from local farms.

Candlelight Tour at Tudor Place– December 6
Get an evening tour of Tudor Place under the light of the disco ball this holiday season. The historic house will be decked out in 1970s finery, while the collection offers a look at the history of disco in DC. You’re in store for some sparkling fun. Seasonal refreshments will be served.

Georgetown Jingle– December 7
Featuring 10 live music performances at 10 outdoor locations throughout Georgetown. Artists will feature everything from soulful renditions of contemporary pop and alternative hits to holiday acapella music, jazz and pop. More than 40 Georgetown shops, restaurants and services will also be offering special discounts, complimentary refreshments, and pop-up events that day. Don’t miss the beautiful procession of the St. Lucia Choir as they make their way from the Embassy of Sweden to Washington Harbour at the Georgetown Waterfront, where you can enjoy samples of non-alcoholic Glögg and a Swedish holiday treat.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights– December 7
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon– December 20, 21 & 22
Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Visit our Winter Market, purchase holiday treats, and roast s’mores over the crackling fire. Historic spaces throughout the estate will be aglow and illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere that will delight guests of all ages!

Drive-through lights-

Bull Run Festival of Lights- November 15 – January 5
Experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– November 29 – January 1
The Winter Festival of Lights will shine bright this holiday season with 3 miles of drive-through whimsical lights! Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season from the comfort of your own car. This season, they are offering a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride for the first time. Create unforgettable memories with a unique experience while you sit cozied up with your loved ones through the Winter Festival of Lights. Experience dazzling scenes that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. An enchanted hayride is also an option to see the lights! Get tickets online.

Merriweather Symphony of Lights– November 29 – January 4
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition enjoyed by many for over 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights every year, your time through our course guarantees to be a night to remember. This also have a walk through option!

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– November 29 – December 31
The City’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. The lights will be closed December 25.

Holiday markets-

Downtown Holiday Market– November 22 – December 15
The DC Holiday Market will feature 30 plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items. The market brings its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor and popular holiday treats The market will be closed November 28

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Markets & Holiday Craft Show– November 30 – December 22
There are several events in Alexandria this holiday season! Shop from more than 30 different local makers while sipping craft beer, enjoying music and more on November 30. Explore offerings from local vendors in the style of a European Christmas market, and savor seasonal beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate and fondue, December 13-15. Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on December 14.

MERRI & Bright Holiday Market at Merriweather District– December 6-8
Have yourself a MERRI little holiday season with a visit to the annual Merriweather District Holiday Market. Support unique small businesses as you venture through a variety of holiday pop-ups from regional vendors. Warm up with hot cocoa from The Charmery, sip some wine in the outdoor wine chalet and enjoy carolers while checking off your holiday shopping list. ‘Tis the season to celebrate with Merriweather District!

Procrastinator’s Holiday Market– December 14
This year’s Procrastinator’s Holiday Market will be a one-day indoor/outdoor event. The community will come together for a day of last-minute holiday gift shopping, special festive menus, and entertainment for the whole family. There will be holiday-themed activities, such as FREE holiday train rides and a children’s toy drive.

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

September 14, 2018

Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place on weekends from August 26-October21, 2018. The Ren Fest will be full of jousting while serving up lots of turkey legs! Take a time machine back to medieval times where you’ll see wizards, knights and wenches. With plenty of entertainment, including music, jousting, mazes, puppetry, pony rides, a huge pirate playground and so much more. Your children will see people dressed up in 16th century outfits and will be begging to participate while staring in awe. Dress like a knight and come participate or just watch!

Be sure and check out all of the programs DC Library has to offer.

Saturday

10:00am-5:00pm: Celebrations of Textile: Turkey at George Washington University Textile Museum
The museum’s 39th-annual family festival celebrates the textile arts and cultures of Turkey. Watch local artists weave, spin, embroider, and more; enjoy traditional dance performances; and explore spectacular rugs woven by nomadic women through family-friendly tours of A Nomad’s Art: Kilims of Anatolia. Free; no reservations required. A note about the weather: Celebration of Textiles will be held indoors at the museum. If there is any change to the university’s operating status due to Hurricane Florence, information will be posted here.

10:15am & 11:30am: Saturday Morning Story Sessions at Strathmore: Spellbound Theatre Under the Tree
This fall, families gather once a week for fun and creativity, enjoying diverse and dynamic programs with the very best storytellers in the area who engage young audiences and instill a love of learning with every word. Recommended for ages 3–8. The 10:15am performances are sensory-friendly for children with autism or other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. “A young girl escapes her noisy life and takes us on an immersive exploration of a magical world in her own backyard. Told through puppetry, multimedia, and interactive storytelling, this unique performance brings the outdoor world to life in the Mansion.”

10:30am: Rainbow Rock Band at Jammin Java
Join the Rainbow Rock Band for the CD release show for their new album, “Total Eclipse of the Rainbow.” Rooted in education and movement, the Rainbow Rock Band uses music to assist in comprehension of academic skills like, colors, numbers, weather and more, and their latest CD release is no different. “Total Eclipse of the Rainbow is a super fun educational trip around the sun!

11:00am-5:00pm: Glover Park Day is ON! at Guy Mason Rec Center
Glover Park Day is GPCA’s annual outdoor festival that celebrates the Glover Park neighborhood in Washington, DC. It is co-with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Glover Park Day is usually held on the first Saturday in June. Glover Park Day was started 29 years ago and it has grown over the years to offer the neighborhood a chance to enjoy the outdoors together, spend time with family and friends, listen to good music and enjoy our local businesses and restaurants. This year we hope to have the best Glover Park Day ever, bringing the community, local businesses and friends together to celebrate.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Creek Critters Day at Little Falls Creek
Hunt for Macro Invertebrates and Discover Who Lives in the Little Falls Creek! It looks like the rain will be over, so we invite you to join Little Falls Watershed Alliance for a fun family activity identifying critters in the creek. We have all the tools you need to capture and ID the macro-invertebrates that live in the water. Bring your smart phone as we will be using the Creek Critters app created by the Audubon Naturalist Society for this activity. We have smart phone covers so don’t worry about it getting wet. And if you don’t have a smart phone, we can pair you someone who does. We also have a few boots to lend! RAIN PLANS: Please check our website to see if the event is cancelled due to rain. We will decide Saturday by 11:00 am.

Sunday

10:00am-Closing: Monkey Joe’s Birthday
All locations will offer $5 admission all day as well as birthday cake and prize giveaways throughout the celebration. Guests can also join in singing happy birthday to the children’s favorite mascot, Monkey Joe, and a dance party. Prizes and giveaways will vary by location. Locations will be open at 10:00 a.m. for the birthday celebration and will close as each location’s standard closing time.

11:00am-4:00pm: Children’s Day at Brookside Gardens
Join Brookside Gardens as they celebrate the magnificent state of Maryland and the opening of the newly themed Children’s Garden, “Explore Maryland”. Enjoy crafts and activities that interpret the western MD Appalachian Mountains, the central agricultural basin and the eastern shore of Maryland. Try a climbing wall, pot up a black-eyed Susan (the Maryland state flower), learn how to save the Bay and dance to live music by students from the Tree House School of Rock, and more. Intended for All Ages

12:30pm & 1:30pm: Art Jamz Graffiti Party
It is time to get messy like a street artist at our $10 Kidz Graffiti Party and get 1 hour of studio time to paint the wall. The lounge will be open for accompanying parents and we’ll be playing jamming tunes to inspire all the little artist. Afterwards, your family can purchase additional studio time and canvas and let your vision come to life off the wall.

Need more options for the weekend?
Additional Indoor Fun

Indoor Fun Guide

BloomBars

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

August 10, 2018

The Montgomery County Fair begins Aug. 10 and lasts through Aug. 18. Tickets are $10.00 for adults & children 11 & under are free. See event calendar for Monster Truck and Demolition Derby dates! Click for more info on kidzone activities, free entertainment and ride info.

Friday

4:30pm-6:00pm: Tie dye party at My Gym Potomac
1.5 hours of fun games, tie dye and pizza for the family. Bring something white to tie dye – we provide the rest. Ages – All ages welcome. Cost – $20 members, $25 non-members, Sibling Discount

5:30pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 18th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more—every Friday evenings in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in).

6:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Live Concert Series
Kick off your weekend with live entertainment, great company, and fantastic food, wine and beer from the restaurants at Rockville Town Square  on The Square in Rockville Town Square. Music ranges from 80’s and 90’s cover bands, funk and soul, roots rock blues and southern rock.

7:00pm-9:00pm: The Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

9:30am-10:30am: Action Montessori Pop In & Play
Pop In & Play is a free playdate for parents and children ages 2, 3, and 4. Parents and children will join Acton Montessori teacher, Caitlin Spencer, to explore fun Montessori activities and learn more about how Montessori fosters independence and a love of learning in children.

10:00am: Peter & The Wolf at The National Theatre
Recently named Children’s Entertainer of the Year by Young Audiences of Virginia, Rainbow Puppets presents the tale of “Peter and the Wolf.” Peter lives in a small meadow surrounded by a dark forest. He enjoys the day observing his friend the song bird, his sneaky cat, and the duck who swims in the nearby pond. Grandfather warns Peter to beware of the Wolf who roams in the woods–but Peter has no fear of wolves. Until one fateful day when he and the wolf come face to face. Come see Rainbow Puppet’s version of this beloved classic in which Peter and all his friends, including the duck and the wolf survive the day’s adventure.

10:00am-1:00pm: Art Explorers at Glen Echo
Activities change weekly. Drop in for a 1/2 hour art project. No pre-registration; $5 per parent/child pair, or $8 for two children with adult. Parent/Child Drop-in Art Activities. (Most activities take approximately 30 minutes). Best for kids under age 10.

11:00am: Air Mail Centennial Celebration at College Park Aviation Museum and College Park Airport
Family Day will take place throughout the campus. Participate in engaging hands-on activities for all ages led by numerous museums, community members, and aviation partners. Get an up close and personal look at the Curtiss Jenny and other historic planes flying in for the weekend. Chat with pilots and mingle with fellow aviation buffs. Bring an envelope or postcard for a special Airmail cancellation. View our new exhibit Delivering America: Airmail to Email. Discover the art of rib making. See Antique and Collector Cars on special display. Entertainment and food trucks will be onsite with food and beverages for purchase.

1:30pm-3:00pm: Family Dig Day at Shutter’s Hill at the Masonic Memorial
Assist Alexandria Archaeology at a public dig! The dig day includes an introduction to the history and archaeology of the Shuter’s Hill Site, a site tour, and the opportunity to sift through excavated soil and assist with artifact processing. $10 per person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is non-refundable. Space is limited and reservations are required.

6:30pm-10:30pm: Parents Night Out at Silver Stars in Silver Spring
Open Gym Play, Moon Bounce, Movies, Pizza, Games & No Parents!

Sunday

6:45am–10:00am: U.S. Airmail Flight Reenactment, Fly-in & Pancake Breakfast
Savor the mysterious sense of place and join us to watch the early morning departure of the Curtiss Jenny as it takes off on a reenactment of the historic flight one hundred years ago. Enjoy a pancake breakfast with all the fixings, meet pilots who have flown in for the day and learn more about the operational challenges of an airport so close to our Nation’s capital.

10:00am-12:00pm: Red Panda Art Studio “Heart Art”
Workshops will include open art exploration, sensory stations, a related story, and a guided project. Each workshop is $30/child.

3:30pm-4:15pm: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
You and your child (ages 1-5) are invited to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. Featured story: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Get your tickets!

5:00pm: Gustafer Yellowgold at McLean Central Park Gazebo
Two-time Grammy^® Nominee, Morgan Taylor and his band will play perennial favorites and dig deep into the wild and hip back catalogue for this rare, non-video version of his nationally heralded Gustafer Yellowgold show. Tasteful, smart and FUN songs for everyone!

Ongoing activities:
Fun House at National Building Museum
Wings of Fancy at Brookside Gardens
Tinkerbell at Adventure Theatre
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown at Imagination Stage

Weekend Picks

April 22, 2016

Saturday-

10:00am-2:00pm: Earth Day Celebration at National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 )
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is committed to saving species and our planet. Did you know that the Zoo recycles approximately 100 tons of materials and composts 600 tons of waste each year? This Earth Day, make the Zoo your go-to place to participate in green-themed activities. You’ll have the chance to get gardening tips from our expert horticulturists, take a tour of the Zoo’s green facilities, attend special demonstrations, and more. Don’t forget to ride your bike!

10:00am-3:00pm: Virginia Touch-A-Truck
(Dominion High School, 21326 Augusta Dr., Sterling)
Put your imagination in gear and go! Join us for Virginia’s original TOUCH-A-TRUCK where kids get a chance to get behind the wheel and rub elbows with their hometown heroes. Come and climb on and explore your favorite vehicles including big rigs, fire engines, cement mixer, school bus, utility vehicles and so many more… It will surely be a day that will be remembered for years to come. $5

10:00am-2:00pm: Junior Ranger Day at Pierce Mill
(2539 Tilden St NW, Washington, D.C.)
Earn a centennial junior ranger badge, make a corn husk craft, learn to make a map, find out how to tie different knots, and much more.

37-atxl 10:30am: Miss Nina’s Sing-Along at Jammin Java
(227 Maple Ave E Vienna, VA 22180)
Whether you see her performing in concert, in class or listen to her original music you can witness her high-energy joy that fuels her dancing spirit. And Nina hopes its contagious! Providing children and their families the space and opportunity to enjoy music and movement together is her passion.

2:00pm: Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny”
(1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101)
“Goodnight Moon” is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while “The Runaway Bunny”’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

Sunday-

10:30am: Royal Family Yoga
(CityDance located at 4435 Wisconsin Ave NW)
Calling all princesses, princes, knights, and dragons! Dress in your finest fairytale inspired clothing for a royal gathering. We’ll dance, stretch, play, and imagine. Ages 3-8. Registration ends Friday.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Earth Day at Brookside Gardens
(1800 Glenallan Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902 )
What better place than Brookside Gardens, M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks, to celebrate Earth Day? Through volunteering, walks and tours, earth friendly activities and browsing our green craft fair, you can learn while having fun. Interactive family-friendly activities and a “green” vendor and craft fair will be offered from 12noon- 4pm. Enjoy wildflower and plant walks starting at 12:30pm. Discover how small changes in your everyday habits can make a big impact on improving our environment.