national harbor

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.

Dino Safari drive-thru experience invades National Harbor

March 17, 2021

Dino Safari is a fun and educational drive-thru experience that features 40 full-size animatronic museum-quality dinosaurs you can experience from the comfort and safety of your vehicle and is invading National Harbor!

Dino Safari takes audience members – in their vehicle – to “Pangea National Park,” for an up-close-and-personal journey with the most fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus of Africa.

Dino Safari was created in consultation with paleontologist Dr. Gregory Erickson and features fact-based, educational content in addition to an exciting storyline. Kids and families are guided through the fictional “Pangea National Park” by an audio tour (available in both English and Spanish) that plays through each car’s audio system, featuring fun and friendly characters. Each vehicle is given a “Survival Pack” containing your passport to Pangea with a scavenger hunt and other fun surprises for a more interactive experience.

On the Dino Safari adventure, audience members will learn through an audio narrator how dinosaurs evolved, where they called home, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. Beware: along the journey, earthquakes might erupt, dinosaurs could battle, and audience members may have to help save a baby dinosaur’s life! So, buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime in this socially-distanced experience, and the perfect family spring break staycation activity.

DATES:
March 18 – April 11

Tickets are priced per car, beginning at $49.95 per vehicle of up to seven individuals, and are available through Dino Safari. Demand has been unexpectedly high with sellouts anticipated. Advance purchase is strongly recommended.

LOCATION:
The Plateau at National Harbor
Intersection of National Harbor Blvd. & Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745

Ultimate Guide to Halloween in and around Washington, DC

October 11, 2018

Saturdays and Sundays only– 10:00am-6:00pm-: Eye Spy Train at Wheaton
All aboard the Wheaton Eye Spy Halloween Train! NO LONGER HAUNTED! This “not so scary” train ride is fun for the whole family – it’s all about fun, not fright! Each child will receive an Eye Spy card before boarding the train. As you ride through the woods of Wheaton Regional Park, look all around to find Halloween friends hiding, and mark them off the Eye Spy card. They’ll have fun Halloween activities in the Train Station Party Room, where snacks will also be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged! Please bring a canned food donation for your neighbors in need – they’ll donate them to Mid-County United Ministries in Wheaton. [Read more…]

Tricks and Treats around Washington, DC this Halloween

October 9, 2017

Post has been updated and can be found here for 2018

I can’t count the number of times our son wore his “Max” costume from Where the Wild Things Are. Between parades, school, special celebrations and on Halloween he got lots of practicing saying, “Let the wild rumpus start”! Here’s a guide that will help your child get mileage out of their costume(s) this year. Of course, check out our guide to Festivals and Orchards, as many of them have a special Halloween celebration as well as their day-to-day happenings. DC Library also will have a variety of Halloween celebrations, including Creepy Crafts & Pumpkin Decorating! Check out Facebook and Instagram for updated events.

[Read more…]

Your guide to getting outdoors this holiday season in and around Washington, DC

December 1, 2016

holiday-pollinationstation2

(Photo: Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens)

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe and hot cocoa for the Bambino(s). Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside.

Outdoor Ice Rinks:

Canal Park Ice Rink– 202 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Tyson’s Corner Center Ice Rink– 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA. 22102

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink– National Mall at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW

Washington Harbour Ice Rink– 3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink– 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD. 20910

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink– 131 Gibbs St., Rockville, MD. 20850

Pentagon Row– 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

christmas_white_house_11
(Photo: Funzug)

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is the beginning of three weeks of celebration in holiday music in the nation’s capital. Musical groups from Washington D.C. and across the country provide holiday entertainment to the countless visitors for a one of a kind holiday experience set against the backdrop of the National Christmas Tree. Dec. 2-Jan.1.

Christmas at Mount Vernon– 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
The holidays are full of delight at George Washington’s estate. Join for candlelight tours of the Mansion, a dazzling display of fireworks set to Christmas music (Dec. 16-17), dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 25-Jan. 6.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD. 20745
Each weekend, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 17, National Harbor 12:00pm-2:00pm you can see holiday performances and they show holiday movies on Saturdays at 2:00pm. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Road Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24- Jan. 2. The best times to visit Season’s Greenings are weekdays early in December or on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December when the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. with live seasonal music. Aside from these extended holiday hours, the Conservatory is open every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Drive Kensington, MD 20895
As one of the D.C. area’s great community traditions, the Festival features free performances nightly in the comfortable, state-of-the-art theater located in the Visitors’ Center while the Temple grounds glow with 650,000 lights. Begins Dec. 1 and lasts through Jan. 1 from 10:00am-10:00pm.

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo– 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights a part of their annual holiday tradition. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. New this year will be a dazzling light show set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 25-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24 & 25) hours are 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– 1800 Glenallan Ave Wheaton, MD 20902
Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, fountains, sparkling snowflakes overhead and more. Nov. 25-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 24 & 25) Hours and prices vary by night.

Bulls Run Festival of Lights- 7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville, VA 20121
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. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Nov. 23-Jan.8 hours and prices vary depending on the day

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182
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. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk – and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments). Nov. 18-Jan. 8 from 5:30pm-10:00pm.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– 301 Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Bring a little twinkle to your holidays. Don’t miss this spectacular holiday drive-through event featuring more than one million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays. Nov. 25- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $5 ca/van, free on Christmas.

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg, MD.20878
The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly Nov. 25 through Dec. 31. (closed on Dec. 25). The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 365 illuminated displays and 65 animated vignettes that light up the night. Themed areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole, and much more.

Weekend Picks

November 13, 2015

This weekends post is full of fun on Saturday! Be sure and check out our Indoor Fun post as well as the Theater Roundup post so you have a warm place to escape to as the weather gets cooler.

Friday-

6:00pm: Family Movie Night Inside Out playing at Marie Reed Auditorium
(18^th and Wyoming Sts. NW)
Admission is free, and concessions will be sold. Come join the fun hosted by Marie Reed Elementary School PTA.

6:30pm: The Singing Lizard at Bloombars
(3222 11th St NW)
Shes back in town this weekend. Catch her if you can!
[Read more…]

Weekend Picks: Memorial Day tributes, splashing around and day trips

May 22, 2014

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested Day Trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car too long but will get you “away”.

Rockville Hometown Holidays: Saturday and Sunday- 2:00pm-10:00pm, Monday- 9:00am-1:00pm
(30 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850)
Over 30 bands will perform this weekend at HTH. Check out the kids activities as well; ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! plays on the Town Square Stage at 5:00pm on Saturday. Rockville will have a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 10:30am at Martins Lane and N. Washington, and ending on Monroe Street.

Rolling Thunder– Events all weekend long
The weekend begins on Friday with a Candlelight Vigil followed by a Wreathlaying Ceremony and their annual roaring Memorial Day Parade motorcade through downtown. Complete schedule here.

Visit the Capital Wheel at the National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745)
Did we mention the 42 enclosed gondolas are temperature controlled? Soar 180 feet above the Potomac River and spot DC’s finest sights. Price per ride: $15/adults; $11.25/kids 3-11; Free/kids 2 and under.

Viva! Vienna!– Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-10:00pm and Monday 10:00am-6:00pm
(245 Maple Ave. W, Vienna, Va)
Rides, music, crafts, children’s stage, street vendors, food and Memorial Day Tribute. Children’s event schedule here. Free admission.

Day Trips:

In Shenandoah National Park, hike from waterfall to waterfall, climb the rocky Old Rag Mountain, go biking or take a guided horseback ride. If you need to cool off, head over to Shenandoah River Outfitters and go rafting, tubing or kayaking on the shady river. 75 miles from downtown D.C. at its northernmost point; see all park entrances here.

North Shore: Bay Avenue and Fifth Street, North Beach, MD 20714
Want to go to the beach but a 3 hour drive is not in your plan? Our family enjoys the short drive (38 miles) to North Beach. White sand, a playground within the fenced in beach and a pier with plenty of fisherman to watch. The beach charges admission in the summer months and rents umbrellas and chairs too. There is also a cute town to explore; a sandwich shop, Sweet Sue’s Bake Shop and Coffee Bar, a candy store and a few antique shops selling beachy decor.

Take a step back in time in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Although West Virginia is a small state, it’s packed with history and beautiful scenery. Kids will have fun visiting this National Historical Park. Visit Harpers Ferry for the Civil War history and re-enactors. Hike one of the many trails in the area for a spectacular view of three states—West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland—at once. Amtrak provides one train from Union Station to Harpers Ferry per day but it’s a short at about 67 miles from D.C. Harpers Ferry Adventure Center can get your hooked up with kayaks, tubes and more if you’re feeling adventurous. If you happen to go on Monday, be sure and stay for the Music in the Park Concert at Bolivar Children’s Park from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. Most hours are as follows (check because your closest pool may be under renovation) Memorial Day weekend hours: May 24th, 25th & 26th (Sat, Sun & Mon) from 12 pm to 6 pm. Weekend operations (Sat & Sun), May 31st through June 22nd. Full operational hours to start June 23rd, 2014!

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks. A few in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.