tree lighting

Christmas trees, lights and holiday markets in and around Washington, DC

November 18, 2022

**National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse**

Festival of Trees– Nov. 25-27
For the first time since 2019, Festival of Trees returns as an in-person event at the Maryland State Fairgrounds during Thanksgiving weekend, November 25-27. This three-day holiday celebration benefits the patients, students and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute and kicks off the most wonderful time of the year for families throughout the region.

Georgetown Glow– Nov 26-Jan 22
GLOW returns for its eighth edition, with works lit from 5:00pm – 10:00pm nightly from Saturday, November 26, 2022 – Sunday, January 22, 2023. This year’s GLOW features five national and international artists and their commissioned works that will be on display for 8 weeks throughout the Georgetown commercial district. Click here for 2022 GLOW Artists and Artworks.

Tenley WinterFest– Nov. 26 – Dec. 3
The Winter Market features local makers and creators selling unique gifts, jewelry and accessories, ornaments and holiday décor, greeting cards, international crafts, skincare, home décor, specialty foods, and more! The market will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 11am to 5pm at 4748 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Tenley WinterFest uses the GooseChase app for the annual Yeti Scavenger Hunt, which allows people of all ages to have fun, learn about our community, and compete for prizes from Tenleytown businesses.

Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– Dec 1 – Jan 2
Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple and Visitors’ Center is back. Lights will illuminate the grounds from dusk until 9:00 pm every evening December 1st through January 2nd. See beautiful Créche displays featuring nativities from around the world. Enjoy over 400,000 lights, beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, and a wide array of performances.

Candlelight Light Tours at Tudor Place– Dec 1-15
Discover presents, games and food these families enjoyed. Learn how class and ethnicity influenced the ways in which DC residents experienced the holiday season. Partake in light, period-appropriate refreshments and complete a holiday craft. Afterwards, see seasonal decorations and rarely-seen decorative objects inspired by the celebrations of those who lived and worked here during a guided tour of the historic house.

City Ridge’s Tree Lighting Festival– Dec 3
The vibrant neighborhood invites all friends and family to join together for FREE seasonal fun including pictures with Santa, caroling and other live performances, ice carving demonstrations, train rides, festive food and drink, and more!

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights – Dec 3
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 22nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as more than 50 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. Plus, check out a new family friendly event on the North Waterfront at Canal Center and Oronoco Bay Park featuring artist vendors, music, kids activities and more. Parade starts at 5:30pm & Festivities start at 2pm.

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon– Dec 16 & 17
Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.

Holidays on the Harbor– Through Dec 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, ICE! and Santa at the Capitol Wheel, Cirque Dreams Holidaze and so much more!

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– Through Jan 1
The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and will be open to the public after the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The National Christmas Tree area opens to the public on Dec 2, 2022. CBS will broadcast the 2022 National Christmas Tree Lighting on December 11 at 8:00pm offering a special opportunity to friends and families across the country to tune in and celebrate this holiday tradition from the comfort of home. Hours are 10:00am-10:00pm, Sunday-Thursday, and 10:00am-11:00pm Friday-Saturday.

Light Yards– Dec 1- Jan 1
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. The five, 13-foot tall bells will illuminate The Yards’ Sun Deck and are the perfect stop for all to take photos and get in the holiday spirit. Don’t miss the chance to cozy up at one of The Yards’ 20+ restaurants and retailers for dinner, drinks or festive treats on your way from 5:00pm-10:00pm!

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– Nov 11- Jan 8
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA) features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) as you walk and s’mores to finish out the evening. Winter Walk of Lights is illuminating the gardens for the 11th year and serves as many as 110,000 visitors each year.

Outdoor holiday display at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– Nov 24 – Jan 2 (closed on Dec 25)
The U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) 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

Holiday Festival of Trains at B&O Railroad Museum– Nov 28 – Dec 2, Dec 5-9, 12-16, 19-31
Get festive on the first mile! This holiday season, you can take a daytime holiday train ride along the nation’s first mile of commercial railroad. The train will be all decked out for the season, and kids will receive their own set of festive reindeer antlers! We’re transforming the Museum into a Winter Wonderland! Hop into our Holiday Festival of Trains, packed with festive fun and merry traditions, both new and old. There will be something to do for kids from 1 to 92! Greet the season this year and begin a family tradition for many more to come.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens– Nov 18 – Jan 1 (closed Nov 21-24 & Dec 24-25)
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.

Drive-through lights-

Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park– Nov 25 – Dec 31 (closed Dec 25)
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 park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, conveniently accessible from I-270.

Bull Run Festival of Lights- Nov 11- Jan 8 (closed Dec 24, 25, 31, and Jan 1)
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.

Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park– Nov 25 – Jan 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. You can even bike through the lights on Nov. 20!

Merriweather Symphony of Lights– Nov 24 – Jan 2 (ALSO A WALK-THROUGH OPTION)
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion. 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 and a refreshed course, your time through the twinkling, winding path will surely be a night to remember! You can even celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family at the Symphony of Lights + a final walk through the light displays!

Holiday Markets-

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show– Dec 10
Over 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing you their products, just in time for the holidays! From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, our vendors have everything you wish to surprise your loved ones with!

Park View Holiday Market at Hook Hall- Dec 4, 11
The market will feature more than 50 local makers, artisans, and producers over the 2-day market series. Mark your calendars to come out, support small & local businesses, and spread some holiday cheer!

Holiday Market at Victura Park at The Kennedy Center– TBA

Silver Spring Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show– Dec 4
Over 80 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing you their products, just in time for the holidays! From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, our vendors have everything you wish to surprise your loved ones with! Happy Shopping! Happy Holidays!!!

Holiday Market at the Four Seasons– Every Friday-Sunday, through Dec 18
The Holiday Market returns on the front drive of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC with market stalls featuring unique gifts and culinary offerings created by local craftspeople and artisans. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Four Seasons becomes an outdoor holiday shopping destination with musical entertainment, light and snow displays. Guests can enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee from the BOURBON STEAK Hot Chocolate Bar. There is never a better time to indulge as a percentage of each purchase is donated directly to Children’s National. Regale in holiday shopping Fridays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Downtown Holiday Market– Through Dec 23
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. Hours are 12:00pm to 8:00pm.

Enchant Market– Through Jan 1
Spoil yourself with gourmet holiday treats and other local favorites at the Enchant Eatery. Then stroll through the Enchant Market filled with artisan vendors and a magical Christmas spirit.

Ice skating, holiday light displays and more outdoor fun this holiday season in Washington, DC

November 6, 2018

Get outdoors and enjoy the chill of the air while sipping a good cup of joe or hot cocoa. Here are some festive places to visit all while being outside (and a few from your car).

(Ice Skating in DC photo from Washington DC)
Outdoor Ice Rinks: Most are open Nov-Feb and offer ice skating lessons, check their websites.

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, DC 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

Wharf Ice Rink– 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

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

Outdoor Festivities:

National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse– The National Mall
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is on Nov. 28, 2018 and 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. Lighting is on Nov. 28 and will stay up through 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, dancing, fire-side caroling, Aladdin the Christmas camel, and so much more! Nov. 23-Dec. 31.

Holidays on the Harbor– 165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745
Holiday tree lighting and fireworks begins is on Nov. 10, 2018 and takes place each Saturday through December. Complete with Santa appearances, holiday movies and fireworks. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance though.

Holly Trolley Fest at National Capital Trolley Museum– 1313 Bonifant Rd Colesville, MD 20905
Celebrate the season with toy trains and Santa aboard the streetcars from 12:30pm-4:30pm, December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, & 22-23, 28 and 29.

Seasons Greenings at The U.S. Botanic Gardens– 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20001
Season’s Greenings opens on Nov. 22- Jan. 1. 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 10am-5pm, free of charge.

41st Annual Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple– 9900 Stoneybrook Dr 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 Nov.29 and lasts through Jan.1.

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 Glow Zone in addition to dazzling light shows set to music, snow-less tubing, trackless train and ride the carousel! Nov. 23-Jan. 1 (exception: Dec. 24, 25 and 31) 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. 16-Jan.1 (closed Dec. 19-22, 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. 21-Jan. 6 hours and prices vary depending on the day.

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens– 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct Vienna, VA22182
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. 9-Jan. 7 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 2.5 million twinkling lights! This year’s Festival features fun new displays.You won’t want to miss the giant, 54-foot LED musical tree! Nov. 23- Jan. 1 from 5-9:30pm. $10 car/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. 23 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 450 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.

Georgetown Glow–
Experience the sparkle of the season at Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only curated exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine. Dec. 1- Jan. 6

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Weekend Picks: November 10-12, 2017

November 10, 2017

The EmporiYUM is happening Friday-Sunday. Grab all your savvy foodie friends and join us for this one-of-a-kind food marketplace featuring the tastiest treats from around the country. Discover delicious foods and purchase thoughtful gifts and top-quality products from a lineup of artisans you won’t find anywhere else. There’ll be tunes from a DJ, plus sips and samples. Taking place at Dock5 @Union Market 1309 5th St NE.

Color’s Garden: An Adventure with the Elements of Art at National Gallery of Art is inspired by the art of Henri Matisse, Color’s Garden is a play that celebrates the joys and discoveries of making a new kind of art. Come see for yourself: Saturday at 10:30 and 12:30 and Sunday at 11:30 and 2:00pm. Color, who dreams of making something new all on her own, leads her friends Line and Shape on an imaginative adventure. By working and playing together in new ways, the friends discover that art can capture so much more than what we see with our eyes. Featuring projections, playful animations, and a lively jazz score, this theatrical fantasy brings the elements of art to life and offers new understandings about their expressive power. Following each performance, families will be invited to make collages in our hands-on artmaking space and will be provided with self-guiding resources to explore the elements of art in the Gallery’s collection. For families with children ages 4 and up and approximately 45 minutes in length. Below is what my son made last weekend at this event– impressive & creative!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:00am: Pinot and Augustine at National Theatre
(1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004)
Back by popular demand, family-friendly circus clowns Pinot & Augustine star in a show jam-packed with physical comedy. Bursting with melodic surprises from the ridiculous to the sublime, our clowns perform their own unique compositions with musical saws and an extra-special inflatable cushion!

10:00am-12:00pm: Miss Manners at Room & Board
(1840 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009)
You’re invited to a kid-friendly morning of table manners and etiquette at Room & Board. Children (and parents) will enjoy a 45-minute session with our own Miss Manners. Long time DC protocol expert will review children’s etiquette just in time for the holidays, from being a good helper to table manners at the grown ups’ table. Great for ages 5-7.

10:30am: Marsha and the Positrons at Chevy Chase Village Hall
(5906 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815)
It will be an interactive morning of singing and dancing fun for all ages! Tickets are $5 per person — strongly recommended to purchase in advance. This is in conjunction with The Children’s Music Network. A portion of the proceeds will support their mission of celebrating the positive power of music in the lives of children by sharing songs, exchanging ideas and creating community.

11:00am: Arlington National Cemetery
The 64th annual National Veterans Day Observance, to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during war and peacetime. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will conduct a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to be immediately followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Arlington’s memorial amphitheater. A prelude by the United States Air Force Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m.

11:00am-1:00pm AND 2:00pm-4:00pm: Celebrate Diwali at Freer/Sackler
(Sackler, level B2, ImaginAsia Studio)
Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in this family workshop. Explore artworks from the Indian subcontinent on an educator-led tour. Then, return to the studio to create your own colorful book featuring a traditional rangoli design with teaching artist Sushmita Mazumdar from Studio PAUSE. This program is designed for children ages six to twelve and adults to enjoy together. Teen workshop on Sunday. See details in link above for free registration.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Tree Lighting Celebration & Street Party in Silver Spring, Maryland

Sunday-

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Funday at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Ave Bethesda, MD 20814)
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. These popular workshops are themed around beloved children’s books. Featured story: The Little Engine That Could

2:00pm-8:00pm: Tree Lighting & Fireworks Show at National Harbor
(165 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD. 20745)
A day full of holiday favorites. A few are: Santa’s Frosty Follies, Holiday Movie, Santa at the Carousel, Tree Lighting & Fireworks. See schedule of details.