The holiday season is here, and if you are looking for something to do while you are in Washington, DC, there are some great things to do during this holiday season. From Holiday boat parades to ZooLights to National Christmas Trees, there are a lot of fun holiday activities you can enjoy.
National Christmas Tree
If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway during the holidays, then Washington, DC has plenty to offer. From the National Christmas Tree to the Capitol Hill Christmas Tree Lighting, there are a host of holiday attractions in DC. There’s even a holiday festival in Georgetown.
The city will be decked out in festive lights and decorations from November until January. There are several venues in DC to visit during the Christmas season, including the National Zoo. It’s a must-see for small children.
The National Park Foundation will host the 100th annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree. This year’s event will feature special guests. Several big names will perform holiday classics and a military band will play.
Another highlight is the annual Holiday Open House at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. The historic home of Marjorie Merriweather Post features four elaborate Christmas trees in the mansion. They are decorated with ornaments created by students.
One of the most impressive things to see during the holiday season in DC is the Christmas tree in President’s Park. This large evergreen will be lit up each evening.
You can also attend the Union Station tree lighting ceremony. This annual tradition is free to the public. While you’re at the station, you can take in the train display that features Norwegian elements and pairs with the tree.
Other Christmas events in Washington DC include the Christmas on the Potomac celebration at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. It’s a free event with live music, ice slides, doughnuts and hot chocolate.
Ice skating rinks
With the holiday season approaching, there are many ice skating rinks in Washington that offer special ice skating sessions during the holidays. Whether you are a beginner or experienced skater, these rinks offer fun for all.
The most famous ice rink in the city is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The rink is free and open to the public. There are also lessons for beginners and adults.
Other notable rinks include the Georgetown Ice Skating Rink, which is located in Washington, D.C., and the Fairfax Ice Arena, which is in Virginia. These rinks are both open to the public, but require advance reservations.
While most ice rinks in DC are indoor, there are several outdoor options. Several parks and recreation centers have skating rinks available during the winter. In addition, a number of rinks near Washington, D.C., are also open year-round.
During the holiday season, there are skating rinks that are part of special events and are closed on Christmas Day. Among the most impressive are the ones at the National Gallery of Art, the Harris Pavilion, and the Fort Dupont Ice Arena.
Many of the skating rinks are open on a daily basis, and there are also donation-based community ice skating nights scheduled on December 7 and 8. On select Wednesdays throughout the season, kids are encouraged to go for FREE.
Holiday boat parade
The Washington, DC, area is home to several festive holiday boat parades. Some are free, while others are ticketed events. These events are fun for the entire family. They feature decorated boats, music and fireworks. This year, the Holiday Boat Parade in Washington, DC, will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
This annual event is a celebration of the holiday season and community. The boat parade starts at the Wharf and ends at the Municipal Fish Market in Southwest DC. At the conclusion of the Parade, participants are welcome to participate in a post-parade festivities.
For the past three decades, the District Holiday Boat Parade has grown from a few boats to over sixty. Participants will be awarded a commemorative T-shirt for participating in the Boat Parade, along with other Parade memorabilia.
After the Parade, the Captain’s After Party will take place at the Pearl Street Warehouse, where guests can enjoy live music, a cash bar and hot hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a pop-up movie-making workshop. Participating captains must register by using an Eventbrite ticket form.
This event is organized by the Port of Everett. It will be held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Enjoy a boat tour of the beautiful waterfront, followed by a festival featuring entertainment, food, and crafts. A free cookie decorating kit is provided, and new unwrapped toys are accepted for donation to local children’s charities.
ZooLights festival
A ZooLights festival is a great way to celebrate the holiday season in Washington. The Zoolights event features a number of unique experiences that are fun for all ages. You can see some of the best lights and displays in the area. Some of the highlights include the 500,000 LED lights and a lighted Ferris wheel.
Zoo Lights is a free, family-friendly event that takes place at the National Zoo. It’s open nightly, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
ZooLights is a seasonal spectacle that draws more than one million visitors annually. Guests can enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including an illuminated Ferris wheel, a maze of lights, and a free train ride. Visitors will also find dozens of 3D animal light displays.
If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Garden d’Lights offers an extravagant display of more than half a million lights. Features of this display include giant butterflies, flowers, and spiders with sparkling tail feathers.
For a more interactive experience, you may want to try the WildLanterns festival. This event features low-sensory activities that provide a relaxing and immersive experience. In addition to giant light-brights, you’ll be able to visit Santa’s reindeer, participate in arts and crafts, and more.
You can also check out the Marshall Plan Tree Walk. This walk is free and will take you through 17 lighted trees.
Holiday Sing-a-long at Wolf Trap
The Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long is a beloved family tradition. It’s a free event held at the Filene Center. It features local choirs, performances of holiday songs and Hanukkah songs, and appearances by Santa Claus.
The concert begins at 4pm. Guests should arrive early for free parking. Children are encouraged to bring jingle bells and unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.
The event takes place at the Filene Center inside Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. There’s plenty of seating available. You’ll also find plenty of food and drink options.
Tickets aren’t required, but guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. In addition, the lawn is open for lawn chairs. During the event, the Marine Band performs holiday songs.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own candles to light the candlight procession. At the end of the performance, guests are invited to participate in a festive at-home sing-a-long.
This event is free and runs for two hours. Guests can choose to sit in the pavilion or on the lawn. Those who prefer seats should purchase tickets in advance.
A special holiday performance will take place on the grounds of Wolf Trap on Saturday, December 6 at 4 pm. It’s a great way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Wolf Trap’s Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long features a performance by the “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Guests can also enjoy a variety of local choristers, including the Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus, Colvin Run Elementary School, and Saint Paul VI’s Catholic High School.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a great place to visit during the holidays. It’s home to many holiday events that are fun for the whole family. During the holidays, you can participate in a number of activities that include candlelight tours, a Winter Festival, and the annual Christmas lights display.
The Mount Vernon Holiday Fireworks show is a big deal, but there are also a number of other great activities to enjoy. These include a Winter Market, 18th century caroling, and a candlelit tour of the historic area.
Candlelight tours of the area are available through December 21st, while the Christmas Lights Display can be viewed through the end of the year. One of the best things to do during the holiday season is to check out the historic mansion at Mount Vernon.
The Mount Vernon Museum features hundreds of artifacts and includes two high-tech theaters. You can also participate in a number of activities, including an interactive history experience and a whiskey distillery.
If you are a foodie, you can try the Holiday Dinner for the Washington tour. This will feature an artisanal meal and a variety of desserts.
There is also a special tour of the grounds and a tour of the mansion. Tickets are available for a variety of prices. For example, the Candlelight Tour is $23 for adults, $12 for children.
Other holiday highlights include the Candle Light Festival and the Tulip Festival Street Fair. Both events will be held during the first three days of the month.https://www.youtube.com/embed/aV-4_2B0kjU
