The Nation’s Capitol always has a lot of different activities and events going on and Christmas time is no exception. Here are some things to do in the DC Metro area that you might want to add to your holiday activity calendar.
All the events included in this post are in the Washington DC Metro Area, including Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Things to do in the DC Area this Christmas
Visit the National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree Lighting is typically the at the beginning of December and you can visit the tree until the end of December.
ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort
ICE is a holiday attraction at the Gaylord National Resort each year. ICE! features a winter wonderland created out of Ice hand – sculpted by intentional artisans. This year the theme is a Charlie Brown Christmas. You can visit from November 16, 2018 – January 1, 2019.
Six Flags America
Enjoy Holiday in the park at Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, MD on select days from November 23 – January 1.
Winter Festival of Lights
The Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park in Maryland costs $10 per car and runs from November 23, 2018 – January 1, 2019. It is open daily from 5 to 9:30 pm. The festival is free on December 25 and it is free December 3 for Prince George’s County residents!
Annapolis Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
The lighted boat parade will be on December 8, 2018, from 6 – 8pm in Annapolis. Best places to view these fabulous boats include Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock, and Naval Academy seawall.
State House by Candlelight
Visit the oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation on December 1, from 5-9pm for an annual open house. This open house features performances by young musicians and vocalists from throughout Maryland. There will also be 24 Christmas trees representing every Maryland county and Baltimore City. Admission to this event is Free.
Manassas Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 10 am in Old Town Manassas, Virginia if you can’t make it live to the parade you can see the Manassas Christmas Parade on Facebook.
Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple
From November 29 – January 1 the LDS Temple grounds will shine with more than 650,000 Christmas Lights. Inside the visitor center enjoy musical performances, Christmas trees decorated with international themes and an exhibit of creches from around the world.
The Visitor Center is open from 10am to 9 pm daily. Check the schedule for musical performance information. The festival is free to attend and has free performances nightly in the Visitor’s Center. Free tickets are available online.
Arlington National Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America
On National Wreaths Across America Day, December 15, 2018, join volunteers in placing wreaths on the headstones of those who have died serving our country. This event is not only at Arlington National Cemetery but at more than 1,400 other locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
ZooLights
ZooLights is Free with no tickets required. (There is a fee for parking and parking is limited.) The Zoo will have thousands of lights. Holiday treats will be available for purchase. ZooLights will be from November 23, 2018 – January1, 20199. The Zoo will be closed December 24,25 and 31.
Water Skiing Santa
On December 24, 2018, you can see a water skiing Santa in Alexandria, Virginia. What started out as punishment for a lost bet in 1986 has turned into a yearly tradition.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
There are tons of Holiday activities and events at Mount Vernon including; touring the mansion, watching historic chocolate making demonstrations, meeting a camel and even learning to make a pie.
Downtown DC Holiday Market
The Downtown DC Holiday Market runs from November 23 – December 23, 2018. It is an outdoor market that includes local food and live musical entertainment.
Bull Run Christmas Lights
This 2.5 Mile Drive through holiday light show at the Bull Run Regional Park has tons of lights as well as a Wonderland Holiday Village.
Visit the National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral has events throughout the Holiday season. If you visit the cathedral on Sunday admission is free.
Tour the White House
The White House can be toured year-round, to get tickets for a tour you must request them from your member of congress. Tickets can be requested up to three months in advance but no less than 21 days in advance. To see the holiday decor in the White House it is suggested that you submit your tour requests in September. All tours of the White House are free.
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