Guide to the holiday season in DC

DC during the holidays is pretty remarkable! I will be mapping notes here throughout the season (organized by activity) and also noting them below by neighborhood! Shoot me a DM on Instagram with ideas I might have missed.

Places to pick up a Christmas tree:
Eastern Market
Union Market
Brent Elementary

Southeast / Northeast
Stroll through Capitol Hill (keep an eye on this map for updates from my walks)
See the holiday install at US Botanic Garden
Watch Christmas classics at The Miracle DC
Stroll down Walter Street
Admire the US Capitol tree
Explore “Enchant Christmas” at Nationals Park
See the wreaths and model trains at Union Station
Go Ice skating at Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront

Northwest
Listen to Carols and gingerbread decor at the Willard
See the holiday install and Christmas trees at City Center
Get tickets to The Nutcracker with the Washington Ballet
See holiday decor in Georgetown (keep an eye out for the best decor mapped here)
Have dinner at Filomena
Enjoy a Christmas cocktail at the Jefferson
Go ice skating at the sculpture garden
DC Temple Festival of Lights
Explore the holiday market
Get tickets for the White House Christmas Tour
See Handel’s Messiah at the National Cathedral
Watch a Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater
Go ice skating in Georgetown
See a show at The Kennedy Center
Stop by the National Christmas Tree
Check out the events and candlelight tours at Tudor Place
Swing through Heurich House Christkindlmarkt

Southwest
Go ice skating at The Wharf and stay after for s’mores
See the Wharf light show
Watch the holiday boat parade
Get tickets for Step Afrika at Arena Stage

Virginia
Lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
Explore Mt Vernon by candlelight
Watch the Scottish Christmas walk parade in Alexandria