Washington, DC Christmas Event Guide 2025

Washington, DC, is one of the most inspiring places to celebrate Christmas. The mix of national landmarks, neighborhood charm, and international traditions makes the capital feel especially festive in December. 

From the White House lawn to waterfront parades, from artisan markets downtown to centuries-old estates along the Potomac, there’s something for every style of holiday celebration. We combed through community calendars, news sites, and local guides to bring you the very best events happening this year, so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it’s popular or worth visiting.

1. National Christmas Tree Lighting

The nation’s most famous Christmas tree lights up President’s Park each year with live performances, speeches, and plenty of holiday spirit. Smaller trees representing all 50 states and U.S. territories surround the main evergreen, making it a truly national tradition. Tickets for the official ceremony are limited, but the tree and displays remain open for public viewing throughout the season.

• Dates: Early December 2025 (date TBA)
  
• Address: The Ellipse at President’s Park, 15th St NW &, E St NW, Washington, DC 20230
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: thenationaltree.org
  
• Insider tip: Visit on a weekday evening after the initial ceremony for fewer crowds, yet still experience the same magic.

2. DowntownDC Holiday Market

Each winter, F Street transforms into one of the city’s most beloved open-air markets. More than 100 vendors sell everything from artisan crafts to gourmet treats, alongside live music and plenty of food stalls. Its central location makes it easy to combine with a museum visit or a night at the theater.

• Dates: November 21–December 23, 2025 (12:00 PM–8:00 PM)
  
• Address: F Street NW between 7th & 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: downtowndcholidaymarket.com
  
• Insider tip: Go after 6:00 PM when vendors often offer “end of day” discounts.

3. Smithsonian National ZooLights

The National Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring more than half a million LED lights, themed areas, and glowing animal lanterns. Families love the mix of holiday fun and zoo magic, with food stalls and live performances throughout the grounds. While admission is free, timed tickets are required to manage the crowds.

• Dates: November 21, 2025–January 3, 2026 (select dates)
  
• Address: Smithsonian National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: Yes (tickets required)
  
• Website: nationalzoo.si.edu/events/zoolights
  
• Insider tip: Parking sells out fast. As an alternative, take the Metro’s Red Line to Woodley Park and walk a few blocks.

4. Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple

Just outside the city, the DC Temple shines with more than 500,000 lights and international nativity displays. Families flock here for nightly concerts, decorated trees, and free parking, making it one of the region’s most accessible traditions. The illuminated temple itself creates a breathtaking backdrop.

• Dates: December 1, 2025–January 2, 2026 (dusk to 9:00 PM)
  
• Address: 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: dctemplevisitorscenter.org/festival-of-lights
  
• Insider tip: Weeknights are quieter; weekends get very busy with bus tours.

5. District Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf

The Washington Channel comes alive with dozens of boats decked out in lights and decorations. Onshore, visitors enjoy fireworks, a tree lighting, live music, and s’mores by the fire pits. It’s one of the city’s most unique holiday celebrations.

• Dates: December 6, 2025
  
• Address: The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors/leashed)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: wharfdc.com
  
• Insider tip: Head to District Pier early for the best waterfront viewing spots.

6. U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Every year, a tree from a different National Forest is placed on the West Lawn of the Capitol, decorated with handmade ornaments from the home state. Unlike the National Tree, this display is open all season without ceremony crowds. It’s a quieter way to enjoy one of the city’s most meaningful holiday traditions.

• Dates: Late November 2025–New Year
  
• Address: West Lawn, U.S. Capitol, East Capitol Street NE & First Street SE, Washington, DC 20004
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: uscapitolchristmastree.com
  
• Insider tip: Sunset is the best time for photos before the floodlights overpower the ornaments.

7. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

Enjoy skating beneath twinkling lights and surrounded by world-class outdoor art at this iconic rink on the National Mall. With festive music, city skyline views, and nearby hot cocoa from Pavilion Café, it’s a magical experience for families, date nights, or anyone who loves the sparkle of a DC winter.

• Dates: Mid-November 2025 through early March 2026 (exact dates TBA, typically opens before Thanksgiving)
  
• Address: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No (service animals only)
  
• Free: No (ticketed; skate rentals available)
  
• Website: https://www.nga.gov/ice-rink-sculpture-garden
  
• Insider Tip: Sunset skating gives you spectacular views of the lit-up Capitol, Smithsonian museums, and twinkle-lit sculptures all around, especially with a fresh cup of cocoa from the Pavilion Café.

8. Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden

Inside the glass conservatory, you’ll find intricate plant-based displays, holiday trains, and themed gardens. The fragrant greenery and creative exhibits make it one of the city’s most charming indoor holiday events. It’s a family favorite, especially on cold or rainy days.

• Dates: November 23, 2025–January 5, 2026
  
• Address: 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: usbg.gov/Seasons-Greenings
  
• Insider tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and more time to linger by the train displays.

9. ICE! at Gaylord National Resort

This National Harbor attraction is unlike anything else in the region: massive ice sculptures, tunnels, and slides carved from two million pounds of ice. Visitors bundle up in provided parkas to explore the frosty exhibits. It’s a hit with families looking for a hands-on, adventurous holiday outing.

• Dates: November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026
  
• Address: 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com
  
• Insider tip: Wear gloves under the provided parka, and your hands will thank you.

10, Christmas Illuminations at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon adds history to the holidays with candlelit mansion tours, costumed carolers, and fireworks over the Potomac. The combination of holiday traditions and George Washington’s estate makes it a one-of-a-kind seasonal experience. It’s a short drive from the city, but it's worth every mile.

• Dates: December 20–21, 2025
  
• Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit
  
• Insider tip: Arrive before sunset to explore the estate grounds before the fireworks begin.

Make Memories in DC This Christmas

From the grandeur of the National Tree to the historic charm of an illuminated Mount Vernon, Washington, DC, offers holiday traditions that mix history, culture, and community. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these events are the best way to experience the season in the nation’s capital.

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Do you have an event to add, or would you like to see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.