14 Best Things to Do in Washington DC at Christmas (2026)

Revised August 18, 2026

Washington DC’s Christmas activities will make anyone feel festive, whether you are a shopper, theatergoer, walker, or ice skater. December is one of my favorite times to explore the city on foot. Holiday markets, sparkling lights, and Christmas traditions fill the nation’s capital. So I created this guide to the 14 best things to do in Washington DC at Christmas.

Visitors can see the National Christmas Tree, admire the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and stroll through neighborhoods filled with holiday decorations. You can also visit Christmas markets, see dazzling light displays, and enjoy seasonal events across the city. Best of all, many Washington DC Christmas activities are free. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and discover my 14 best things to do in Washington DC at Christmas.

Visit Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Dates: November 24, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027

Location: 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Cost: Adult ($20); Senior ($17)

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens hosts its annual Holiday Open House in December. The former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the museum’s holiday decorations are a feast for the eyes. Discover elaborate Christmas trees staged in the family’s rooms

Visitors will see four Christmas trees decorated in the mansion and the visitor center. The theme for Hillwood’s holiday program is Glamorous Greetings.

Explore the decorated Christmas trees located throughout the mansion. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops, guided holiday tours, and the annual Russian Winter Festival at the mansion. 

“Glamorous Greetings at Hillwood draws inspiration from the special exhibition From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley with resplendent Christmas trees and holiday decorations throughout the estate.”

Hillwood Museum

The tree in the mansion entry hall is inspired by Princess Natalia Pavlovna Paley with Lilies by Oliver Messel. Paley poses with flowers in this intriguing oil painting. The holiday tree in the French drawing room is based on Paley’s “Wrapped Package” Brooch. Verdura created it. The tree in the Pavilion takes its cue from an incredible 1960s mod jumpsuit, while the silver and diamonds festoon the dining room’s holiday tree. 

See Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights

Dates: Mid-November through first weekend of January

Location: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, Virginia

Cost: $19 (in advance)

While you have to drive to Vienna, Virginia, to see Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights, it does mean that you can bring your dog on their special “dog admission days.” Although this event happens in Virginia, I included it in my 14 best things to do in Washington, DC at Christmas!

There is something quietly magical about celebrating the holidays alongside a dog—moving at their pace, noticing what they notice, and letting wonder unfold one illuminated step at a time. On select evenings each winter, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens opens its gates to leashed dogs, offering pet owners a rare chance to share a classic holiday tradition with a furry companion.

This half-mile garden trail glows with thousands of lights just as twilight descends, welcoming everyone—dog walkers, families with strollers, and grandparents in wheelchairs—into an elegant, accessible landscape. For a modest additional fee, dogs are officially invited guests, transforming the evening into something more intimate and unexpectedly joyful.

In this post, I share what it’s like to visit Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights with a dog, including ticket details, best arrival times, what dogs find most fascinating along the trail, and small tips to make the experience warm, calm, and memorable—for both hooman and pup.

Attend A Christmas Carol

Dates: November 19-December 31, 2026

Location: Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC

Cost: In 2025, tickets ranged from $42 to $156.

While you might want to say Bah Humbug to seeing A Christmas Carol at the Ford’s Theatre, ignore your Ebenezer Scrooge inclination. This is a family tradition for most Washingtonians.

Charles Dickens’ novel presents the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. They frighten, cajole, and ultimately drag the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year …”

Charles Dickens

While billed as “A Ghost Story of Christmas,” A Christmas Carol is a perennial reminder that Christmas lives in our hearts.

Shop at Holiday Markets

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
2026 Dates: To be announced
Location: Dupont Circle neighborhood
Cost: Free

The DC Holiday Market offers a second place to shop for Christmas gifts in Washington. The market features independent vendors selling art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, and specialty foods. Its Dupont Circle location also makes it easy to combine your visit with a walk through one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods.

DowntownDC Holiday Market
2026 Dates: November 13–December 23, 2026
Location: F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW
Cost: Free

The DowntownDC Holiday Market fills F Street with festive lights, artisan vendors, seasonal food, and warm drinks. The market sits directly outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. It is easy to combine Christmas shopping with a museum visit. The DowntownDC Holiday Market features small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region selling their wares.

I include two holiday markets among my 14 best things to do in Washington, DC, at Christmas!

No purchases are necessary as DC’s outdoor shopping village is free. But there are vendors selling food and hot beverages. Buy a pretzel at the German Market and then find a seat in the pavilion to watch singers and musicians perform on the live stage.

See National Christmas Tree

2026 Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 3, 2026

Location: Ellipse at President’s Park

Cost: Free

Not to be confused with the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, the National Christmas Tree adorns the northeast quadrant of The Ellipse. According to the National Park Service, “the tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse began with President Calvin Coolidge over 90 years ago when he lit a 48-foot Balsam Fir from Vermont decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white, and green on Christmas Eve 1923.”

Visit the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse. You will also see trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories. There are nightly musical performances.

If you love festive displays, explore my favorite Christmas lights around the world, including holiday illuminations in Washington, DC.

View Capitol Christmas Tree

2026 Lighting Ceremony: Date to be announced
Location: West Front Lawn, U.S. Capitol
Cost: Free

Known as “The People’s Tree,” the Capitol Christmas Tree looms large on the West Lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol. Since 1970, the U.S. Park Service has procured the Christmas tree from various national parks for the Christmas in Washington display. Over the last decade, the tree species have included Noble Fir, Engelmann Spruce, Sierra White Fir, and Lutz Spruce.

This towering tree stands in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol—“a symbol of the American people and their government, the meeting place of the nation’s legislature.”

The 2026 tree will be selected from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho.”-Architect of the Capitol

The Architect of the Capitol says the ceremony is normally held during the last week of November or first week of December, with the specific 2026 date to be announced this fall. Visiting the Capitol Christmas Tree is one of the 14 best things to do in Washington, DC at Christmas.

Tip: If you want to skip the ticketed crowds and explore at your own pace, try my Self-Guided DC Holiday Tree Walk. This scenic, 2.3-mile evening route connects six iconic holiday stops. It stretches from the beautifully adorned Great Hall at the Library of Congress to the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. It is flat, highly accessible, and perfect for doing after sunset, when the lights are at their most magical!

See Holiday Displays at U.S. Botanic Garden

Dates: Late November 2026 through early January 2027.

Location: 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001.

Cost: Free

“Season’s Greenings” will run through early January 2027 at the U.S. Botanic Garden. This popular holiday program features D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory and model trains in the gated outdoor gardens. When it is cold out, the Conservatory is a wonderful place to warm up!

Expect to see many famous buildings made from plants and botanical decor. You will see over 20 landmarks and monuments around the nation’s capital, including the U.S. Capitol, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the U.S. Supreme Court, Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building), Union Station, and the U.S. Botanical Garden!

“Each building’s complexity determines how long it will take to create. The representation of the U.S. Capitol took more than 600 hours to build!” (U.S. Botanic Garden)

The U.S. Capitol’s facade includes cinnamon, pine cone scales, and wheat. The railings feature winged euonymus.

The holiday model trains at the U.S. Botanic Garden might be the hottest ticket in town for children mesmerized by the elaborate setup. (To see the toddlers’ excitement, check out my Instagram reel here.)

The outdoor G-gauge train display can be visited in the gated outdoor gardens between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are not required. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Conservatory and the outdoor train display stay open until 8 p.m. You can purchase food and drink during these evenings.

See Canadian Embassy Christmas Tree

2026 Tree Lighting: Date to be announced

Location: Embassy of Canada, 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

Cost: Free to view

The Canadian Embassy is within view of the U.S. Capitol. The complex is located on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Each year, the Canadian Embassy decorates a huge outdoor Christmas tree inside the Rotunda of the Provinces & Territories.

At night, the columns glow red and black. All who drive or walk down Pennsylvania Avenue NW can see the majestic tree. It is worth a detour. The embassy decorated the Nova Scotia pine in giant red, silver, and gold ornaments.

Visit Capitol Hill Neighborhood

Roaming through the streets of the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood is one of my favorite jaunts during December. I describe it as “Miracle on A Street NE.” I love walking my Golden Retriever here. A sign posted on one resident’s house points to “Sleigh Rides,” “Hot Cocoa,” and “Ice Skating.”

Neighbors compete to create Christmas tableaus featuring cartoon characters, reindeer wearing red light necklaces, hedgehogs in LL Bean hats, and chubby gnomes. There is even an inflatable Christmas monster. My favorite is Snoopy lying on the roof of his doghouse. It is decorated with a string of Christmas lights.

Want to see more? Take a virtual walk through the city in my Christmas in Washington DC: A Festive Photo Walk. The article features some of my favorite holiday scenes around Capitol Hill and the National Mall.

Shop at Heurich Christmas Markt

Dates: December 3-6, 2026

Location: 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Cost: Tickets go on sale October 1.

The Heurich House in Dupont Circle organizes an annual German Christmas market in early December in Washington, D.C. This German-inspired holiday market features 40–50 local makers in the museum’s Castle Garden.

Consumers can sip on a “Senate” brand beer or consume mulled wine (“gluhwein). The Heurich Christmas Markt features handmade gifts, such as candles, jewelry, and chocolates. The “Christmas Cheer” ticket includes an adult beverage and entrance to the market.

“Christmas Markt is DC’s longest running and largest incubator of local small-scale manufacturers. Over 1,000 local makers have utilized the markt as a growth point in their business’ trajectory. Christmas Markt proceeds fund a year of activities for the museum’s Urban Manufacturing Incubator program..”

Heurich House

This Christmas market features local artisans. The Heurich mansion was built by local artisans in 1894. Craftsmanship and entrepreneurship are an essential part of the museum’s history.

Listen to Nightly Holiday Caroling at Willard Hotel

Dates: December 1-23, 2026

Location: InterContinental Willard Washington DC, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Cost: Free

The term lobbying is reportedly derived from businessmen who assembled in the lobby of the Willard Hotel during the Lincoln Administration during the Civil War. While you will still see businesspeople, the InterContinental Willard Washington DC hotel also attracts well-heeled tourists.

During Christmas, the hotel is decked out with a giant Christmas tree and poinsettias. The Willard features local singers who perform in the lobby in the evening. Hum along with Michael Buble’s version of It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas everywhere you go…

The Willard is an easy walk to the Metro Center shopping district and restaurants. Opened in 1818, this luxury hotel is known as the “Residence of Presidents.” When you see the decorations, you’ll understand why it is included among my 14 best things to do in Washington, DC at Christmas

Watch the Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf

2026 Date: December 5, 2026
Location: The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Cost: Free

Celebrate Christmas on the waterfront at the annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf DC. More than 60 decorated boats sail along the Washington Channel during this popular holiday tradition. Visitors can also enjoy live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, photos with Santa, and fireworks. No tickets or advance registration are required for spectators.

See the Lights at ZooLights

2026 Dates: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Location: Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Cost: Ticket price for 2026 has not yet been announced

ZooLights transforms the National Zoo into a colorful holiday display filled with glowing animal lanterns and seasonal entertainment. Visitors can walk beneath thousands of lights, enjoy holiday treats, and see the Zoo after dark. The 2026 celebration runs from November 20 through January 3. Check the Zoo’s schedule before visiting because ZooLights operates on select evenings.

Experience Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park

2026 Dates: November 20–December 27, 2026
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Cost: Ticketed event; prices vary by date

Enchant Christmas returns to Nationals Park in 2026 for the first time since 2023. The ballpark becomes a holiday wonderland featuring Enchant’s enormous light maze, an ice-skating trail, festive food, seasonal shopping, and visits with Santa. The event takes place on 32 select nights, making it one of Washington’s biggest Christmas light experiences. Enchant Christmas hosts a special dog-friendly event called Paws n’ Claus on select nights. You must buy a separate ticket for your dog.

Bonus: Attend a Washington DC Holiday Concert

Holiday concerts remain a favorite Washington DC Christmas tradition, although performances will take place at different venues this year. The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas offers a festive program of choral music and seasonal favorites. The National Symphony Orchestra also presents holiday performances during the Christmas season. Check each organization’s 2026 schedule for concert dates and locations before your visit.

FAQs

What should I wear in Washington, DC at Christmas?

Dress in warm layers because December weather can change quickly. Wear a winter coat, hat, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Many holiday attractions are outdoors, so plan to spend several hours in the cold.

Is Washington, DC worth visiting at Christmas?

Yes. Washington, DC, is especially festive in December. You can see decorated Christmas trees, visit holiday markets, attend seasonal performances, and enjoy colorful light displays. My 14 best things to do in Washington DC at Christmas include both famous traditions and newer holiday events.

What are the best free Christmas activities in Washington, DC?

Many popular holiday activities are free. Visit the National Christmas Tree and U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree or browse DC’s holiday markets. You can also enjoy the Willard’s holiday caroling and seasonal displays around the city.

Does it snow in Washington, DC at Christmas?

Snow is possible in December, but a white Christmas is uncommon. Expect chilly weather rather than snow when planning your trip. Check the forecast before you pack.

How many days do I need in Washington, DC at Christmas?

Plan at least two or three days to enjoy DC’s major holiday attractions. This gives you time for Christmas trees, markets, museums, and evening light displays. Stay longer if you also want to explore the city’s monuments and neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

Christmas in Washington, DC combines famous landmarks with holiday traditions across the city. You can see sparkling Christmas trees, browse holiday markets, attend concerts, and enjoy colorful light displays.

Many events are free, including several of my favorites. Others, such as A Christmas Carol and Enchant Christmas, are worth booking in advance.

I hope these 14 things to do inspire your own Washington, DC Christmas adventure. Bundle up, explore on foot, and enjoy the nation’s capital during the holiday season.