Looking to celebrate the holidays and are in the Northern Virginia, DC, and Montgomery County Area you have come to the right place. Here is a list of some of the best things to do this holiday season in the DMV!
Nationals Park has been transformed into Enchant DC, a magical winter wonderland with a variety of winter activities inside. There’s a light maze, ice skating, a Santa meet-and-greet, story-time with Mrs. Claus, and a craft area for the young’uns–there’s truly something for everyone.
Ice Skating in the South Lawn
For the first time in 43 years there is an ice-skating rink on the White House’s South Lawn this holiday season.
The Downtown Holiday Market will be set up daily from noon to 8 PM from November 17 to December 23 at 8th and F Streets. (Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 4.) Vendors will be selling arts, crafts, jewelry, specialty items, and more! For fewer crowds, try to visit early or on a weekday.
Join the Strathmore on select dates throughout December for holiday concerts. Some big names include:
Sean Heely’s Celtic Christmas: December 8 at 8 pm
Washington Bach Consort: The Christmas Story: December 9 at 7 pm
The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas: December 15 at 8 pm
Handel’s Messiah: December 16 at 7:30 pm and December 17 at 3 pm
Hip Hop Nutcracker: December 19, 20, 22 at 8 pm and December 21 at 2 pm
Through January 7, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30–10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holiday nights. The only drive-thru lights display in Northern Virginia is definitely a family favorite. Color-changing trees, North Pole displays, massive arches, and an endless supply of snowflakes and candy canes line the trail. Make sure to stop by the Holiday Village and Carnival for bonfires, s’mores, and rides.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents A Christmas Carol from December 2-16. Enjoy this classic holiday story in this cozy theater. Tickets go on sale November 2.
Head to Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland for the Winter Lights Festival open nightly from November 24 to December 31 (closed December 25). You’ll see over 365 displays including Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, and the North Pole on this 3.5 mile drive. Tickets are $15/car on weekdays and $25/car from Friday to Sunday. Tickets go on sale on October 17 and purchasing tickets in advance is required.
December 9, 12:30–6 p.m.
Keep those ugly sweaters out and celebrate the season with great drinks, food, and fun across Alexandria. Some 25 restaurants and bars are set to participate during the annual festive bar crawl, including Lost Boy Cider, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, and Northside10. Each location will offer a variety of food and drink specials, and some will have live music throughout the day. Various locations on Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, $15 online, $25 at the door
