Spread the joy of the holidays in College Park with our guide. Find out about all the festive events and activities that make this season special. From hometown residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the best festive activities in College Park.
One of the highlights of the season is the Downtown Holiday Market, where local crafts and seasonal goods create a charming atmosphere for shoppers and visitors alike. With dazzling lights and holiday cheer, Zoolights offers enchanting displays that illuminate the Maryland Zoo in a way that is truly magical. And the annual Christmas at Mount Vernon is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring historic decorations and the traditional holiday spirit amidst George Washington's beloved estate. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around College Park
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington DC)
- Christmas at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Zoolights (Washington DC)
- Christmas at National Harbor (National Harbor)
- Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park (Washington DC)
- The Washington Ballet presents *The Nutcracker* (Washington DC)
- Holiday Light Tours (Washington DC)
- Handel's *Messiah* (Washington DC)
- Boat Parade of Lights (Washington DC)
- Ice Skating at National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (Washington DC)
See these and even more events listed below!
College Park Holiday Light Displays
Zoolights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with immersive light displays.
Description:
This annual holiday light spectacular at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features immersive displays, glowing lantern animals, live musical performances, and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore festive pathways and enjoy activities like riding the Conservation Carousel.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Zoolights
Christmas at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with 18th-century traditions and festive lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at George Washington's Mount Vernon with festive lights, 18th-century demonstrations, and holiday activities like chocolate making and meeting Aladdin the camel.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas at Mount Vernon
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light maze and ice skating experience.
Description:
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park features a world's largest Christmas light maze, ice skating trail, seasonal food and drink, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
Christmas at National Harbor
What to Expect:
Spectacular light and fireworks displays with unique ice sculptures.
Description:
Christmas at National Harbor features a nightly tree light show, festive fireworks, and ICE at Gaylord National, showcasing a Charlie Brown Christmas. Enjoy holiday movies, Santa visits, and a Christmas market with local artisans.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Christmas at National Harbor
Holiday Light Tours
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
This annual holiday light spectacular at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features immersive displays, glowing lantern animals, and live musical performances. Visitors can explore festive pathways and enjoy seasonal treats while supporting animal care and conservation science.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Holiday Light Tours
Lights On The Bay
What to Expect:
Scenic drive with 70 animated and stationary light displays.
Description:
Drive through a two-mile scenic route along the Chesapeake Bay featuring over 70 animated and stationary light displays, sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Lights On The Bay
Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting ceremony with local performances and Santa's arrival.
Description:
The Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree is a festive holiday event where local groups perform dancing and carols, and the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony includes carolers, music, and general merriment. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elfie as they light the Christmas Tree in downtown Annapolis near the Market House.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Grand Illumination of the Annapolis Tree
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Boats decorated with thousands of colored lights parade through Annapolis Harbor.
Description:
The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is an annual holiday event where boats in Annapolis Harbor are decorated with thousands of colored lights, creating a spectacular display of festive illumination.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
College Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a 20th-anniversary celebration in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Midnight Madness
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping event with local decorations and entertainment.
Description:
Downtown Annapolis transforms into a holiday shopping paradise with Midnight Madness, featuring decorated streets, holiday markets, and local entertainment.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Midnight Madness
Chocolate Binge Festival
What to Expect:
Unique chocolate tour with diverse vendors and local artisans.
Description:
The Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating chocolate with various vendors selling chocolate specialties, a holiday market featuring local artisans, live music, and a festive West Street Holiday Light Canopy.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Chocolate Binge Festival
College Park Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Washington Ballet presents *The Nutcracker*
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with D.C.-themed sets and costumes.
Description:
The Washington Ballet presents *The Nutcracker*, a D.C.-themed production featuring dancing cherry blossoms, cardinals, and famous figures like Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington. This 20th-anniversary celebration includes stunning dance performances and nods to DC's rich history, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: The Washington Ballet presents *The Nutcracker*
Handel's *Messiah*
What to Expect:
Live performance with a livestream option.
Description:
The Washington National Cathedral presents Handel's Messiah, featuring the Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra. This iconic concert includes the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus" under the cathedral's soaring architecture, captivating audiences for generations.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Handel's *Messiah*
Willard Hotel Carolling
What to Expect:
Complimentary caroling by highly accomplished ensembles.
Description:
At the Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C., guests can enjoy complimentary caroling performances by highly accomplished vocal and choral ensembles. This time-honored tradition features a wide range of seasonal cocktails and champagne at the lobby's pop-up bar, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Willard Hotel Carolling
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Inclusive holiday celebration with diverse musical performances.
Description:
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC presents an annual holiday extravaganza featuring eclectic songs, exciting rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. The show includes performances by the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Songs include See Amid Winters Snow, Feliz Navidad, Love is Christmas, and Silent Night.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show
Polar Express Train Ride at the B&O Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Climb aboard The Polar Express for a two-hour immersive experience where you'll meet Hero Boy and the Conductor, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and receive the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, from Santa himself. Upon arrival at the North Pole, you can enjoy crafts, make s'mores, shop for themed goodies, and have your picture taken with Santa.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride at the B&O Museum
College Park Other Holiday Activities
Boat Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.
Description:
The District's Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf features 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities including hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, and visits with Santa.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Boat Parade of Lights
Ice Skating at National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
What to Expect:
Skating surrounded by iconic sculptures on the National Mall.
Description:
Ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience surrounded by modern and contemporary sculptures on the National Mall. Skaters can enjoy panoramic views of the garden while gliding on the ice, which is maintained to a precise thickness to ensure smooth skating. The rink is open daily, with extended hours on weekends, and features a Pavilion Café offering a variety of refreshments.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Ice Skating at National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Santa Fly-In at the College Park Aviation Museum
What to Expect:
Aviation-themed holiday celebration with historic aircraft.
Description:
The Santa Fly-In at the College Park Aviation Museum offers a unique aviation-themed holiday event where visitors can enjoy festive activities and explore historic aircraft.
Where: College Park | More Info: Santa Fly-In at the College Park Aviation Museum
Holly Trolly Fest at the National Capitol Trolley Museum
What to Expect:
Holiday rides on historic street cars with Santa.
Description:
The National Capital Trolley Museum's Holly Trolley Fest features holiday rides on historic street cars, a holiday model railroad display, and activities for children, including crafts and photo opportunities.
Where: Washington DC | More Info: Holly Trolly Fest at the National Capitol Trolley Museum
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Chillum (3 miles)
- Greenbelt (4 miles)
- Landover (4 miles)
- Silver Spring (5 miles)
- Fairland (7 miles)
- Wheaton (8 miles)
- South Laurel (8 miles)
- Washington (8 miles)
- Bethesda (9 miles)
- Suitland (9 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (9 miles)
- Laurel (9 miles)
- Aspen Hill (10 miles)
- North Bethesda (11 miles)
- Arlington (11 miles)
- Bowie (11 miles)
- Scaggsville (12 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (13 miles)
- McLean (13 miles)
- Crofton (13 miles)
- Alexandria (14 miles)
- Rockville (14 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (14 miles)
- Olney (14 miles)
- Odenton (15 miles)
- Potomac (15 miles)
- Clinton (15 miles)
- West Falls Church (16 miles)
- Lincolnia (16 miles)
- Rose Hill (16 miles)
- Severn (17 miles)
- Annandale (17 miles)
- Gaithersburg (18 miles)
- Hanover (19 miles)
- Columbia (19 miles)
- Springfield (19 miles)
- North Potomac (19 miles)
- West Elkridge (19 miles)
- Montgomery Village (19 miles)
- Fort Washington (19 miles)
- South Gate (20 miles)
- Oakton (21 miles)
- Ilchester (21 miles)
- Glen Burnie (21 miles)
- West Springfield (21 miles)
- Woodlawn (21 miles)
- Ellicott City (21 miles)
- Reston (22 miles)
- Pasadena (22 miles)
- Severna Park (22 miles)
- Fairfax (22 miles)
- Burke (22 miles)
- Arbutus (23 miles)
- Catonsville (23 miles)
- Arnold (24 miles)
- Annapolis (24 miles)
- Herndon (24 miles)
- Waldorf (25 miles)
- Oak Hill (25 miles)
- St. Charles (26 miles)
- Saint Charles (26 miles)
- Woodlawn (26 miles)
- Sterling (26 miles)
- Milford Mill (27 miles)
- Chantilly (27 miles)
- Lochearn (27 miles)
- Baltimore (28 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (28 miles)
- Randallstown (28 miles)
- Lake Ridge (28 miles)
- Centreville (28 miles)
- Dundalk (29 miles)
- Eldersburg (29 miles)
- Pikesville (30 miles)
- Ashburn (30 miles)
- South Riding (31 miles)
- Dale City (31 miles)
- Owings Mills (31 miles)
- Manassas (33 miles)
- Essex (34 miles)
- Towson (34 miles)
- Reisterstown (34 miles)
- Parkville (35 miles)
- Leesburg (35 miles)
- Carney (36 miles)
- Middle River (36 miles)
- Linton Hall (38 miles)
- Cockeysville (38 miles)
- Perry Hall (39 miles)
- Hunt Valley (39 miles)
- Frederick (39 miles)