Create a memorable festive season in Fort Washington with our itinerary guide. Find all the best events and activities. For locals and newcomers alike, this guide reveals the holiday gems of Fort Washington.
Popular events during the season include the enchanting Christmas at Gaylord National, where visitors can immerse themselves in stunning displays and festive activities. Featuring elaborate ice sculptures and interactive attractions, this event draws families from near and far. The National Harbor Tree Light Show captivates crowds with a dazzling array of lights synchronized to joyful music, making it a must-see spectacle. And the Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a drive-through experience of magnificent holiday light displays along the beautiful waterfront. Check out the rest of the page for more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Fort Washington
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Christmas at Gaylord National (National Harbor)
- Enchant – Christmas (Washington, DC)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis)
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Winterfest of Lights (Ocean City)
- Winter Festival of Lights (Upper Marlboro)
- Lumino City Festival (Gaithersburg)
- Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens (Wheaton)
See these and even more events listed below!
Fort Washington Holiday Light Displays
Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park
What to Expect:
Animated and stationary light displays along the Chesapeake Bay.
Description:
Drive through a two-mile scenic route along the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park, featuring over 70 animated and stationary light displays. This holiday light show is sponsored by the SPCA of Anne Arundel County and offers 3D glasses for an enhanced experience.
Where: Annapolis | More Info: Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park
Winter Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light displays with hayrides and horseback riding.
Description:
The 37th Annual Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park features over 2.5 million LED lights, a 54-foot LED musical tree, and new additions like hayrides and horseback riding. Guests can drive through three miles of whimsical lights, enjoying the festive atmosphere with their loved ones.
Where: Upper Marlboro | More Info: Winter Festival of Lights
Winterfest of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with Santa and hot chocolate.
Description:
Explore thousands of sparkling holiday lights and animated displays along a paved path in Northside Park. Visit Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and discover interactive photo opportunities. The event features a 50-foot Christmas tree and a gift shop.
Where: Ocean City | More Info: Winterfest of Lights
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
What to Expect:
Outdoor walk-through light exhibit with new animated features and interactive displays.
Description:
Brookside Gardens transforms into a vibrant display of twinkling lights and unique, hand-crafted art forms, featuring over a million LED lights adorning the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Lumino City Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive light installations with thematic spaces.
Description:
LuminoCity Festival is a 6-acre outdoor event featuring immersive light installations, thematic spaces, and interactive displays. The journey includes radiant unicorns, shining pandas, and a captivating donut tunnel, guided by Lumi, the magical lightbulb. This event is perfect for all ages, offering a delightful escape with dazzling decor and photo opportunities.
Where: Gaithersburg | More Info: Lumino City Festival
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree lighting show with holiday music.
Description:
The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Enchant – Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light maze with interactive elements and festive activities.
Description:
Enchant Christmas is an award-winning holiday light maze experience featuring stunning, custom-designed light sculptures, unique ice skating, and festive attractions. Explore the maze, glide along the ice skating trail, savor seasonal food and drink, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and take in the dazzling lights from the Ferris Wheel.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Enchant – Christmas
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Historic estate illuminated with wintry lights and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with lantern-lit historic areas, a glowing mansion, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy 18th-century entertainment, holiday shopping, and festive food.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Fort Washington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Rejuvenating transformation under The Makers Show with reduced costs for booth rentals.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown offers a diverse array of artisans, community activations, and delectable food and beverage options. This 20th-anniversary celebration features upgraded vendor kiosks and a fresh lineup of local businesses.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Fort Washington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Gaylord National
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Gaylord National with stunning ice sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and spectacular light displays. Enjoy family-friendly activities like gingerbread decorating and ice skating, and experience the festive atmosphere of the resort.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Christmas at Gaylord National
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Woodlawn (6 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (7 miles)
- Alexandria (7 miles)
- Waldorf (7 miles)
- Rose Hill (7 miles)
- Clinton (8 miles)
- Saint Charles (9 miles)
- St. Charles (9 miles)
- Lincolnia (10 miles)
- Springfield (11 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (11 miles)
- Suitland (11 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (11 miles)
- West Springfield (12 miles)
- Annandale (13 miles)
- Arlington (13 miles)
- Washington (13 miles)
- West Falls Church (14 miles)
- Burke (15 miles)
- Lake Ridge (15 miles)
- Dale City (16 miles)
- Landover (17 miles)
- McLean (18 miles)
- Chillum (18 miles)
- Fairfax (18 miles)
- Oakton (19 miles)
- Bethesda (19 miles)
- College Park (19 miles)
- Silver Spring (20 miles)
- Greenbelt (22 miles)
- Bowie (23 miles)
- Wheaton (23 miles)
- Potomac (24 miles)
- Centreville (24 miles)
- North Bethesda (24 miles)
- Manassas (25 miles)
- Reston (25 miles)
- Oak Hill (25 miles)
- Chantilly (25 miles)
- Fairland (26 miles)
- Aspen Hill (26 miles)
- Herndon (27 miles)
- South Laurel (27 miles)
- Rockville (27 miles)
- Crofton (27 miles)
- Laurel (29 miles)
- North Potomac (29 miles)
- South Riding (30 miles)
- Linton Hall (30 miles)
- Sterling (30 miles)
- Olney (31 miles)
- Scaggsville (31 miles)
- Odenton (31 miles)
- Gaithersburg (32 miles)
- Montgomery Village (34 miles)
- Ashburn (34 miles)
- Annapolis (34 miles)
- Severn (34 miles)
- Arnold (36 miles)
- Severna Park (36 miles)
- South Gate (36 miles)
- Fredericksburg (37 miles)
- Hanover (37 miles)
- Pasadena (37 miles)
- West Elkridge (38 miles)
- Glen Burnie (38 miles)
- Columbia (38 miles)
- Ilchester (40 miles)
- Leesburg (41 miles)
- Ellicott City (41 miles)
- Arbutus (42 miles)
- Catonsville (42 miles)