Find your holiday happiness in North Bethesda with our ultimate guide. For North Bethesda locals and global nomads alike, this guide is your key to unlocking seasonal delights.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the enchanting National Harbor Tree Light Show, where dazzling lights synchronize to festive music, creating a memorable spectacle for all ages. With local artisans and delightful treats, the DowntownDC Holiday Market also captures the spirit of the season, showcasing unique gifts and delectable goodies. And the charming ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a whimsical ice sculpture experience that evokes nostalgia. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the North Bethesda Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around North Bethesda
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (National Harbor)
- DowntownDC Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf (Washington, DC)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington, DC)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor)
- The Kennedy Center: *Elf* in Concert (Washington, DC)
- ZooLights (Washington, DC)
- CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting (Washington, DC)
See these and even more events listed below!
North Bethesda Holiday Light Displays
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a 60-foot RGB tree.
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
CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling 75-foot tree with live performances and festive activities.
Description:
Join CityCenterDC for its 10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, featuring a joyful music performance by The Revels, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats. NBC4's Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy the dazzling 75-foot tree, visit the two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the holiday spirit with a photo under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with glowing lantern animals and live music.
Description:
This annual holiday light spectacular at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features immersive displays, glowing lantern animals, live musical performances, and seasonal treats.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: ZooLights
Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and new features like an animated tunnel and snow machine.
Description:
Brookside Gardens transforms into a vibrant winter spectacle with over 1.5 million twinkling LED lights, featuring secular displays of flowers, plants, insects, animals, and other natural elements along a half-mile paved trail.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Garden of Lights
Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light drive-through experience with themed areas.
Description:
The Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival is a 3.5-mile drive-through holiday light display at Seneca Creek State Park, featuring over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees.
Where: Gaithersburg | More Info: Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival
Winter City Lights
What to Expect:
Technologically advanced Christmas light show with eco-friendly lighting.
Description:
Over 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres, featuring 33 bonfires, a 52-foot tall programmable Christmas tree, and an 8-lane Snow Tubing Ride. Enjoy tasty concessions, including s'mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and more.
Where: Olney | More Info: Winter City Lights
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 Christmas Illuminations, featuring the Mansion aglow in amber light, the Upper Garden and Greenhouse in blue and lavender, classic holiday music, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
North Bethesda Holiday Markets and Shopping
DowntownDC Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse array of local vendors and artisans.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant outdoor shopping village featuring over 100 local vendors, artisans, and food vendors. It offers a diverse array of unique gifts, festive decor, and delicious food and beverages. The market is located on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW and is open daily from November 22 to December 23.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: DowntownDC Holiday Market
DC Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday shopping destination in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring over 100 vendors, upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: DC Holiday Market
German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas Market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European cuisine.
Description:
Immerse yourself in holiday cheer at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where over 60 vendors from around the world offer a wide selection of German mulled wine and European cuisine. Explore charming wooden booths and illuminated markets, featuring a magnificent Glühwein pyramid and historic carousel.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Mosaic Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans with Santa photo opportunities.
Description:
Mosaic Holiday Market features over 65 talented makers offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Snap a memorable selfie with Santa himself and celebrate the season by supporting local artisans.
Where: Fairfax | More Info: Mosaic Holiday Market
North Bethesda Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and festive holiday activities.
Description:
At Gaylord National, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring ICE with Charlie Brown Christmas, stunning Christmas decorations, and family-friendly activities like snow tubing and gingerbread decorating.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
What to Expect:
Unique ice sculpture display of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" scenes.
Description:
ICE featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is a 20,000-square-foot frozen attraction created by 40 ice artisans, showcasing scenes from the beloved movie in intricate ice sculptures. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, with guests provided with signature blue parkas to stay warm.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
The Kennedy Center: *Elf* in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of *Elf* movie score.
Description:
The National Symphony Orchestra presents *Elf* in Concert, featuring John Debney's score played live to picture, bringing the heartwarming holiday classic to life on a giant screen.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: The Kennedy Center: *Elf* in Concert
Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca
What to Expect:
Traditional flamenco and Spanish holiday music celebration.
Description:
Celebrate the holidays with a journey through Spanish and Puerto Rican festive traditions, featuring Spanish holiday music, villancicos, and flamenco dancing.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca
A Swingin’ Little Christmas
What to Expect:
Cabaret-style holiday show with classic tunes and comedic performances.
Description:
A Swingin’ Little Christmas features Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet in a hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza. The show blends classic 50s and 60s holiday tunes with zany comedy, offering a fresh take on traditional Christmas specials.
Where: North Bethesda | More Info: A Swingin’ Little Christmas
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Grammy-winning gospel music legends performing holiday classics.
Description:
The Blind Boys of Alabama present a soul-stirring holiday concert featuring traditional festive standards and selections from their Grammy-winning holiday albums, showcasing their timeless gospel music.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
North Bethesda Other Holiday Activities
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Model trains showcasing pollinators in a botanical setting.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator scenes made from plant parts, along with festive lights and DC landmarks crafted from plants inside the Conservatory.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.
Description:
The Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf features 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities like hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, and visits with Santa.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf
32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with festive floats and tree lighting.
Description:
The 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and a grand tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Bel Air | More Info: 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
What to Expect:
Historic home tour with 18th-century architecture insights.
Description:
Explore the historic Carlyle House during the Scottish Walk Open House, where you can delve into the 18th-century architecture and learn about the lives of its former residents.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rockville (3 miles)
- Wheaton (3 miles)
- Aspen Hill (3 miles)
- Bethesda (5 miles)
- Potomac (5 miles)
- Silver Spring (6 miles)
- Olney (8 miles)
- Gaithersburg (8 miles)
- McLean (8 miles)
- North Potomac (8 miles)
- Chillum (9 miles)
- Fairland (9 miles)
- Montgomery Village (10 miles)
- College Park (11 miles)
- Washington (11 miles)
- Arlington (11 miles)
- West Falls Church (13 miles)
- Reston (13 miles)
- Greenbelt (13 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (13 miles)
- Scaggsville (14 miles)
- Landover (14 miles)
- South Laurel (15 miles)
- Oakton (15 miles)
- Laurel (15 miles)
- Herndon (15 miles)
- Annandale (15 miles)
- Lincolnia (16 miles)
- Sterling (17 miles)
- Alexandria (17 miles)
- Fairfax (17 miles)
- Suitland (17 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (17 miles)
- Oak Hill (17 miles)
- Rose Hill (18 miles)
- Springfield (18 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (19 miles)
- Burke (19 miles)
- West Springfield (20 miles)
- Chantilly (20 miles)
- Ashburn (20 miles)
- Columbia (20 miles)
- Centreville (22 miles)
- Bowie (22 miles)
- South Riding (22 miles)
- Odenton (23 miles)
- Clinton (23 miles)
- Woodlawn (23 miles)
- Ellicott City (23 miles)
- Crofton (23 miles)
- Severn (23 miles)
- Hanover (24 miles)
- Ilchester (24 miles)
- West Elkridge (24 miles)
- Fort Washington (24 miles)
- Leesburg (24 miles)
- Catonsville (26 miles)
- Eldersburg (26 miles)
- Lake Ridge (26 miles)
- Arbutus (27 miles)
- South Gate (27 miles)
- Glen Burnie (28 miles)
- Manassas (28 miles)
- Milford Mill (28 miles)
- Randallstown (28 miles)
- Woodlawn (28 miles)
- Lochearn (29 miles)
- Pasadena (30 miles)
- Frederick (30 miles)
- Dale City (30 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (30 miles)
- Waldorf (31 miles)
- Severna Park (31 miles)
- Pikesville (31 miles)
- Linton Hall (31 miles)
- Owings Mills (32 miles)
- St. Charles (32 miles)
- Saint Charles (32 miles)
- Baltimore (32 miles)
- Arnold (33 miles)
- Reisterstown (33 miles)
- Annapolis (34 miles)
- Dundalk (35 miles)
- Towson (37 miles)
- Parkville (39 miles)
- Essex (39 miles)
- Cockeysville (39 miles)
- Carney (40 miles)
- Hunt Valley (41 miles)
- Middle River (42 miles)
- Perry Hall (43 miles)