Plan your festive season itinerary in Potomac with ease! Our guide has all the best holiday events. From Potomac old-timers to fresh faces, our guide is your key to unlocking holiday cheer.
One of the highlights of the season is the Downtown Holiday Market, where local artisans display unique gifts and holiday treats in a charming outdoor setting. Additionally, the US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains enchants visitors with an impressive indoor showcase filled with beautiful plants and elaborate train setups. And definitely don't forget the CityCenterDC Holiday Tree, a stunning centerpiece featuring dazzling lights and decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Potomac
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington, DC)
- ZooLights (Washington, DC)
- CityCenterDC Holiday Tree (Washington, DC)
- Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden (Washington, DC)
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor)
- Mount Vernon Winter Glow (Mount Vernon)
- Georgetown GLOW (Georgetown)
- District Holiday Boat Parade (Washington, DC)
See these and even more events listed below!
Potomac Holiday Light Displays
CityCenterDC Holiday Tree
What to Expect:
Dazzling 75-foot tree with live music 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. Enjoy a dazzling 75-foot tree, visit 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 Holiday Tree
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
This annual holiday light spectacular at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features glowing lantern animals, live musical performances, and festive pathways. Visitors can explore immersive displays, take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, and sample seasonal treats.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: ZooLights
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree light 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
Georgetown GLOW
What to Expect:
Immersive public light art installations by renowned artists.
Description:
Georgetown GLOW is a free outdoor light art experience featuring national and international artists' commissioned works, displayed nightly in Georgetown's historic commercial district.
Where: Georgetown | More Info: Georgetown GLOW
Mount Vernon Winter Glow
What to Expect:
18th-century holiday experience with festive lights and activities.
Description:
Explore Mount Vernon's historic estate illuminated with brilliant lights and holiday patterns. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, meet Aladdin the Camel, and enjoy 18th-century entertainment and holiday shopping.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Mount Vernon Winter Glow
Potomac Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Enhanced vendor kiosks and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown offers a diverse array of local vendors, artisans, and community activations. Expect upgraded vendor kiosks, fresh artisanal goods, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade goods in a historic setting.
Description:
The Heurich House Museum's Christkindlmarkt is a multi-day holiday market featuring over 60 local small-scale artisan makers selling handmade goods, including jewelry, ceramics, and housewares. The event is held in the museum's Castle Garden and includes a mini exhibit about the historic revival of the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co.'s Senate Beer. Food and refreshments are available for purchase.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt
German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
What to Expect:
Authentic German market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European food.
Description:
German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor features over 60 vendors offering unique gifts and European cuisine, including mulled wine and Bratwurst, in a charming setting with a Glühwein pyramid and festive lights.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: German Christmas Village at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans and seasonal treats.
Description:
The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair at Veterans Plaza offers a festive celebration featuring seasonal artisans, delicious treats, and joyful spirit. Explore a merry marketplace filled with handcrafted treasures from local artisans, savor delightful food and desserts from various vendors, and immerse yourself in the festive melodies of Christmas music.
Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
Potomac Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and festive holiday activities.
Description:
Gaylord National Hotel features an extensive array of holiday activities, including ICE featuring Charlie Brown Christmas, snow tubing, and gingerbread decorating. The resort offers stunning environments with extraordinary Christmas decorations, providing a unique holiday experience.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
Potomac Other Holiday Activities
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Unique plant-based pollinator scenes and DC landmarks.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plants, along with festive lights, poinsettias, and DC landmarks crafted from plant materials.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
What to Expect:
Skating amidst iconic sculptures on the National Mall.
Description:
Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience surrounded by modern and contemporary sculptures on the National Mall. The rink is open daily, with extended hours on weekends, and features a Pavilion Café offering refreshments. Skating sessions begin on the hour, and fees cover two consecutive 45-minute sessions.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden
District Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.
Description:
The District Holiday Boat Parade features 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities like hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, and holiday karaoke.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: District Holiday Boat Parade
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 the lighting of the town's iconic Christmas tree.
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 estate open house with period-specific decorations and activities.
Description:
Explore the historic Carlyle House during the Scottish Walk Open House, featuring period-specific decorations and activities that bring the 18th-century estate to life.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
Manassas Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Colorful parade with Candyland theme and diverse participants.
Description:
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade is a long-standing community event featuring marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, and over 2,000 participants. This year's theme is Christmas in Candyland, making it a vibrant and colorful celebration of the holiday season.
Where: Manassas | More Info: Manassas Christmas Parade
Tinkergarten Free Lantern Walks
What to Expect:
Guided nature walk emphasizing sensory exploration.
Description:
Tinkergarten's Free Lantern Walks offer a guided, nature-based exploration where children engage with the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world, fostering sensory development and joyful outdoor play.
Where: Various | More Info: Tinkergarten Free Lantern Walks
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- North Bethesda (5 miles)
- North Potomac (5 miles)
- Rockville (5 miles)
- McLean (6 miles)
- Bethesda (6 miles)
- Reston (8 miles)
- Wheaton (8 miles)
- Aspen Hill (8 miles)
- Gaithersburg (9 miles)
- Silver Spring (10 miles)
- Herndon (10 miles)
- West Falls Church (11 miles)
- Oakton (11 miles)
- Montgomery Village (11 miles)
- Arlington (11 miles)
- Sterling (12 miles)
- Olney (12 miles)
- Oak Hill (12 miles)
- Chillum (12 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (12 miles)
- Washington (13 miles)
- Annandale (13 miles)
- Fairfax (13 miles)
- Fairland (14 miles)
- Lincolnia (14 miles)
- Chantilly (15 miles)
- College Park (15 miles)
- Ashburn (15 miles)
- Springfield (16 miles)
- Burke (16 miles)
- Rose Hill (17 miles)
- West Springfield (17 miles)
- Centreville (17 miles)
- Alexandria (17 miles)
- South Riding (17 miles)
- Landover (18 miles)
- Greenbelt (18 miles)
- Scaggsville (19 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (19 miles)
- Suitland (19 miles)
- South Laurel (20 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (20 miles)
- Laurel (20 miles)
- Leesburg (20 miles)
- Woodlawn (21 miles)
- Lake Ridge (23 miles)
- Manassas (23 miles)
- Fort Washington (24 miles)
- Clinton (24 miles)
- Columbia (25 miles)
- Bowie (26 miles)
- Linton Hall (27 miles)
- Dale City (27 miles)
- Odenton (28 miles)
- Ellicott City (28 miles)
- Crofton (28 miles)
- Severn (29 miles)
- Hanover (29 miles)
- Ilchester (29 miles)
- West Elkridge (29 miles)
- Frederick (29 miles)
- Eldersburg (30 miles)
- Waldorf (31 miles)
- Catonsville (31 miles)
- Arbutus (32 miles)
- Saint Charles (32 miles)
- South Gate (32 miles)
- St. Charles (32 miles)
- Milford Mill (33 miles)
- Randallstown (33 miles)
- Glen Burnie (33 miles)
- Woodlawn (33 miles)
- Lochearn (34 miles)
- Pasadena (35 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (35 miles)
- Severna Park (36 miles)
- Pikesville (36 miles)
- Owings Mills (36 miles)
- Baltimore (37 miles)
- Reisterstown (37 miles)
- Arnold (38 miles)
- Annapolis (39 miles)
- Dundalk (40 miles)
- Towson (42 miles)
- Parkville (44 miles)
- Cockeysville (44 miles)
- Essex (44 miles)
- Carney (45 miles)