Discover the festive highlights of Rockville with our overview guide. Find all the key holiday events. For Rockville residents and newcomers, this guide highlights the top festive attractions.
Popular events during this season include the National Harbor Tree Light Show, where dazzling displays illuminate the waterfront and enhance the holiday spirit. The Gaylord National Hotel Show impresses visitors with its stunning ice sculptures and elaborate holiday decorations. And the ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is something you definitely don't want to miss as it brings beloved holiday characters to life in a vibrant winter wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rockville
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (National Harbor)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington, DC)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- City Center Christmas Tree Lighting (Washington, DC)
- US Capitol Tree Lighting (Washington, DC)
- Hometown Holidays Music Fest
- Light Yards (Washington, DC)
- Georgetown GLOW (Georgetown)
See these and even more events listed below!
Rockville 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
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Iconic 75-foot tree lighting 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 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: City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
US Capitol Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
A symbol of national natural beauty, annually selected and decorated.
Description:
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a live tree selected annually from a different national forest, symbolizing the natural beauty of America. It is decorated and lit on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, representing a tradition that brings the country together during the holidays.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: US Capitol Tree Lighting
Georgetown GLOW
What to Expect:
Free, curated outdoor public light art exhibition.
Description:
Georgetown GLOW is a free outdoor light art experience featuring national and international artists' commissioned works, displayed nightly from 5 pm to 10 pm in Georgetown's historic commercial district.
Where: Georgetown | More Info: Georgetown GLOW
Light Yards
What to Expect:
Interactive light installation with community-engaging bells.
Description:
Light Yards is an interactive light installation at Yards Park featuring the community favorite "Swinging Bells," where guests can become part of the artwork by swinging 13-foot tall bells that play a jingle. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Light Yards
Rockville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The market features upgraded vendor kiosks, a diverse array of local artisans, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
What to Expect:
Unique holiday decor in a 100-year-old farmhouse.
Description:
Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds transform into a holiday spectacle each November, featuring beautifully decorated rooms, unique holiday murals, and photo vignettes. The event showcases gorgeous holiday decor, with every item available for purchase. Visitors can relax by the fire with glass wine from Vanish Brewery, enjoying a safe and cozy shopping experience.
Where: Leesburg | More Info: Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
Rockville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and slides.
Description:
Gaylord National Resort presents a spectacular holiday event featuring larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels, all set to the beloved story of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculptures and interactive scenes.
Description:
ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a spectacular holiday attraction where over 40 master artisans hand-carve more than 6,000 blocks of ice to create 14 immersive scenes, including a life-sized reindeer and festive holiday decorations. Visitors can crawl through Snoopy's doghouse, slide down two-story ice slides, and witness the Peanuts gang rehearsing their school Christmas play.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
National Menorah Lighting
What to Expect:
International symbol of religious freedom with live music and celebrity appearances.
Description:
The National Menorah Lighting Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates Chanukah with musical performances, special guests, and a festive lighting ceremony. It is a significant public event that symbolizes religious freedom and is attended by prominent figures.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: National Menorah Lighting
Rockville Other Holiday Activities
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Unique holiday display with model trains and pollinator sculptures.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plants, festive lights, and DC landmarks crafted from plant materials.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Hometown Holidays Music Fest
What to Expect:
Two-stage music festival with diverse activities.
Description:
Hometown Holidays Music Fest is a free festival featuring two stages of music, food vendors, kids' activities, entertainment, yard games, and beverage booths.
Where: Rockville | More Info: Hometown Holidays Music Fest
Kwanzaa & Watch Night: Visions of Freedom
What to Expect:
Cultural celebration linking Afrofuturism to African American freedom.
Description:
Celebrate Kwanzaa and Watch Night with activities honoring the last three principles of Kwanzaa—Kuumba, Imani, and Nia—while learning about the history of Watch Night and the role of the United States Colored Troops in the Civil War.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Kwanzaa & Watch Night: Visions of Freedom
Christmas in Middleburg
What to Expect:
Historic horse hunt review and festive parade.
Description:
Christmas in Middleburg is a festive community event featuring activities like Breakfast with Santa, the Middleburg Hunt Review, and a mile-long Christmas parade. The town transforms into a holiday wonderland with shopping, dining, and caroling, making it a cherished family tradition.
Where: Middleburg | More Info: Christmas in Middleburg
District Wharf Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks finale over the Washington Channel.
Description:
The District Wharf Holiday Events feature 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities including hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, and family photos with Santa.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: District Wharf Holiday Events
Anacostia Community Museum Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Celebrating local community stories and creativity through free events.
Description:
The Anacostia Community Museum offers a variety of free events for all ages, celebrating local creativity and community stories through immersive experiences.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Anacostia Community Museum Holiday Events
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- North Bethesda (3 miles)
- Aspen Hill (4 miles)
- Gaithersburg (5 miles)
- Potomac (5 miles)
- North Potomac (6 miles)
- Wheaton (6 miles)
- Olney (7 miles)
- Montgomery Village (7 miles)
- Bethesda (8 miles)
- Silver Spring (9 miles)
- McLean (10 miles)
- Fairland (10 miles)
- Chillum (12 miles)
- Reston (13 miles)
- College Park (14 miles)
- Scaggsville (14 miles)
- Arlington (14 miles)
- Washington (14 miles)
- Herndon (15 miles)
- West Falls Church (15 miles)
- Sterling (16 miles)
- Greenbelt (16 miles)
- Oakton (16 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (16 miles)
- South Laurel (16 miles)
- Laurel (16 miles)
- Landover (17 miles)
- Oak Hill (17 miles)
- Annandale (18 miles)
- Ashburn (18 miles)
- Lincolnia (18 miles)
- Fairfax (18 miles)
- Chantilly (20 miles)
- Columbia (20 miles)
- Alexandria (20 miles)
- Suitland (20 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (20 miles)
- Springfield (20 miles)
- Rose Hill (21 miles)
- Burke (21 miles)
- West Springfield (22 miles)
- South Riding (22 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (22 miles)
- Leesburg (22 miles)
- Centreville (22 miles)
- Ellicott City (23 miles)
- Ilchester (24 miles)
- Hanover (24 miles)
- Odenton (24 miles)
- West Elkridge (24 miles)
- Eldersburg (25 miles)
- Severn (25 miles)
- Bowie (25 miles)
- Woodlawn (25 miles)
- Crofton (26 miles)
- Clinton (26 miles)
- Catonsville (26 miles)
- Frederick (27 miles)
- Fort Washington (27 miles)
- Arbutus (27 miles)
- Randallstown (27 miles)
- Milford Mill (27 miles)
- Woodlawn (28 miles)
- South Gate (28 miles)
- Lake Ridge (28 miles)
- Manassas (29 miles)
- Glen Burnie (29 miles)
- Lochearn (29 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (30 miles)
- Pikesville (31 miles)
- Owings Mills (31 miles)
- Pasadena (31 miles)
- Reisterstown (32 miles)
- Linton Hall (32 miles)
- Dale City (32 miles)
- Baltimore (32 miles)
- Severna Park (33 miles)
- Waldorf (34 miles)
- Arnold (35 miles)
- St. Charles (35 miles)
- Saint Charles (35 miles)
- Dundalk (36 miles)
- Annapolis (36 miles)
- Towson (37 miles)
- Parkville (39 miles)
- Cockeysville (39 miles)
- Essex (39 miles)
- Hunt Valley (40 miles)
- Carney (40 miles)
- Middle River (42 miles)
- Perry Hall (43 miles)