Your perfect holiday guide to Washington is here! Explore all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Washington or falling in love with it for the first time, our guide maximises your festive experience.
Popular events abound this holiday season, starting with the enchanting production of *A Christmas Carol* at Ford's Theatre, where the timeless tale comes alive in a magnificent setting. Then, immerse yourself in the charm of Christmas at Mount Vernon, featuring beautiful decorations and lively demonstrations that bring history to life. And definitely don't forget Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, a delightful celebration that transforms the area into a magical winter landscape. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Washington
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (London)
- Christmas at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Ford's Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol (Washington, D.C.)
- The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker (Washington, D.C.)
- Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, D.C.)
- Christmas at Kew Gardens (London)
- Mount Vernon Winter Glow (Mount Vernon)
- Covent Garden Christmas Market (London)
- Ice Skating at Somerset House (London)
- Zoolights (Washington, D.C.)
See these and even more events listed below!
Washington Holiday Light Displays
Zoolights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
At ZooLights, immerse yourself in a dazzling display of thousands of twinkling lights illuminating Stone Zoo's 26 acres. Stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and more.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Zoolights
Christmas at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Historic estate illuminated with brilliant lights and holiday music.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at George Washington's Mount Vernon with festive lights, historic activities, and unique holiday traditions.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Winter Glow
What to Expect:
18th-century holiday experience with festive lights and historic activities.
Description:
Explore Mount Vernon's historic estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. 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
Boat Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light displays and decorated watercraft.
Description:
The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition, special fireworks displays, and optimal viewing locations like Marina Park.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Boat Parade of Lights
Christmas at Kew Gardens
What to Expect:
Botanical garden illuminated with seasonal lights and festive food.
Description:
Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Enjoy larger-than-life illuminations, mesmerising flickering flames, and festive food delights.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas at Kew Gardens
Washington Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Heated igloos offering a cozy spot for board games and take-out meals.
Description:
The Downtown Holiday Market in White Plains features nearly 50 unique and artisanal vendors, outdoor firepits, ice sculpting demonstrations, live entertainment, visits with Santa and seasonal friends, and daily children’s crafts. The event also includes a New Year’s Eve wishing wall and heated igloos for cozy moments.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Covent Garden Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations and a reconditioned 1884 sleigh for photo opportunities.
Description:
Covent Garden Christmas Market features over 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls, along with a 60ft Christmas tree decorated with 30,000 lights. The market offers a variety of seasonal goods, holiday food, and drink, as well as live music and entertainment.
Where: London | More Info: Covent Garden Christmas Market
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive art installations and festive market stalls.
Description:
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival transforms the banks of the Thames into a vibrant winter scene with spectacular shows, luminous art, and a wondrous Winter Market offering a range of festive treats.
Where: London | More Info: Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Christmas Markets at Greenwich
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive market stalls.
Description:
Greenwich Christmas markets offer a variety of seasonal items, including handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious treats. The historic sites are adorned with twinkling lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the market stalls and enjoy festive activities.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Greenwich
Washington Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ford's Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
A deeply personal and historically significant portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln.
Description:
Ford's Theatre presents a poignant and insightful one-man show, "Mister Lincoln," starring Scott Bakula as President Abraham Lincoln. The production delves into Lincoln's life, from his early days as a prairie lawyer to his presidency and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Through Lincoln's own words, the show reveals surprising aspects of his life and legacy.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Ford's Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol
Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories
What to Expect:
Intimate dance performances inspired by winter stories.
Description:
Dissonance Dance Theatre presents Winter Stories, an intimate evening of dance inspired by winter tales of longing, family, and determination. Featuring performances by The Ngoma School and new works by Principal Choreographer Shawn Short, set to the music of Bernard Hermann, Vivaldi, Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, and more.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
D.C.-themed ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a D.C.-themed production celebrating 20 years with stunning dance performances, nods to DC's rich history, and iconic figures like Betsy Ross and George Washington.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
What to Expect:
UK's largest open-air ice rink and diverse festive activities.
Description:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a festive event featuring an ice skating rink, carnival rides, live music, and themed areas like Santa's Grotto and the Magical Ice Kingdom. It offers a variety of attractions, activities, and entertainment options for all ages.
Where: London | More Info: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Christmas Markets at Leicester Square
What to Expect:
Daring acrobatics and unique blend of circus, cabaret, and music.
Description:
La Clique, a renowned cabaret show, returns to Leicester Square Spiegeltent for its 20th anniversary. This Olivier Award-winning performance features daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, and raucous comedy, blending circus, cabaret, and music in a spectacular display.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Markets at Leicester Square
Christmas Concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields
What to Expect:
World-class choral and orchestral performances in a historic church setting.
Description:
St Martin-in-the-Fields presents a series of Christmas concerts featuring renowned composers and choral music, including Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio and traditional carols.
Where: London | More Info: Christmas Concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Washington Other Holiday Activities
London Festive Boat Party
What to Expect:
Silent disco experience with multiple DJs and iconic London views.
Description:
Join the Silent Sounds Christmas Special on the Thames for an unforgettable night of silent disco and festive fun. Cruise past London's iconic landmarks while dancing to a curated soundtrack of disco classics, rock, pop, and Christmas hits. Enjoy the stunning views of the city as you float under Tower Bridge and take Instagram-worthy photos by Canary Wharf and The O2.
Where: London | More Info: London Festive Boat Party
Ice Skating at Somerset House
What to Expect:
Unmatched skating experience with gourmet dining and live music.
Description:
Ice skating at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with unrivalled skating, contemporary music, and tasty food and drink. Enjoy skating lessons, Chilled Out sessions, and trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks.
Where: London | More Info: Ice Skating at Somerset House
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Historic ice skating experience with environmental initiatives.
Description:
Skate through history at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's historic home. Enjoy festive refreshments and extend your visit to explore the palace's gardens and historic chocolate kitchen.
Where: London | More Info: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Skiing and Snowboarding at Chel-Ski
What to Expect:
Personalized ski training on a continuously rotating slope.
Description:
At Skieasy in Chiswick, London, enjoy private indoor ski lessons with fully qualified instructors. The continuously rotating ski track provides a controlled environment for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Sessions include full instruction, boots, skis, and helmets, with optional ski socks available for purchase. The centre offers free parking, changing rooms, and a cafe for relaxation after lessons.
Where: London | More Info: Skiing and Snowboarding at Chel-Ski
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Chester-le-Street (4 miles)
- Felling (4 miles)
- Houghton-Le-Spring (5 miles)
- Sunderland (5 miles)
- Gateshead (5 miles)
- Jarrow (6 miles)
- Wallsend (6 miles)
- Newcastle upon Tyne (6 miles)
- Stanley (8 miles)
- South Shields (8 miles)
- Gosforth (8 miles)
- Seaham (8 miles)
- North Shields (8 miles)
- Durham (9 miles)
- Whitley Bay (10 miles)
- Newburn (11 miles)
- Peterlee (12 miles)
- Consett (13 miles)
- Cramlington (13 miles)
- Blyth (16 miles)
- Bishop Auckland (18 miles)
- Hartlepool (19 miles)
- Ashington (19 miles)
- Newton Aycliffe (20 miles)
- Billingham (23 miles)
- Stockton-on-Tees (24 miles)
- Middlesbrough (25 miles)
- Darlington (26 miles)
- Redcar (27 miles)
- Thornaby-on-Tees (27 miles)