Plan your perfect holiday season in Wheaton with our comprehensive guide. For both Wheaton locals and travelers, this guide highlights the city's festive treasures.
Among the highlights this season is the DowntownDC Holiday Market, where local artisans come together to offer unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats in a vibrant outdoor setting. Another must-see is ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a captivating experience that brings the beloved Peanuts characters to life through stunning ice sculptures. And the whimsical ZooLights transforms the local zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Wheaton
- DowntownDC Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- A Christmas Carol (Washington, DC)
- ZooLights (Washington, DC)
- ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (National Harbor)
- Cirque: Spirit of Christmas (National Harbor)
- Holiday Boat Parade (Washington, DC)
- DC Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- Unique Markets DC Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
- Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show (Alexandria)
- The Holiday Show (Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC) (Washington, DC)
See these and even more events listed below!
Wheaton Holiday Light Displays
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 dazzling winter spectacle with over 1.5 million twinkling LED lights, featuring handcrafted displays of flowers, animals, and natural elements along a half-mile paved trail.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Garden of Lights
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with glowing lantern animals and live music.
Description:
The Smithsonian's National Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle with ZooLights, featuring immersive light displays, live musical performances, and seasonal treats.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: ZooLights
Winter City Lights
What to Expect:
Technologically advanced Christmas light show with eco-friendly, low-energy 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.
Where: Olney | More Info: Winter City Lights
Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival
What to Expect:
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
Wheaton Christmas Parade & Nights of Lights
What to Expect:
Annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Wheaton.
Description:
The Wheaton Christmas Parade & Nights of Lights features a festive procession through Downtown Wheaton, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree. The event includes a parade that travels along Wheaton Avenue, Wesley Street, and Front Street, finishing at Cross Street. Immediately following the parade, attendees can enjoy the tree lighting ceremony and the subsequent Nights of Lights display, which illuminates Adams Park daily from 4 PM to 10 PM through January 7.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Wheaton Christmas Parade & Nights of Lights
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Cosley Zoo transforms into a winter spectacle with thousands of twinkling lights, an array of Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery, along with hot chocolate and unique holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. The event features four varieties of trees ranging from 3 to 12 feet, with Christmas lights turning on at 3 PM and hot chocolate available weekdays from 3 to 9 PM and weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM. Free admission is offered, with donations greatly appreciated.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale
Light Up Wheaton
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday decorating contest with public voting.
Description:
The Light Up Wheaton event is a community-driven holiday decorating contest where residents, businesses, and organizations can showcase their creative light displays. All entries are open to various themes and holidays, and participants can vote for their favorites.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Light Up Wheaton
Wheaton Holiday Markets and Shopping
DowntownDC Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Revitalized market experience with modern vendor kiosks and diverse local vendors.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a 20th-anniversary celebration in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
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 market in Penn Quarter-Chinatown, featuring over 100 local vendors, upgraded vendor kiosks, diverse artisans, community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: DC Holiday Market
Swedish Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Traditional Swedish food and cultural celebration.
Description:
The Swedish Holiday Market at House of Sweden features Nordic vendors selling arts and crafts, including holiday ornaments, textiles, and Swedish glass. Enjoy traditional Swedish food and drinks like Glögg and Swedish sandwiches with meatballs, lax, or herring. The event culminates with a Saint Lucia celebration and open-air concert.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Swedish Holiday Market
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Local artisans and vendors selling handmade products.
Description:
The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show features local artisans, delicious treats, and holiday activities at John Carlyle Square. Explore handcrafted delights, indulge in culinary journeys, and enjoy Christmas music and holiday vibes.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Unique Markets DC Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Indoor holiday market with diverse local vendors.
Description:
Unique Markets DC Holiday Market features a curated selection of local entrepreneurs and artists, offering a variety of goods including clothing, jewelry, and gourmet chocolates. The event takes place indoors at Union Market DC, providing an elevated atmosphere regardless of the weather.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Unique Markets DC Holiday Market
National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Rotating selection of local artisans and crafters.
Description:
The National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show offers a vibrant and ever-changing holiday experience with a rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters, along with an array of delectable holiday sweets and desserts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy delightful treats.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Wheaton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
What to Expect:
Unique ice sculptures of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in a frosty environment.
Description:
ICE at Gaylord National features intricate ice sculptures of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," created by 40 ice artisans using over two million pounds of ice. 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”
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Music-infused adaptation with a children's ensemble.
Description:
A music-infused production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, with a children's ensemble and period costumes.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: A Christmas Carol
The Holiday Show (Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC)
What to Expect:
Diverse musical performances blending jazz, world music, and contemporary styles.
Description:
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC presents an annual holiday extravaganza featuring eclectic songs, exciting rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. The event includes performances by the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Songs include See Amid Winters Snow, Feliz Navidad, Love is Christmas, and Silent Night. The show also features a special guest performance by the World Music Collective.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: The Holiday Show (Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC)
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
What to Expect:
High-flying acrobatic stunts and Broadway-style performance.
Description:
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas is a Broadway-style show featuring dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. It centers around Noel, a child trying to recapture her lost love of the season with the help of spirits who bring back the true meaning of Christmas in energetic, dreamlike chapters.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
Wheaton Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration with decorated boats and festive activities.
Description:
The Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf features over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel, accompanied by landside activities like ornament decorating, live music, and visits with Santa. The event includes a signature music performance by Yani the Band, hot toddies, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Where: Washington, DC | More Info: Holiday Boat Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Aspen Hill (3 miles)
- North Bethesda (3 miles)
- Silver Spring (4 miles)
- Bethesda (5 miles)
- Fairland (6 miles)
- Rockville (6 miles)
- Chillum (6 miles)
- College Park (8 miles)
- Olney (8 miles)
- Potomac (8 miles)
- McLean (10 miles)
- Greenbelt (10 miles)
- Washington (10 miles)
- Gaithersburg (11 miles)
- Scaggsville (11 miles)
- South Laurel (11 miles)
- Landover (11 miles)
- Arlington (11 miles)
- North Potomac (12 miles)
- Laurel (12 miles)
- Montgomery Village (12 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (14 miles)
- West Falls Church (14 miles)
- Suitland (15 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (15 miles)
- Lincolnia (16 miles)
- Reston (16 miles)
- Alexandria (16 miles)
- Annandale (16 miles)
- Oakton (17 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (17 miles)
- Rose Hill (18 miles)
- Columbia (18 miles)
- Herndon (18 miles)
- Bowie (19 miles)
- Springfield (19 miles)
- Fairfax (19 miles)
- Odenton (19 miles)
- Crofton (20 miles)
- Sterling (20 miles)
- Oak Hill (20 miles)
- Severn (20 miles)
- West Springfield (21 miles)
- Burke (21 miles)
- Hanover (21 miles)
- Clinton (21 miles)
- Ellicott City (21 miles)
- West Elkridge (21 miles)
- Ilchester (21 miles)
- Chantilly (23 miles)
- Woodlawn (23 miles)
- Fort Washington (23 miles)
- Ashburn (23 miles)
- Catonsville (24 miles)
- South Gate (24 miles)
- Arbutus (24 miles)
- Centreville (24 miles)
- Glen Burnie (25 miles)
- South Riding (25 miles)
- Eldersburg (26 miles)
- Milford Mill (26 miles)
- Woodlawn (26 miles)
- Pasadena (27 miles)
- Randallstown (27 miles)
- Lochearn (27 miles)
- Severna Park (27 miles)
- Lake Ridge (28 miles)
- Leesburg (28 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (28 miles)
- Pikesville (29 miles)
- Waldorf (29 miles)
- Baltimore (29 miles)
- Arnold (30 miles)
- Owings Mills (30 miles)
- Manassas (30 miles)
- Annapolis (31 miles)
- St. Charles (31 miles)
- Saint Charles (31 miles)
- Dale City (31 miles)
- Reisterstown (32 miles)
- Frederick (32 miles)
- Dundalk (32 miles)
- Linton Hall (34 miles)
- Towson (35 miles)
- Parkville (36 miles)
- Essex (36 miles)
- Carney (38 miles)
- Cockeysville (38 miles)
- Hunt Valley (39 miles)
- Middle River (39 miles)
- Perry Hall (41 miles)