Get set for the holidays in Woodlawn! Our guide has all the top festive events and activities. From those who live and breathe Woodlawn to those just getting a taste, our guide brings your holiday dreams to life.
One highlight of the season is the dazzling National Harbor Tree Light Show, where thousands of lights twinkle to synchronized music, creating a captivating spectacle for all ages. Another enchanting experience is the Merriweather Symphony of Lights, featuring a remarkable display of illuminated scenes and holiday exhibits set to the sound of festive melodies. And the US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it showcases beautifully crafted model trains winding through a stunning botanical landscape. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Woodlawn
- Merriweather Symphony of Lights (Columbia)
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor (Baltimore)
- ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (National Harbor)
- National Harbor Fireworks Display (National Harbor)
- US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains (Washington, D.C.)
- B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains (Baltimore)
- Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo (Baltimore)
- Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District (Columbia)
- Gaylord National Hotel Show (National Harbor)
See these and even more events listed below!
Woodlawn Holiday Light Displays
City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling 75-foot tree and live music performance by The Revels.
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, D.C. | More Info: City Center Christmas Tree Lighting
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree lighting display 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
National Harbor Fireworks Display
What to Expect:
Synchronized fireworks display with holiday music.
Description:
Witness a spectacular fireworks display at National Harbor, synchronized with a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band, every Saturday night from November 11 to December 30.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Fireworks Display
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of holiday lights with new additions each year.
Description:
Merriweather Symphony of Lights is a family-oriented holiday spectacle featuring over 300,000 bulbs in larger-than-life animated and stationary light creations at historic Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merriweather Symphony of Lights
Lighting of the Bollman Bridge
What to Expect:
Historic bridge lighting with local carolers and special guests.
Description:
The Lighting of the Bollman Bridge features carolers, a cheermeister student from Bollman Bridge Elementary, and special guests including Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, all coming together to light the bridge.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: Lighting of the Bollman Bridge
Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
What to Expect:
Hand-crafted light displays along a scenic boardwalk.
Description:
The Holiday Walk of Lights at Neabsco Regional Park features a 0.75-mile path of hand-crafted light displays, including a star light display and a fluorescent LOVE sign, creating a beautiful and colorful holiday trail.
Where: Woodbridge | More Info: Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
Rocking Around the Boardwalk at Neabsco Regional Park
What to Expect:
Hand-crafted light displays along a picturesque boardwalk.
Description:
Walk through a path of hand-crafted light displays at Neabsco Regional Park, featuring unique holiday lights and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Woodbridge | More Info: Rocking Around the Boardwalk at Neabsco Regional Park
Woodlawn Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors 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, D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade holiday gifts.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with local makers and artisans at Merriweather District's Holiday Market, featuring unique gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Columbia | More Info: Merri & Bright Celebration in Merriweather District
Natural Holiday Sale at Howard County Conservancy
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with nature-inspired gifts and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Natural Holiday Sale at Howard County Conservancy features beautiful gifts inspired by nature, crafted by local artisans. Kids can create whimsical critter crafts using natural materials for free. The event includes live music, raffles, and a mural unveiling, with hot cocoa available. No registration is required, and some vendors accept cash only.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Natural Holiday Sale at Howard County Conservancy
Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
What to Expect:
Authentic German Christmas Market with a wide selection of mulled wine and European cuisine.
Description:
Christmas Village in Baltimore offers an authentic German Christmas Market with over 60 vendors, featuring unique holiday gifts, European cuisine, and mulled wine. Located at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor, it provides a global shopping adventure amidst twinkling lights and festive cheer.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Christmas Village in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Woodlawn Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
Description:
At Gaylord National Hotel, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring stunning ice sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and spectacular light displays. Enjoy family-friendly activities like ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and photos with Santa amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculptures and scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Description:
ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is an immersive holiday attraction showcasing larger-than-life ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides, with scenes from the beloved TV special. Over 40 master artisans hand-carve more than 6,000 blocks of ice to create 14 immersive scenes, including Snoopy's doghouse and the Peanuts gang rehearsing their school Christmas play.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Woodlawn 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 plant parts, along with festive lights, poinsettias, and DC landmarks crafted from plants inside the Conservatory.
Where: Washington, D.C. | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
What to Expect:
Year-round train model exhibit in a historic railroad station.
Description:
The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum features intricate train models set up throughout the historic station, including a year-round exhibit in the Freight House. This event showcases the detailed craftsmanship of model train enthusiasts and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Where: Ellicott City | More Info: B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
Live Nativity at Mary's Land Farm
What to Expect:
Live Nativity with barnyard animals.
Description:
At Mary's Land Farm, the Live Nativity features a reenactment of the Christmas story with Mary and Joseph, accompanied by a variety of barnyard animals, creating a poignant and educational holiday experience.
Where: Laurel | More Info: Live Nativity at Mary's Land Farm
Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Maryland Zoo with Holly-Days, featuring holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more. Each weekend offers unique activities, including visits from Santa and the Grinch, Hanukkah traditions, and Frozen-themed events.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
What to Expect:
Custom model train layouts and festive activities.
Description:
The B&O Railroad Museum's Holiday Festival of Trains features custom model train layouts, daytime Reindeer Railway train rides, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Visitors can enjoy festive activities, holiday crafts, and classic holiday traditions.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
Four Seasons Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor rooftop skating rink with festive dining options.
Description:
The Four Seasons Winter Village offers an outdoor rooftop experience with a synthetic skating rink, semi-private cabanas, and a festive menu featuring food and beverage favorites. Guests can enjoy the picturesque views of the harbor and city skyline while creating lasting memories.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Four Seasons Winter Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lochearn (1 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (2 miles)
- Milford Mill (3 miles)
- Catonsville (4 miles)
- Pikesville (4 miles)
- Randallstown (5 miles)
- Arbutus (5 miles)
- Ilchester (5 miles)
- Ellicott City (5 miles)
- Baltimore (7 miles)
- Owings Mills (7 miles)
- West Elkridge (8 miles)
- Columbia (8 miles)
- Towson (9 miles)
- Hanover (9 miles)
- Parkville (11 miles)
- Reisterstown (12 miles)
- Cockeysville (12 miles)
- Carney (12 miles)
- Dundalk (12 miles)
- Glen Burnie (12 miles)
- Severn (13 miles)
- Hunt Valley (13 miles)
- Eldersburg (13 miles)
- Essex (14 miles)
- South Gate (14 miles)
- Scaggsville (15 miles)
- Perry Hall (15 miles)
- Middle River (15 miles)
- Pasadena (16 miles)
- Odenton (17 miles)
- Laurel (17 miles)
- South Laurel (19 miles)
- Severna Park (20 miles)
- Fairland (21 miles)
- Olney (22 miles)
- Crofton (22 miles)
- Greenbelt (23 miles)
- Arnold (23 miles)
- Edgewood (24 miles)
- Bel Air North (25 miles)
- North Bel Air (25 miles)
- Aspen Hill (25 miles)
- Bel Air South (25 miles)
- South Bel Air (25 miles)
- College Park (26 miles)
- Wheaton (26 miles)
- Bowie (26 miles)
- Annapolis (27 miles)
- Montgomery Village (27 miles)
- Silver Spring (28 miles)
- Rockville (28 miles)
- Gaithersburg (28 miles)
- Landover (28 miles)
- North Bethesda (28 miles)
- Chillum (29 miles)
- Bethesda (31 miles)
- North Potomac (33 miles)
- Potomac (33 miles)
- Washington (34 miles)
- Suitland (34 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (35 miles)
- McLean (36 miles)
- Arlington (37 miles)
- Frederick (37 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (39 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (39 miles)
- Clinton (40 miles)
- Alexandria (40 miles)
- West Falls Church (40 miles)
- Reston (41 miles)
- Lincolnia (41 miles)
- Rose Hill (42 miles)
- Annandale (42 miles)
- Herndon (43 miles)
- Oakton (43 miles)
- Sterling (43 miles)
- York (44 miles)
- Springfield (44 miles)