Last Updated on November 8, 2022 by Maggie McKneely

If you’ll be spending Christmas in Washington DC, be sure to check out one (or several!) of these fantastic holiday activities. (Updated for 2022)

Christmas in Washington DC

Christmas is my favorite time of year! All of the colorful, twinkly lights, Mannheim Steamroller music playing on a neverending loop, Santa, elves, reindeer – yeah, I’m into all of it. Most people think of New York City when it comes to Christmas in America, but that’s not the only city with awesome holiday activities. Fortunately, Washington, DC is into all of it too. I love living near a city with so much going on during the holiday season! So, I’ve put together a list of the best Christmas activities in the city that happen every year. If you’re lucky enough to be spending Christmas in Washington DC, be sure to check some (or all) of them out!

White House Christmas Tour

The White House is open for tours year-round, but going on a tour at Christmas-time is particularly special. The White House staff goes ALL OUT on Christmas decorations. The halls are filled with glittering lights, fresh pine garland, icicles, and beautiful wreaths. Every room has at least one (but usually more!) immaculately decorated Christmas tree. And every year, a gingerbread replica of the White House is placed in the State Dining Room!

And yes, you can appreciate a White House tour regardless of your political affiliation. I have visited the White House during the administrations of both parties, and have enjoyed myself every time. The White House is the People’s House and is always beautiful at Christmas time!

christmas in washington dc

Christmas in washington dc

What you get to see on a White House Christmas Tour:

  • East Wing and Movie Theater – The Movie Theater wasn’t part of the tour until 2017, so this is a real treat! In the East Wing is a collection of Christmas cards sent from past Presidential families, a tradition started in 1953 under President Eisenhower
  • Library – a beautiful cozy ringed by inset shelves filled with books, including President Teddy Roosevelt’s personal copy of A Christmas Story
  • East Room – the largest room in the White House, most often used for entertaining. In here you’ll find a magnificent 18th-century Italian creche (nativity scene) that has belonged to the White House since 1961
  • Green, Blue, and Red Rooms – each room is beautifully decorated to suit its namesake color theme, often including the works of local artisans among the Christmas ornaments
  • State Dining Room – this is where the traditional gingerbread version of the White House lives during the Christmas season. But don’t try and taste it (unless you want an untimely meeting with the Secret Service!)
  • Grand Foyer – this is always the grand finale of a White House Christmas tour. Don’t forget to take a photo under the Presidential seal before you leave!

 

christmas in washington dc

Family pic in the White House

White House Christmas Tour Info:

  • Admission: Free
  • Reservations:
    • The earliest you can request a tour is 3 months in advance, and if you want to visit during the Christmas season, you’ll want to schedule a tour as far in advance as possible. Only a certain amount of people can tour the White House each day, and tours fill up very quickly.
    • American citizens must request a White Tour through the office of their Congressman. To find out who your Representative is, go here.
    • Foreign visitors can request a tour through their embassy
  • Dates: White House Christmas Tours are available throughout the month of December

Christmas at the Willard

Just a block from the White House is the beautiful Willard Intercontinental Hotel. For 200 years, the Willard has been hosting Washington D.C’s most elite visitors, from international dignitaries to pop icons. So no, I’ve never stayed here. Maybe one day πŸ˜‰

christmas in washington DC

Inside the Willard

But, you can walk into the lobby for free! At Christmas, The Willard gives off an “Eloise at the plaza” sort of vibe, with a magnificently decorated central Christmas tree and lights and garland elegantly draped throughout the lobby, as well as an impressive gingerbread house. And every night in December, from 5:30-7:30, there’s a free musical performance by local groups such as the Children’s Chorus of Washington. This is a great way to experience Christmas in Washington DC like one of the elite, without paying the price tag.

christmas in washington dc

Last year’s gingerbread house was a recreation of Mount Vernon!

Christmas at the Willard Info:

  • Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Holiday events calendar: Click here

National Christmas Tree

Did you even visit DC during Christmastime if you didn’t see THE National Christmas Tree?! The beautifully decorated conifer is located in President’s Park just outside of the White House property and has been a DC tradition since 1923 when Calvin Coolidge lit the first decorated tree. The date for the official lighting ceremony for 2022 will be November 30th and the lottery for tickets to attend runs from October 25 – November 1. Go here to enter!

The tree stays lit for the whole month of December, from 4:30 to midnight each day, and is worth visiting during your time in the city. Because if you visit the National Christmas Tree, you’ll get to see a lot more than just one tree. Around the main tree are 56 smaller trees, one for each U.S. state and territory. Each tree is decorated with ornaments made by residents of those states. Also near the National Christmas Tree is the National Menorah.

Related: Both New York City and Chicago are great cities to spend Christmas too

Most nights in December the Ellipse stage hosts performances from groups all over the country, from well-known celebrities to local schools and choirs.

(Fun fact: I got to perform here several years in a row as part of a kids’ choir I was in when I was little! I liked to tell people I sang at the White House; not technically true, but close enough πŸ˜› )

christmas in washington dc

The National Christmas Tree

National Christmas Tree Info:

  • Admission: Free
  • Hours: The display is open from 10 AM-10 PM and the tree is lit from 4:30 PM-10 PM
  • Dates: December 2 – January 1, 2023
  • Musical Performances: TBD

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Why have one National Christmas Tree when you can have two?! That’s right; the Capitol buildingΒ alsoΒ has a Christmas tree. Since the 1960s, a tree has been brought to the steps of the U.S. Capitol from a different National Forest each year. This one doesn’t have all of the extras, like the mini trees and musical performances, but it does get its own lighting ceremony. And in my personal opinion, this tree is much prettier than the official National Christmas Tree.

The Capitol Tree is located on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building. One of the most iconic pictures of Christmas in Washington DC is a photo of the Capitol Christmas Tree with the famous rotunda and Capitol steps behind it. Make sure to stop by here if you’re spending Christmas in Washington DC!

christmas in washington dc

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Follow the tree’s progress on Facebook!

U.S. Botanic Garden Seasonal Exhibit

Every year, the U.S. Botanic Garden has a special “Season’s Greenings” (see what they did there?) exhibit. The exhibit always features amazing plant-based recreations of famous landmarks and buildings. 2017’s theme was Roadside Attractions and included Cadillac Ranch made from bamboo leaves, Mr. Potato Head made from a gourd, and Mt. Rushmore made from a combination of mahogany, black walnut bark, sponge fungi, and driftwood!

The entrance hall also has huge recreations of DC landmarks, such as the White House and the Capitol Building, as well as a 3,000+ poinsettia display that includes varieties not yet on the market. It’s an awesome exhibit, and it’s free!

Visitor info:

  • Dates: November 24, 2022 – January 2, 2023
  • Times: 10 AM-5 PM every day
  • Admission: Free, no tickets required (but expect long lines!)
christmas in washington dc

Plant-based recreation of the U.S. Capitol

U.S. Botanic Garden Info:

  • Admission: Free
  • Dates: The seasonal decorations will be on display TBD
  • House: The garden is open 7 days a week, from 10 AM -5 PM

Downtown Holiday Market

Don’t want to rely on Amazon for all of your Christmas shopping needs? Check out DC’s Downtown Holiday Market! 2021 marks the 17th year in a row that this outdoor shopping village has showcased unique and local small businesses. This year’s market will take up two entire blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW, to allow for maximum social distancing. The retail lineup will include over 70 vendors from around the Washington, DC area. Check out their website for details.

dc holiday market

Holiday Market info:

  • Dates:Β November 18 to December 23, 2022
  • Hours: 12-8 PM every day except Mondays
  • Location: F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets; NW Entrance is outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum

Enchant Christmas at Nats Park

After its debut in 2019, Enchant is coming back to DC for the 2022 season! Enchant Christmas is set to take over Nats Park this holiday season once again with the largest light maze in the world. In addition to the maze, there will be an ice skating trail through the park and Christmas market featuring over 60 local and international artisans and vendors.

Enchant Christmas DC

Enchant Christmas Info:Β 

  • Admission: $35 for adults, $23 for youths (3-17). Upgrades available
  • Dates: November 25 – January 1, 2023
  • Location: Nationals Park
  • Purchase tickets here

The Messiah at the National Cathedral

Handel’s Messiah unveils the story of Christianity in a way no other composer has ever accomplished. Handel wrote The Messiah to be performed in a place just like the National Cathedral, and attending a performance of it here is an experience you won’t forget. Just thinking about the jubilant notes of the pipe organ and trumpets of the Hallelujah Chorus being rung in that space sends chills down my spine. If you have the time, do not miss out on this performance!

christmas in washington dc

The National Cathedral

Messiah Info:

  • Dates: December 2, 3, and 4, 2022
  • Ticket Price: $20 – $95
  • Location: Washington National Cathedral
  • Tickets: Purchase here

Zoolights

Every year, the Smithsonian National Zoo gets into the holiday spirit by putting on its free event, Zoolights. With over 500,000 LED lights, the zoo is transformed into a colorful winter playground! The event also features live musical performances and holiday drinks and treats (like mulled cider and eggnog, and spiked hot chocolate for the 21+ crowd), along with a light show set to music. This is a great event to take kids to but it’s a lot of fun for adults too! (I’m 26, and I think it’s pretty cool!) This is one of the most family-friendly ways to celebrate Christmas in Washington DC.

Zoolights info:

  • Dates:Β November 25 – December 30, 2022
  • Time:Β 5-9 PM
  • Admission: Free
  • Location: Smithsonian National Zoo

christmas in washington dc

Christmas at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon makes for a great day trip from DC, but particularly so during the Christmas season. During the holiday season, the estate is illuminated by festive winter lights and Christmas carolers enchant visitors.

You can also say hi to Aladdin the Camel, a tribute to the camel that Washington hired to entertain guests for Christmas in 1787. This is a Christmas in Washington DC tradition that you definitely don’t want to miss!

christmas in washington dc

Mount Vernon by candlelight

Christmas at Mount Vernon Info:

  • Admission: $36 for adults, $28 for youths (6-11), kids 5 and under are free
  • 2022 Dates: November 25-26, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10, and Dec. 18
  • Purchase tickets here

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater

The musical version of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol is coming to DC’s most historic theater this season! Ford’s Theater was the site of President Lincoln’s assassination, but your experience watching the ghosts of Christmas lead Scrooge to redemption will have a happier ending.

Ford's Theater

Ford’s Theater

A Christmas Carol info

  • Dates: November 18-December 31, 2022
  • Tickets: Range from $30-$104 (museum admission is included)
  • Purchase tickets here

There are plenty of other things to do to celebrate Christmas in Washington DC, but these are my absolute favorites! Have any questions about visiting America’s capital during the holidays? Let me know in the comments or contact me!

For another magical city Christmas, check out things to do in New York at Christmas.

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Headed to the nation's capital this holiday season? Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Washington DC! #washingtondc #usa #virginia #christmas

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