Washington, DC during the holiday season is the epitome of a winter wonderland – there is nothing quite like it! There are gorgeous holiday displays all over the city and the nation’s capital is filled with an abundance of winter activities! Read the list below for fun things to do in Washington, DC #DecemberEdition!

ILLUSTRATION FROM RILEY SHEEHEY OF @CESTRILEY

DC DECEMBER EVENTS

ZOO LIGHTS

Visit the National Zoo this winter and see ZooLights! Visit the zoo after hours so see more than 500,000 animated light installations…best part? There is live music, eggnog, hot chocolate, s’mores, and holiday treats! Zoolights runs from Nov. 29 — Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24, 25 & 31).

CITYCENTER / PALMER ALLEY

Head to Palmer Alley and walk beneath the gorgeous stringed lights. Check out the 75-foot Christmas tree and 25 feet tall reindeer sculptures. While you’re there do some holiday shopping and dine at Centrolina or Fig & Olive!

 THE WATERGATE HOTEL IGLOOS + ICE SKATING

Enjoy a winter wonderland themed day at the Watergate Hotel! Spend the day ice skating and lounging in a 12-foot heated igloo. The Next Whisky Bar patio has 4 igloos (you must reserve beforehand) and they can seat parties from 2 to 8 people. Enjoy drinks and bites in the cozy igloo then head to ice skate on the rooftop!

GEORGETOWN GLOW

Hit up the Georgetown area, from Dec. 6 – Jan. 5 (5-10 p.m. nightly), to see the public light exhibit known as “Georgetown Glow.” Stroll throughout Georgetown and marvel at the gorgeous artwork from local and international artists.

THE CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE

Every holiday season, a tree is brought from a National Forest in the U.S., to the Capitol. Visit the gorgeous tree on the West Lawn this winter!

HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

Each year, dozens of holiday-themed and illuminated boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to The Wharf as part of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. You can observe free of charge, and there are even holiday festivals on both sides of the river to enjoy beforehand. This year’s festivities will take place Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET

Across from the Capitol One Arena, at 8th and F Street NW, you will find the Downtown Holiday Market! The Market runs from Nov. 22 – Dec. 23. Shop while listening to live music and snacking on some delicious treats!

ICE SKATING IN GEORGETOWN

Admire the views of the Potomac River while ice skating at the largest rink in DC! The arena is open from mid-November until March. Tickets are only $10 for adults. After skating, head to a restaurant/bar nearby and enjoy a yummy cocktail!

THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE

The National Christmas Tree lighting takes place on Thursday, November 29th and the Tree will be lit until January 1, 2018. The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason! The main tree is surrounded by mini trees with ornaments representing the 50 states.  Throughout the season, there are nightly musical performances – see the schedule here.

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ENCHANT CHRISTMAS @ NATIONALS PARK

Enchant Christmas is a beloved light maze, billed as the biggest in the world, that will make its home in DC for the first time at the gorgeous Nationals Park. Throughout the holiday season, there will also be ice skating trails and a large holiday market offering products from more than 60 vendors, including local businesses and international brands.

HOLIDAY SWEDISH MARKETPLACE

Visit the House of Sweden, on the Georgetown waterfront, the first Saturday in December (Dec. 7th), from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Shop the Swedish marketplace for crystal glassware, artworks, food, and traditional caroling!

PLACES TO ICE SKATE

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The Watergate Hotel Rooftop

Washington Harbour

The Wharf Ice Rink

Canal Park Ice Rink

The Fairmont Georgetown

RESTAURANTS WITH FIREPLACES IN DC TO COZY UP

Barcelona on 14th Street

Iron Gate

Masseria

The Red Hen

Plume

Bourbon Steak

Farmers Fishers Bakers

1789 Restaurant

Ana at District Winery

Kinship

fyve

HOLIDAY SHOWS IN THE AREA

A Christmas Carol –Nov. 21 – Jan. 1, 2020

The Nutcracker –Nov. 23– Dec. 29

NPR’s ‘A Jazz Piano Christmas’ – Dec. 7th

‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’– Dec. 17-19

‘Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker’ – Dec. 15-16