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!
December 1 – 3
THIS Friday, Saturday and Sunday (December 1, 2 & 3) CityCenterDC will open a life-size, modern, ice igloo made of 36,000 pounds of ice blocks. The igloo will be styled with plush interiors by Joseph Ireland of JD Ireland Interior Architecture + Design. The Ice Lounge opens on December 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will also be open to the public December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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 November 24 – January 1 (closed December 24, 25 and 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!
Photo by @stephanechong
Miracle on Seventh Street
Head to Miracle on Seventh Street, with cocktails by famed mixologist, Derek Brown. The pop-up bar resides on 7th street in Shaw and is open from November 24 – December 31.
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 December 8 – January 7, 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!
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 November 24th to December 23rd. 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.
Holiday Swedish Marketplace
Visit the House of Sweden, on the Georgetown waterfront, the first Saturday in December (Dec. 2), 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. 16 – Dec. 31 @ Ford’s Theatre
- The Nutcracker – Nov. 25 – Dec. 24 @ Warner Theatre
- Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker – Dec. 22-23 @ Strathmore
See how to Parisian in DC here!
