12 Things to Do in Washington DC at Christmas

There is so much to see and do in Washington DC during these last few weeks of the year. From the incredible decorations in Georgetown, the traditional Zoolights or the charming Christmas markets, to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, everything in December seems to get into the Christmas spirit.

If you don't know where to start, join me on this winter tour of one of the most enchanting cities in the United States. Just make sure you get a good coat and comfortable shoes. Let's go!

If you thought that the NBA games stopped at Christmas time, nothing could be further from the truth. There are some very interesting and attractive games taking place at this time of year and Washington has its own team, the Washington Wizards.

So, if you want to get to know the American culture from the inside and want to live a 100% American experience, I recommend you to book your Washington Wizards tickets as soon as possible.

Even at this time of the year, tickets are usually sold out quickly, so don't leave it to the last minute. When they play at home they play at the Capital One Arena, located at 601 F Streets NW.

This is a truly special and unique experience. In December, Mount Vernon, the former residence of George Washington, is lit up to celebrate Christmas.

It's a great opportunity to take a tour of this historic mansion, while enjoying the views of the garden filled with light decorations, which light up as the sun goes down. A way to get up close to living American history and enjoy Christmas on an unforgettable tour.

You'll also be treated to a live music show and historical re-enactment, while letting the ambience of the place completely take you in. With a view of the Potomac River and the tree-lit residence, each evening ends with a fireworks display and traditional musket firing.

Practical information

• Location: Fairfax, Washington, 30 km south of DC.
• Celebration dates: during the month of December

Georgetown is undoubtedly one of Washington DC's most picturesque and elegant neighbourhoods. Its streets with their Georgian-style brick houses are a spectacle in themselves. At Christmas time, the neighbourhood is even more festive with countless holiday decorations and hundreds of lights.

The lanterns with their typical yellowish lights give way to huge luminous snowflakes, garlands, stars and original artwork that add even more sparkle to this amazing corner of Washington DC. You can also enjoy the traditional Grace Street Holiday Bonfire, a bonfire in the middle of Grace Street, around which various evening activities are organised.

It's even a good opportunity to book a food tour of Georgetown and sample some delicious holiday food and hot beverages.

Union Station is one of the largest and most important stations in the United States, second only in size to New York City's Penn Station. With its frenetic pace of commuters coming and going daily to and from all corners of the country, this beautiful station dresses up every December with thousands of ornaments, lights, important decorations and its imposing Christmas tree.

Always included in Washington city tours, Union Station is without a doubt one of the most enchanting places to see in DC.

Sometimes the decorations are truly amazing, with miniature trains running through landscapes of snow-capped mountains, lakes and forests, all in its grand central hall. It's truly a spectacle not to be missed if you're visiting Washington DC for the holidays.

Practical Info

• Location: 50 Massachusetts Ave.
• Hours: Open 24 hours.

Every year, at the beginning of December, the President of the United States gives his traditional Christmas speech, which is broadcast live in order to reach every home, and then proceeds to light the thousands of lights on the big tree.

The National Christmas Tree is one of the largest and most beautifully decorated Christmas trees and a national symbol. This is one of the most awaited moments for the American people, and there are always live musical shows.

Beyond the ceremony, you can come and have your picture taken with the traditional tree lit during the whole month of December. One of the postcards you should not miss if you visit Washington DC at Christmas.

Useful information

To participate in the ceremony, every year a number of tickets are raffled off on the official US Government website. If you think you are a lucky person, don't hesitate and take part.

One of the most charming traditions of the holiday season is the Christmas markets. These open-air fairs, which you can only visit during the whole month of December, are located in the downtown area, although you can also find some very picturesque ones around DC, in nearby places like Maryland, for example.

This is the ideal excuse to stroll around the city and enjoy the spaces decorated with thousands of lights, buy a gift to put under the tree, or taste the typical flavours of Christmas. Some of the most important ones are:

• Downtown Holiday Market: located at Penn Quarter and 7th, it is open from noon to 8pm. Here you can find decorations, artwork, jewellery, various crafts, and much more.
• Shop made in DC: With locations in Georgetown, Dupont and WHARF, this holiday market offers only products made by Washington DC's own artisans, making it a great way to support local producers and artists.
• Unique Markets at Union Market: Another of everyone's favourites. This charming market is located inside Union Market and is accessed from 6th Street. Here you can buy decorative objects and handmade toys, among other things. You can also enjoy some hot drinks and tasty pastries.

Each year, the Washington DC Botanical Garden presents the Season's Greenings exhibit, where you can marvel at the stunning models of some of the city's most important buildings and monuments.

The exhibit also features miniature trains that travel through this small city, and an extra theme that changes each year.

One of the most striking details is that absolutely everything is made from plant materials from the botanical garden. Cork, pumpkin, leaves, bark, mushrooms? Everything is used here to create this powerful illusion.

Practical information

• Location: next to the Capitol, at 100 Maryland Avenue.
• Price: free
• Hours: Both the Botanical Garden and the Season's Greenings exhibit are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

One of the classics that Christmas brings each year is the magical window displays at the famous Macy's, and Washington is no exception. If you're someone who enjoys the holiday tradition and decorations, you should definitely head to Metro Center, where the red star shop is located.

With true works of art in every window, Macy's is always an eye-catcher during the holidays. With snowy villages, reindeer and candy canes, lights and magic in all its forms, strolling the shop's pavements is almost like watching a show.

You can be sure that the inside of the shop won't leave you indifferent either. And don't forget to take advantage of the reduced prices for the festive season.

Practical information

• Location: 1201 G Street, Metro Center
• Hours: daily from 10 am to 9 pm

With the arrival of winter and the cold weather, one of everyone's favourite activities returns every year: ice skating. Ideal for the whole family, ice rinks invite you to warm up with a spin around some of the city's most charming spots.

While there are many rinks at this time of year, the crowd favourites are at The Washington Harbour in Georgetown and The Wharf district.

At both, you can also enjoy a stroll around these modern complexes facing the city's oldest mirror: the Potomac River. Here you'll find unique shops and entertainment for the whole family, and places to warm up with a hot drink. All, of course, with beautiful holiday decorations in the background.

Washington Harbour ice rink

• Location: Washington Harbour
• Price: 9 U$S for children and 10 U$S for adults.
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11:30am to 9pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 11pm.

The Wharf ice rink

• Location: 760 Maine Ave.
• Price: 9 U$S for children and 12 U$S for adults.
• Hours: Wednesday to Friday from 4pm to 10pm - Saturdays from 12pm to 10pm - Sundays from 12pm to 8pm - Mondays and Tuesdays the ice rink is closed.

The most common excuse for seeking refuge at the Thomas Jefferson Library is to visit the Christmas tree. The truth is that while it is a great way to warm up on cold days, once inside you will be won over by the beautiful architecture, shows and exhibits.

The Thomas Jefferson Building is one of four buildings that make up the Library of Congress, considered to be the largest in the world. It is definitely a place full of history. I recommend you to visit its reading room, you won't regret it.

With the city filled with decorations and the cold weather hanging in the streets, it's impossible not to think of Charles Dickens and his unforgettable novel A Christmas Carol. Here in Washington, it has become customary to keep this classic of world literature alive through theatre.

Every year, Dickens' words come to life in a new performance at one of the most historic venues in the city: Washington's Ford's Theatre. If you want to attend, you must make your reservation in advance, as each year the show sells out easily. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the play is entirely in English.

Ford's Theatre is famous for having been the scene of **Abraham Lincoln'**s assassination, and is one of the oldest theatres in the United States. You can also tour this history-filled venue with a highly recommended guided tour, where you'll learn interesting details of America's past.

Every Christmas, the Smithsonian Washington Z oo fills up with lights for the enchanting Zoolights nighttime event. It's a family-friendly walk where you can enjoy a stunning visual spectacle, with more than 500,000 LED lights shaping different animals, live music shows and beautiful decorations.

You can also meet one of the zoo's most famous animals: Tian Tian the panda.

For some time now, the Smithsonian Zoo has also been hosting Brewlights, an adults-only version of this Christmas classic. With over 40 local craft beer producers, musical shows and an incredible party atmosphere, this is one event not to be missed if you're not travelling with children.

Extra information

If you've been left wanting more, or think that December isn't all about Christmas, I invite you to discover the top 10 things to see and do in Washington DC in December.

As you can see, Washington DC is a great place to spend Christmas. With lights, decorations and festivities all over the city, walking the streets, visiting the monuments and experiencing the real Christmas spirit is a great experience.

Finally, I would like to give you some practical tips to consider before you start your trip.

Is accommodation cheaper or more expensive at this time of year?

Let's see, the last two weeks of December are usually very cheap for accommodation in Washington DC.

This is mainly due to the fact that there are no conferences or business meetings at this time of year, which means that you can get a very good hotel for less than you would pay at other times of the year. This is another good reason to visit DC at Christmas.

What should I pack to visit Washington DC for Christmas?

Keep in mind that December in Washington DC is the start of winter, and temperatures can be very cold, so it won't hurt to pack a warm jacket, some jumpers, scarves and gloves.

While it doesn't usually snow a lot in DC, you may have a few days with temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.

What can you do in Washington DC if it snows?

It's not that common to get a snowfall that leaves you stranded and unable to enjoy anything. But if the cold is so intense that you can't enjoy outdoor activities, you can visit one of the many museums. Many of them are free, such as:

• The Natural History Museum
• The Air and Space Museum
• The Spy Museum
• The Museum of African-American History and Culture