When it comes to kicking off the holiday season, it’s hard to rival the beauty and diversity of the events and experiences in Washington, D.C.
From festive concerts to multi-denominational lighting celebrations, festivals, and markets, there are festivities at every turn throughout the city and greater DMV. Kick off your holiday season with one (or a few!) of these seasonal activities throughout the region.
2024 Downtown Holiday Market
Join this long-standing local tradition as it celebrates its 20th year. The market is located on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW in Penn Quarter-Chinatown. Jewelry, handmade clothing, towels, art, candies, skincare, and other handmade goods are just some of what you’ll find. Explore the market any day of the week from noon to 8 p.m. between November 22 and December 23.
Learn more at https://downtowndcholidaymarket.com/.
Seasons Greenings
Get in the holiday spirit with the 2024 “Season’s Greenings” exhibit at the national botanical gardens. In the outdoor gardens, you’ll find an impressive model train exhibit alongside holiday lights and décor. Indoors, view some of D.C.’s famous landmarks, recreated from plants, as well as thousands of gorgeous poinsettias. As always, the gardens are free to explore. This event is open November 28 through January 5.
Learn more at https://www.usbg.gov/visit/exhibits/seasons-greenings-holiday-exhibit-2024-0.
15th Annual Parade of Trabants
Step into history and out of the traditional holiday happenings on November 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 15th annual Parade of Trabants at the International Spy Museum. These little cars are a rarity in our area, but on this day they unite to celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. While tickets are required to enter the museum, this particular event will take place primarily outside, offering you unique access to cars and experts alike.
Learn more at https://www.spymuseum.org/past-events/15th-annual-parade-of-trabants/2021-11-13/.
DC Holiday Market
Not to be confused with the Downtown Holiday Market, the DC Holiday Market is an all-new shopping experience located in Dupont Circle. Open weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from November 22 through December 15, this holiday shopping experience features more than 30 small businesses along with live entertainment.
Learn more at https://www.dcholidaymarket.net/.
Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is beautiful any day of the year, but starting November 29, the estate kicks things up a notch. Visit Winter Glow for an outdoor walk of the grounds through music-synchronized illuminations. You can also enjoy s’mores and bonfires, learn about holiday traditions of seasons past, and partake in 18th century music and games in the tavern tent.
Reserve your ticket at https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/winter-glow.
ZooLights
See the zoo transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland when you visit on select nights from November 22 through January 4. While indoor exhibits are closed during the evenings, the stroll through lantern-lit habitats and festive, illuminated pathways makes for a memorable experience.
Learn more or purchase tickets at https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights.
LuminoCity Fest
Explore six acres of interactive lighting installations at LuminoCity in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Throughout your walk, you’ll explore stunning tunnels, thematic worlds, illuminated mythical creatures, and thousands of lights. Tickets are available from November 24 through January 15.
Learn more at https://luminocityfest.com/.
