Washington is one of the oldest and best-planned cities in the world. Classic, Contemporary and fusion are the words to describe Washington. The place appears gorgeous with the dusk of the evening times itself. Imagine the majestic look it would hold when it is lit with fairy lights during the Christmas season. Christmas in Washington DC is a truly magical time. Plan your trip to Washington right away after reading this handy guide of things you can enjoy doing at this place with Christmas jingles all around.
Places To Visit During Christmas In Washington DC
Get into the holiday spirit by visiting these places during Christmas including giant decorated trees, garden light displays, fairs & markets, and themed Christmas events in Washington DC. We have narrowed down the best of them for you here.
1. National Christmas Tree and Nationalism
Image Credit: Tim Evanson for Wikimedia Commons
The National Christmas Tree is situated across the White House. The main National Tree is surrounded by smaller trees representing the states that make up the United States of America. You can see this as an analogy to the stars in the National Flag. One can imagine the number of lights and the lovely picture it would portray when witnessed in real. Though you can find a lot of Christmas trees around Washington DC all beautifully decked up, there is something so special about the National Christmas tree. Not just the visitors, but also, the locals do not want to miss the chance to glance at the National Christmas Tree.
Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
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2. Sip And Munch The Afternoon Holiday Tea
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What’s more peaceful than sipping on different blends of tea on a Christmas weekend afternoon? There are a lot of cafes and lounges in and around Washington DC which have roped in some of the best brands to provide you with a great taste of selected tea types and brands. This tea is served along with rich cupcakes and other baked goodies. The softness of these gluttony guilts and the hot tea just melts in your mouth while you enjoy the cool afternoon. It is indeed one of the best things to do on Christmas in Washington DC on a lazy afternoon with your loved ones.
Also Read: Hostels In Washington DC
3. Go, Market Hopping
Christmas is the season when Washington DC throws up spaces for open market spaces. This could undoubtedly bag the right place in the list of things to do on Christmas in Washington DC. Stalls of some of the best sellers and brands from all over Europe like Germany and Sweden are put up here. The cherry on the cake factor is that you can get some amazing discounts. Moreover, bringing everything under one single roof is possible only during the Christmas season. The sellers also showcase an array of products of people’s likes. Many save up just to shop during the Weekend.
4. Experience Wharf Christmas
If you are looking for a lovely ambience with great music and food for a meet-up with your longtime friend, then one of the best Christmas events in Washington DC to go to is the Wharf. Santa, Music, Disney Princesses and whatnot. Every ingredient required to turn your Christmas great is found in Wharf. The best part is that you do not need to spend a lot of money on entry and to access the other arrangements at the Place. It is boring to follow the usual way of meeting your beloved in a restaurant. This idea of open-air filled with fun and frolic will definitely feed your hearts and brains.
Related Post: Museums In Washington DC
5. Christmas With The Flora At The Botanic Garden
The US Botanic Garden at Washington is one of its kind in the entire world. Tourists never fail to make a visit to the Botanic Garden on their trip to Washington. The place is filled with exotic species of flora and occupies a prime position in history. The best part is that the Botanical gardens carve replicas of monuments in the USA out of real plants and display them. These carvings are even more wonderful to look at with the colourful Christmas lights. Visiting the Botanic Gardens with your family is one of the best Christmas activities in Washington DC.
Location: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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6. Bring Out The Child In You By Ice Skating
Ice Skating at Fairmont Washington is one exhilarating way to spend your Christmas in Washington DC. Washington is never snow-clad at any time of the year. So, Fairmont has created a space where you can skate in synthetic plastics and get the feel of skating on real ice. You can borrow the skates for less than $5 per hour and enjoy the time. There are many outlets that offer fresh hot chocolate and other delicacies. A gulp of the creamy hot chocolate after skates is a heavenly feel.
Location: 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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7. Christmas At Union Station
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Washington DC Christmas would turn out to be much more memorable for the entire family if you decide to spend your time with family at Union Station. There is something for everyone in the family, which Durham Museum Union Station could offer. Santa to surprise the children with lovely gifts. A wonderful choir to sing sweet songs. The artefacts and other rare things in the museum would interest the older people in the household.
Location: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
8. Christmas At Zoo
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Celebrating Christmas Eve at the zoo sounds interesting when you are at the Smithsonian National Zoo. You won’t be able to spot animals late at night, but you can have a great time by enjoying the sight of animals’ figurines. More than 500,000 LED lights are arranged to give you a dreamy feel. Concerts and great food add a new touch to the otherwise usual zoo. If you are in Washington DC for your Christmas, then never miss out on planning a trip to this zoo. This is one of the meticulously planned Washington DC Christmas events in December.
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
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9. Stroll Around Georgetown
Image Credit: Ben Schumin for Wikimedia Commons
There is a lot of difference between taking a tour around Georgetown on normal days and busy days. Georgetown appears even more gorgeous during the Christmas season. Window Shopping while you munch on your favourite snacks is something you need to experience in Georgetown. There are a lot of events which happen in all corners of the place giving it a festive look.
Location: Washington, DC 20229, USA
10. Christmas Tree Lighting With Your Kids
You can light up the Christmas Tree with your entire family and enjoy the glow on the tree. This is a tradition followed by the people overages. Even outsiders can participate and get an experience of this ceremony. Every community based out of the USA has this event conducted to mark Christmas Eve. One of the best Christmas events in Washington DC, it is also one of the best ways to connect with your family.
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Where To Stay During Christmas In Washington DC
These are some of the best places to stay on your trip to Washington DC during the Christmas season.
1. Willard Hotel
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Situated very near Whitehouse, this hotel has space to conduct concerts and events to soothe your ears and soul. The place is also beautifully adorned with all the lights and gives more royalty to the appearance. Priced very nominally, it is one of the best hotels to spend your Christmas in Washington DC.
Location: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 628-9100.
2. Ritz Carlton Hotel
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The best Christmas tree décor can be found in this hotel in the entire city. The place also offers really tasty food. One can vouch that they can get to taste the best cookies and milk in the city in this place.
Location: 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, D.C. (202) 835-0500.
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3. Gaylord National Resort
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If you are looking forward to enjoying your Christmas Eve with a whole new different theme, then you need to head towards Gaylord National Resort. Every year, the resort comes up with a different theme to entice its visitors. Christmas in Washington DC is incomplete without a luxurious stay at one of the best resort hotels in Washington.
Location: 201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD (301) 965-4000.
Christmas Market In Washington DC
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One of the best attractions of the holiday season in Washington DC is the Christmas Market in Washington DC or the Holiday Market at Dupont Circle. The market is a great place to hang out & socialise, and buy Christmas desserts, goodies, presents, and treats from over 30 local artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses. The market caters not just to all your Christmas needs but to Hanukkah and Kwanza as well. The Christmas Market in Washington DC is organised on 19th Street near Dupont Circle Park for a duration of 23 days starting November 22nd. Find stunning art galleries and pop shops. What’s more, the market offers a musical feast for your ears with over 30 musical acts including some of the area’s best performers and DJs.
Further Read: Nightlife In Washington DC
So are you ready to spend your Christmas vacations roaming around the streets of Washington DC? If yes, then keep this guide handy and plan a trip to the USA with us and let us cater the best services on your demand!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Washington DC
How is Christmas celebrated in Washington DC?
Christmas is one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals that is celebrated in Washington DC. One can witness this festival being celebrated in the following ways when in DC on Christmas: – National Christmas Tree Lighting – Christmas special flea markets in every nook – Ice Skating – Exchanging of gifts – Streets and Zoos being decorated with lights – Christmas music and other show performances
What do people eat during Christmas in Washington DC?
There are many famous dishes that people in Washington eat during the Christmas festivities including steak, turkey with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, turnips, roast beef, ham, poultry, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, apple pie, fruitcake, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding, and more.
What is the temperature on Christmas Day in Washington DC?
The temperature during Christmas in Washington DC usually hovers around 6 to 7 degrees Celsius during the day and around -3 to -1 degrees Celsius during the night.
Where can I see Christmas lights in DC?
The top places where you can see the Christmas lights are National Zoo, The Wharf, Old Town Alexandria Marina, Mormon Temple, Seneca Creek State Park, Watkins Regional Park, Meadowlark Gardens, and many more.
Where can I see Santa in DC?
There are many places where one can see Santa in Washington DC including Aviation Museum, National Capital Trolly Museum, Waterskiing (Potomac), Kennedy Center, B&O’s Magical Holiday Express, ICE, and more.
Where does National Tree Lighting take place in DC?
The National Christmas Tree is a massive tree that is sitting in the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse. The lighting of the tree takes place in The Ellipse which is located in the vicinity of the President House a.k.a. The White House.
On which channel can I see the lighting of the Christmas tree?
If one misses out on lighting of the National Christmas Tree live, no worries. One can always witness the live broadcast of this event on the NBC Channel.
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