World-famous as the capital of the USA, Washington DC is a prominent city. It is home to iconic structures, such as the domed Capitol Building, the White House, and Washington Monument. Besides these, this city houses the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and many other crucial landmarks. Want to stay near the official residence of the US president? Here are the top Airbnb vacation rentals near the White House.
Famous for its commercial and political significance, Washington DC is also known for hosting Christmas events. The National Christmas Tree, the United States Botanic Garden, Washington National Cathedral, and many other landmarks greet you to experience the festive spirit of the season. So, waste no time and make your trip memorable by booking one of these Vrbo vacation rentals in DC for a fun-filled Christmas vacation. Read on to find some best things to do at Christmas in Washington DC.
1. Experience the best of Washington DC on this holiday lights night-time bus tour (from USD 69.0)
Have a memorable evening watching America’s national capital illuminated with dazzling Christmas lights. You’ll have a wonderful three-hour journey admiring the spectacular Christmas trees and other festive displays.
Marvel at the spectacular 65 ft (19.8 m) tall National Christmas Tree outside the Capitol Building and stroll around the Pageant of Peace outside the White House as you listen to your tour guide telling the fascinating history behind this annual tradition. Across the Potomac River to Old Town Alexandria, get lost in the breathtaking glimpses of the lit-up National Mall and many other landmarks.
Washington, DC: Holiday Lights Nighttime Bus Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
2. Slide on the ice at Canal Park Ice Skating Rink
Are you fond of ice skating and looking forward to enjoying it during the Christmas holidays? If yes, plan to visit the Canal Park Ice Skating Rink in Washington DC and experience the thrill of gliding across the ice. The ice rink also allows kids’ entry, so you can have the fun of ice skating with your family. Skate rentals are easily available here at some charges ensuring your convenience. So, plan a fun-filled ice skating excursion with your family when holidaying in the capital of USA this Christmas.
Canal Park Ice Rink
Address: 200 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
Website: Canal Park Ice Rink
3. Have a blissful Christmas at Washington National Cathedral
Christmas celebration is incomplete without visiting a church, and Washington National Cathedral is worth a visit whether you want to worship or simply witness the beauty of its Neo-Gothic design and medieval-style garden. You are going to be awestruck by this grand architecture and its colorful and classy holiday decor. Special holiday concerts and events held at this historic cathedral bring out the joy of Christmas. Its evening prayers, choral performances, poetry, and dance are things you must not miss.
Washington National Cathedral
Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States
Website: Washington National Cathedral
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4. Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting across the White House
Attend the spectacular National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ellipse at President’s Park, across the White House, in Washington DC. The National Park Foundation and the National Park Service take the initiative to present this popular American festive tradition. Watch outstanding musical performances, and admire the beautifully illuminated festive tree.
The National Christmas Tree
Address: The Ellipse, Washington DC, U.S.
Website: The National Christmas Tree
Takes place: December
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Attending the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ellipse at President’s Park feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to the limited number of tickets that are given away for this one evening event. With the National Park Service providing tickets through a lottery system, you will need to put your proverbial hat in the ring on the recreation.gov website. Make sure to enter online if you are planning to be in D.C. when the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place for the chance to attend this spectacular event!
Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
5. Explore United States Botanic Garden
Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Christmas Beauty Princess' -- poinsettia
Posted by U.S. Botanic Garden on Thursday, 20 December 2018
If you are a nature lover, enjoy viewing beautiful botanic gardens in USA from Hawaii to Maine at the enchanting Season’s Greenings holiday event this Christmas. Gaze at the model train room full of plant-based replicas of conservatories, sculptures, and fountains. Admire the scenes of iconic gardens, such as flamingo topiaries of famous Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Rocket Garden of Huntsville Botanical Garden, Japanese Torri gate of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and many more. Be pleased to view the verdant scenario of the conservatory adorned by thousands of flowers.
United States Botanic Garden
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC 20001, United States
Website: United States Botanic Garden
Takes place: November to January
6. Attend CUA Christmas concert for charity
If you are a music lover and looking forward to attending a musical concert this Christmas, go for the CUA Christmas concert. Attend the festive musical event for a deserving cause at Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Catholic University of America & the Basilica sponsors this outstanding concert, and it greets the standing-room-only audience and raises plenty of money annually for a deserving charity. Be on time at the concert, as the seating here is available on the first-come, first-served basis.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Address: 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, United States
Website: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Takes place: December
7. Experience festive spirit at Light Up The Wharf this Christmas
The Wharf is a popular landmark in Washington DC that features a scenic waterfront. Attend the ‘Light Up The Wharf’ here and begin your festivities this Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting event that turns the waterfront of The Wharf into a fabulous winter wonderland. The plethora of sparkling lights adorning it will stun you. Click photos of the beautifully illuminated Christmas tree and its surroundings.
Light Up The Wharf
Address: District Square, District Pier, Washington, USA
Website: Light Up The Wharf
Takes place: November
8. Take a walking tour of Georgetown Glow
Go for a pleasant walking tour at Georgetown Glow when holidaying in Washington DC this Christmas. Tour through the illuminated historic streets and canal of fabulous Georgetown. The curated illuminations in the historic area are the highlights of the walking tour. Learn about the rich history of this pre-revolutionary place with the light show display. Know about the industry, past, and engaging stories of some interesting residents of Georgetown.
Georgetown Glow
Address: Georgetown, Washington, DC, USA
Website: Georgetown Glow
9. Book your tickets for 'A Christmas Carol'
Posted by Ford's Theatre on Monday, 28 October 2019
Enhance your Christmas holidays in Washington DC by watching Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Ford’s Theatre with your kids. Learn how the ghosts of Christmas, past, present, and future, lead a miser old man through the path of positive transformation and redemption. Enjoy viewing the music-infused yuletide classic with your family.
Ford's Theatre
Address: 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Website: Ford’s Theatre
Takes place: November to December
10. Admire Handel’s Messiah masterpiece performance
Performance of Handel's Messiah at Washington National Cathedral.
Posted by Bob Reid on Saturday, 2 December 2017
Take time out of your busy travel schedule and watch impressive Handel’s Messiah masterpiece performance at Washington National Cathedral. Admire the Christmas classic in the impressive towering architecture and Gothic grandeur of the Cathedral. View this outstanding performance of Messiah with your entire family.
Handel’s Messiah masterpiece performance
Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States
Website: Handel’s Messiah masterpiece performance
Takes place: December
11. Enjoy Washington Chorus - A Candlelight Christmas
We hope you're having a fantastic weekend and your holiday season is getting off to a marvelous start. Make The...
Posted by The Washington Chorus on Friday, 24 November 2017
Washington DC in December is a fantastic period full of glittery and cheerful Christmas celebrations. Your Christmas holidays won’t be complete without going to the Washington Chorus at John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. ‘A Candlelight Christmas’ features a beautiful candlelight processional, with more than 130 singers, sing-alongs, and more. It gifts you with an engaging musical experience. Listen to famous songs, such as Hallelujah Chorus, The Dream Isaiah Show, and other holiday favorites.
A Candlelight Christmas
Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, United States
Website: A Candlelight Christmas
Opening hours: December
12. Marvel at ZooLights in Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Have fun exploring ZooLights at Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington DC. Over half a million eco-friendly LED lights illuminate the zoo. Watch various illuminated animal displays called Animal Lanterns as you stroll through the field. At Zootubes, enjoy jumping into the tube, slide down the slopy hill, and land near the exhibits of tiger and lion. View live music performances and explore various holiday shopping opportunities. Do not miss relishing savory winter treats.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
Website: Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Takes place: November to January
Enjoy a merry Christmas in the US capital
The capital city of the USA offers numerous holiday activities for all age groups. You can explore the Christmas markets in Washington DC, which are worth multiple trips. Have wonderful festive memories with your beloved family with these amazing things to do in Washington DC.
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