Experience the festive magic in Washington, DC

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Destination DC , the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, extends a warm invitation to holiday travelers to embark on an unforgettable and budget-friendly journey to the nation’s capital. With a myriad of sparkling attractions such as the National Christmas Tree, festive local shopping, timeless performances, and enticing hotel offers, Washington, DC is the ideal destination to create cherished memories this holiday season. Explore more at washington.org/winter.

Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of DDC, enthusiastically shares, “Whether you’re drawn to ice skating on the National Mall or a mesmerizing performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet, indulging in tea at a historic hotel or sipping on a warm cocktail at a pop-up bar, there’s only one place where you can experience it all. With numerous opportunities for savings, this is truly the most magical time of the year to visit Washington, DC.”

This winter season, visitors have yet another reason to explore the nation’s capital, as the majestic National Museum of Women in the Arts, which reopened in late October, offers a captivating cultural experience. Additionally, two new centrally located hotels, the rebranded Westin Washington, DC Downtown and the upscale Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, are among the establishments providing enticing seasonal deals to make your stay even more memorable.

Furthermore, DDC is excited to introduce its new advertising campaign, “There’s Only One DC,” which officially launched on November 1st. This campaign emphasizes the city’s uniqueness and showcases the wide array of experiences and free activities that Washington, DC has to offer.

Dazzling holiday displays are a hallmark of the season in Washington, DC:

1. National Christmas Tree: This iconic tree, located on the White House Ellipse, is celebrating its second century. Adorned with handmade ornaments representing all 58 U.S. states and territories, the tree’s lighting ceremony on November 30th will be broadcast on CBS on December 15th, and the site will remain open from December 2nd to January 1st.
2. National Menorah Lighting: Hannukah festivities begin with the lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse. Attendees can enjoy latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits, and dreidels from December 7th to 15th.
3. CityCenterDC’s Holiday Tree: Celebrating its 10th year, this luxury shopping destination dazzles visitors with a 75-foot tree adorned with over 155,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments, along with stunning décor along Palmer Alley. This magical display will be available from November 20th to January 8th.
4. U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: A cherished tradition on the West Lawn, this year’s tree hails from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and will be on display from November 28th to January 1st.
5. ZooLights: Smithsonian’s National Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with environmentally friendly LED lights and enchanting glowing animal lanterns. This year, a $6 admission fee supports animal care and conservation science, and the event runs from November 24th to December 30th.
6. Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden: Marvel at recreations of America’s stunning landscapes made entirely from plants, on display from November 23rd to January 1st.
7. Enchant: Nationals Park hosts a one-of-a-kind installation that promises plenty of Instagram-worthy settings and holiday cheer, available from November 24th to December 31st.
8. Georgetown Glow: Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, this free outdoor public light art experience showcases works by international artists from December 1st to January 7th.
9. Tudor Lights: Experience the holiday magic at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, where the property is beautifully adorned with holiday lights, and you can participate in guided candlelit tours, holiday teas, and a wreath-making workshop from December 2nd to 15th.

Washington, DC’s hotels also get into the holiday spirit with festive displays and events:

• The historic Willard Intercontinental is famous for its transformation into a magical holiday wonderland, complete with nightly caroling.
• The chic Riggs Hotel features a bejeweled tree designed by a celebrated artist.
• The Conrad Washington DC boasts captivating decorations, including an Instagram-worthy mistletoe arch.

Holiday events and performances in the city offer something for everyone:

• “A Winter’s Tale” at the Folger Theatre presents a tribute to the magic of storytelling from November 4th to December 17th.
• Ford’s Theatre presents the timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” running from November 17th to December 31st.
• The Washington Ballet’s reimagined “The Nutcracker” transports audiences to the charming streets of Georgetown and cherry blossom trees from December 2nd to 30th.
• The Holiday Boat Parade on December 2nd features over 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel at The Wharf.
• Norm Lewis lights up the festively decorated Kennedy Center Concert Hall with selections from his best-selling Christmas album on December 8th and 9th.
• Join the Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra for Handel’s beloved “Messiah” from December 8th to 10th.
• Step Afrika! presents the world’s first holiday show incorporating the African American tradition of stepping from December 8th to 17th.
• On January 1st, the U.S. National Arboretum will host a Japanese bell dedication ceremony, featuring the resonant tolls of a sacred Japanese temple bell cast in 1789.

For those seeking winter activities and delightful dining experiences:

• Public ice skating rinks are available throughout DC, including the National Gallery of Art, Washington Harbour, The Wharf, and Canal Park at Capitol Riverfront.
• Cozy up with hot drinks and local drafts while basking in the warmth of fire pits at venues like Wunder Garten, Dirty Habit, and city’s new all-season rooftops. The Next Whisky Bar terrace at the Watergate Hotel offers private igloos, and The Wharf boasts a giant Camp Wharf firepit for roasting s’mores.
• Indulge in afternoon teas at luxury hotels such as Peacock Alley at the Willard InterContinental, The Hay-Adams, and St. Regis. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown hosts a Frozen-themed Festive Afternoon Tea, encouraging children to wear Frozen-themed attire.

Holiday shopping enthusiasts won’t be disappointed:

• The Downtown Holiday Market, spanning two blocks in Penn Quarter from November 17th to December 23rd, offers eclectic crafts from over 70 pop-up tents, including minority-owned businesses, along with light bites and live music.
• The Holly Days celebration in Eastern Market, running from November 25th to December 31st, provides an opportunity to enjoy shopping, dining, and charming window displays. This year, Eastern Market celebrates its 150th anniversary.
• The Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House Museum’s German-style market in the castle garden will be open from December 1st to 3rd.

Travelers can also take advantage of select seasonal hotel deals:

• The Hotel Washington’s “Whoville Hideout” offers Grinch-themed rooms with holiday amenities, va

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