There’s always something fun happening in the DC Metro area, and the holiday season is definitely no exception! If you’re looking for a way to get in the spirit of the season, then you’re in luck! Check out one (or all!) of these fun and festive DC Metro holiday events.
Tree Lightings Galore!
Want to see the lights go on in your home town? Find a tree lighting near you.
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Where: President’s Park, White House Ellipse
- When: Dec 5, or broadcasts on Dec 9
- Note: This event is by invitation (via lottery) only but can be viewed from the comfort of your own home on December 9 at 8pm on REELZ or 9pm on Ovation. You can also visit the tree any time after the lighting to experience nightly musical performances.
Light Up the Village at Shirlington
- Where: Village at Shirlington, Arlington, VA
- When: Thurs, Dec 5
- Time: 6pm
Santa Lights Manassas
- Where: Manassas Train Depot, Manassas, VA
- When: Fri, Dec 6
- Time: 5:15pm
Leesburg Christmas Tree Lighting
- Where: Town Green, Leesburg, VA
- When: Fri, Dec 6
- Time: 6pm
Gaithersburg Jingle Jubilee and Tree Lighting
- Where: City Hall Concert Pavilion, Gaithersburg
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 6pm
Savage Mill Bridge and Christmas Tree Lighting
- Where: Bollman Truss Bridge, Savage, MD
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 8pm
One Loudoun Holiday Tree Lighting
- Where: One Loudoun Plaza, Ashburn, VA
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 5pm – 7pm
Nonstop Events, Celebrations & Activities
The trees aren’t all that’s lighting up this holiday season! Check out some of these fun activities, sights, and celebrations.
ZooLights at the National Zoo
- Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, DC
- When: Nov 29 – Jan 1, 5 – 9pm
- What: Thousands of winter lights transform the National Zoo into a wonderland of sights, sounds, and holiday fun. There are also craft activities, ice sculpting demonstrations, live performances, and more. And it’s free!
National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
- Where: President’s Park, White House Ellipse
- When: Sun, Dec 22
- Time: 4pm
- What: Head to the White House to watch the lighting of the world’s largest public menorah on the first day of Hanukkah. There will also be live music, hot latkes, free dreidels, and plenty of activities.
Waterskiing Santa
- Where: Potomac River between Old Town Alexandria and the DC waterfront
- When: Christmas Eve
- What: One of the most unique Christmas traditions of the DC area, Waterskiing Santa is more than a man in a red suit behind a ski boat. Nope, he’s got a parade of elves, a jet-skiing Grinch, and a slew of other favorite holiday characters with him.
Parade After Parade
March in the holiday season with a themed parade (and maybe a party afterwards, too).
Middleburg Hunt and Christmas Parade
- Where: Downtown Middleburg, VA
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 8am – 5pm
- What: A full weekend of events, including Breakfast with Santa, a Craft Fair, Santa’s Workshop, a Parade, and more.
Manassas Christmas Parade
- Where: Old Town Manassas, VA
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 10am
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade
- Where: Old Town Alexandria
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 11am
Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights
- Where: Old Town Alexandria waterfront
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 5:30pm
Leesburg Holiday Parade & Festival
- Where: King Street, Leesburg, VA
- When: Sat, Dec 7
- Time: 6pm
Ready to Come Have Some Fun in the DC Metro?
Are you looking for DC Metro holiday events because you’re thinking of relocating to or buying a home in the DC Metro area? I’d love to help! Contact me to learn more about how I can help you find the perfect home in just the right location.