Christmas cheer in Washington DC
The nation’s capital is every bit as festive as any other American city.
Look out for twinkling lights, live shows and festive family activities throughout Washington, DC.
Check out the best winter wonderland experiences in DC this December.
The District’s Holiday Boat Parade – The Wharf | Dec. 2
This iconic DC event features over 60 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. Get into the spirit with ornament decorating and face painting by Recreation Pier. Roast s’mores at the Camp Wharf fire pit and visit the lighted 45 feet Christmas tree.
Holiday Workshops – Tudor Place | Dec. 2 – Dec. 15
Various holiday tours and workshops are provided at Tudor Place including a guided candlelit tour highlighting the season of gift giving among the Peter family and the African American and immigrant domestic laborers who lived and worked there. Also join the holiday tea and tours featuring a festive Victorian tea party, and a holiday wreath-making workshop.
National Menorah Lighting – Downtown | Dec. 7
Chanukah kicks off with a lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. There is music from the United States Navy Band. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Chanukah.
National Christmas Tree Lighting – Downtown | Early December
Celebrate the National Christmas Tree Lighting’s 101st year. The conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it’s surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. Free to visit.
Pretty Woman: The Musical – The National Theatre | Dec. 12-17
The musical based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).
Capital City Symphony: Sleigh Ride! – Atlas Performing Arts Center| Dec. 17
Celebrate the joy of the season with Capital City Symphony and a special guest, renowned soprano Amber Monroe, with a concert of holiday music to sing along to.
Disney’s Frozen –Kennedy Center | Dec. 20, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024
Frozen features the songs everyone knows and loves from the original Oscar-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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