Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, transforms into a dazzling spectacle as December arrives. The chill in the air is met with the warmth of holiday lights, festive events, and a calendar packed with unique experiences. If you’re wondering what to do in Dc In December, the city offers everything from classic winter sports to cultural performances and vibrant markets, making it a perfect holiday destination.
The capital region embraces the festive spirit, providing a wealth of activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you seek cozy indoor events or outdoor winter adventures, Dc In December promises memorable moments filled with cheer and holiday magic. Get ready to explore the vibrant culture, history, and entertainment that flourishes during this special time of year.
Embrace the Winter Chill: Skating and Sports
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity, and Dc In December provides several picturesque locations to lace up your skates. glide across the ice at popular rinks, each offering a unique backdrop. The National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront, and The Wharf all host public rinks, inviting you to enjoy the crisp winter air.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, these rinks provide a fun and festive atmosphere. Many locations offer skate rentals and lessons, making it easy for everyone to join in. Skating under the twinkling lights is a truly magical experience during your visit to Dc In December.
Skaters enjoy the ice rink at Washington Harbour in Georgetown, surrounded by festive decorations and waterfront buildings, embodying the spirit of Dc In December activities.
December brings exciting indoor sports action to the District. Catch a game and cheer on the home teams. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play thrilling matchups inside Capital One Arena.
For fans of developmental basketball, the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena. Attending a live sports event is a dynamic way to experience the energy of the city in Dc In December.
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Beyond professional sports, December also features highly anticipated collegiate matchups. The Capital Hockey Classic at Capital One Arena showcases a new tradition pitting Army and Navy club hockey teams against each other, along with Army and Penn State’s Division I programs.
And the historic Army-Navy Game in college football, “America’s Game,” is often held nearby. This storied rivalry brings immense passion and tradition, offering a thrilling sporting event as part of your Dc In December experience.
Four Washington Capitals players, including a team veteran, celebrate together on the ice after a successful play, showing camaraderie and excitement during the game.
Holiday Spirits and Culinary Delights
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy warm, festive beverages. Numerous hot spots across DC deck their halls and offer seasonal drink menus. From cozy bars to popular restaurants, you can find delicious concoctions like hot buttered rum, mulled wines, and elevated hot chocolate to warm you from the inside out.
Establishments like Dirty Habit, Penn Social, Wunder Garten, Duke’s Grocery, and Colada Shop are known for getting into the holiday spirit with their drink offerings. Keep an eye out for special pop-ups and limited-time festive beverages as you explore Dc In December.
A vibrant cocktail served in a short glass, garnished with grilled pineapple and a green leaf, resting on a bed of smoking ingredients on a black plate, creating a dramatic visual effect, perfect for a festive toast in Dc In December.
Late November leading into early Dc In December brings DC Cocktail Week, a celebration of the city’s innovative mixology scene. Dozens of restaurants participate, showcasing creative drinks crafted by talented local bartenders. These unique cocktails are often paired with special dishes, offering delightful flavor experiences.
Local distilleries also get involved, highlighting the region’s burgeoning craft spirit industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity for food and drink enthusiasts to sample the best of DC’s beverage scene during this festive period.
Dazzling Lights and Decorations
Escape the typical white Christmas and immerse yourself in the vibrant “green” Christmas of Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. This annual holiday exhibit features stunning light displays and thousands of poinsettias in various colors. The highlight includes unbelievable plant-based sculptures replicating DC landmarks.
A circuit of model trains winding through the displays adds to the charm, alongside exhibits highlighting pollinators. Admission is free, making it an accessible and beautiful holiday outing in Dc In December.
Season
Just outside the city, George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate hosts Winter Glow. The historic grounds and mansion are illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns synchronized to holiday music, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Visitors can step back in time by visiting an 18th-century winter encampment, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy festive drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck. This event offers a historical perspective on holiday celebrations near Dc In December.
A lit candle lantern hangs in the foreground, with a large building illuminated in warm yellow lights and projected snowflake patterns in the background during an evening event at Mount Vernon’s Winter Glow in Dc In December.
Mount Vernon also hosts Christmas Illuminations, another opportunity to see the estate adorned for the holidays. Tour the gorgeous mansion, witness chocolate-making demonstrations, and browse a winter market. A special highlight is visiting Aladdin the Camel, a favorite estate pet.
The evening culminates in an incredible fireworks display over the Potomac River. These events provide a unique blend of history, culture, and festive celebration just a short drive from Dc In December.
One of the most popular holiday traditions is ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Powered by Pepco, this event draws thousands of visitors annually. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns that mimic the zoo’s inhabitants.
Beyond the lights, enjoy live music performances, tasty winter treats, and holiday shopping opportunities. Timed passes are required for entry, offering a controlled and pleasant experience for families and animal lovers in Dc In December.
ZooLights
Festive Performances and Cultural Events
The arts scene in Dc In December is vibrant with numerous holiday-themed performances. One unique event is the NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert. Held at one of DC’s cool music venues, this concert combines orchestral holiday tunes with a fun, casual atmosphere where the ugliest sweaters are encouraged. Enjoy classics like “Sleigh Ride” and Nutcracker favorites.
For a different take on a classic, check out An Irish Carol at the Keegan Theatre. This acclaimed play offers a witty, fast-paced adaptation of the Scrooge story with an Irish sensibility, centered on a pub owner named David. It’s intended for mature audiences (16+), providing holiday laughs and poignant moments.
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Historic Georgetown hosts the Georgetown Jingle, its first-ever holiday music event. Wander through the neighborhood’s cobbled streets to enjoy 10 live music performances across various outdoor venues. Genres range from a cappella and jazz to pop, filling the area with festive sounds.
More than 40 local businesses offer discounts and pop-ups, adding to the lively atmosphere. The event often concludes with a St. Lucia Choir procession towards Washington Harbour, complete with Swedish holiday treats, offering a delightful day out in Dc In December.
The District Holiday Boat Parade is a dazzling spectacle on the Potomac River. Dozens of decorated boats travel from Alexandria, Virginia, to The Wharf in DC, illuminated with festive lights. Observing the parade is free and offers a unique waterfront perspective on the holiday season.
Before the parade, enjoy pre-parade festivities at The Wharf, including winter drink sampling, meeting Santa, and ornament decorating. The night is capped off with fireworks and live music, making it a highlight of events in Dc In December.
The Wharf boat holiday parade
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC presents their annual Holiday Show, a joyful and entertaining performance. Expect tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, “snow,” and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics. The program includes popular songs and performances from the full Chorus, soloists, ensembles, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus, providing a vibrant and inclusive holiday celebration in Dc In December.
For classical music lovers, the National Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center each year. This epic oratorio tells the story of Jesus Christ through powerful music, conducted by renowned Baroque experts. Performed in the beautifully decorated Concert Hall, it is a timeless and moving experience.
Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to stepping, brings their Magical Musical Holiday Step Show to Arena Stage. This family-friendly show combines clapping, stomping, and stepping for a dazzling display of percussive dance, offering a unique and energetic holiday performance option in Dc In December.
A cherished holiday tradition is the staging of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Ford’s Theatre, one of the world’s most historic theaters, presents a lavish Victorian-style musical production. Acclaimed actors take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, guiding audiences through his transformative journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. It’s a heartwarming story beautifully told, perfect for the holiday season.
A theatrical scene from
On Christmas Day itself, the Washington National Cathedral offers a free Christmas Day Organ Recital. House organists perform a program of festive music, providing a peaceful and beautiful way to spend the afternoon. A livestream is also available for those unable to attend in person, offering a moment of musical reflection on Christmas Day in Dc In December.
Celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lightings around the District. The larger-than-life National Menorah hosts public lightings on all eight nights of the festival. The Union Market District also holds menorah lighting events. These celebrations offer opportunities to experience Jewish culture and traditions during the holiday period in Dc In December.
National Menorah
Holiday Shopping and Unique Finds
December is prime time for holiday shopping, and DC hosts several festive markets offering unique gifts and local goods. The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle opens before Thanksgiving and runs through mid-December on the 1500 block of 19th Street NW. It features over 30 small businesses selling artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts, and unique gift items.
Beyond shopping, enjoy festive decor, local performers, and beloved holiday treats, making it a charming outdoor market experience in Dc In December.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is another long-standing tradition, now in its 21st year. Located on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, it brings a festive spark to the Penn Quarter and Chinatown neighborhoods with its bright lights and open-air village atmosphere.
The market is free and open to the public from just before Thanksgiving (closed Thanksgiving Day) until December 23rd, offering a convenient downtown option for holiday shopping and soaking in the festive ambiance in Dc In December.
For a truly unique experience, visit the O Tree Jubilee at the Mansion on O Street. This mind-bending, multilevel mansion is a wonder any time of year with its secret doors and hidden treasures. During the holidays, it features some of the most creative Christmas trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses imaginable.
Created and donated by volunteers, landscape architects, and florists, these artistic decorations are available to win. Seeing trees like the Oscar the Grouch-themed one is a quirky and fun way to celebrate the season.
A Christmas tree decorated to resemble the character Oscar the Grouch, wearing a Santa hat and large googly eyes, with a festive setting in the background, a unique sight at the O Tree Jubilee in Dc In December.
Beyond the Holidays
While December is dominated by holiday cheer, the city also offers attractions that extend beyond the festive season. As the month draws to a close, attention turns to New Year’s Eve. Washington, DC provides plenty of options for ringing in the new year, with restaurants, attractions, and venues hosting various parties and celebrations.
Start planning early to find the perfect way to say farewell to the current year and welcome the next in the capital during Dc In December.
The U.S. Botanic Garden also hosts ongoing exhibits, such as Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise. This multi-sensory display explores how plants have evolved defenses and their complex relationship with humans. While not specifically a holiday event, it offers an interesting educational experience for those visiting the garden in Dc In December, providing a different perspective on the natural world.
U.S. Botanic Garden
Planning Your Stay
With so much to see and do in Dc In December, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. Washington, DC offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From specialty boutique hotels offering unique charm to well-known hotel brands providing reliable comfort, you can find the perfect base for your explorations.
Booking your stay in advance is recommended, as December is a popular time to visit. Explore the options available to find a hotel that fits your needs and enhances your experience of the city during the festive season.
A stylish hotel lounge with a long wooden dining table, plush seating, arched windows offering city views, and elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, representing a comfortable place to stay in Dc In December.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dc In December
What is the weather typically like in Dc In December?
December in Washington, D.C. is generally cold. Temperatures can range from freezing to the low 40s Fahrenheit (around 0 to 5°C). Snow is possible but not guaranteed. It’s advisable to pack warm layers, including a coat, hat, scarf, and gloves, especially for outdoor activities.
Are most December events in DC free?
Many events and attractions in Dc In December, such as the holiday markets, light displays at the Botanic Garden and ZooLights, and some performances like the Organ Recital and Hanukkah lightings, offer free admission. However, major performances, sports games, and some special events require tickets. It’s best to check specific event websites for details.
What’s the best way to get around DC in December?
Washington, D.C. has an extensive public transportation system, including the Metro (subway) and buses, which is often the most convenient way to get around, especially in cold weather. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also readily available. If attending events outside the immediate city center (like Mount Vernon or Northwest Stadium), driving or using a dedicated shuttle/tour service might be necessary.
Is Dc In December a good time to visit with family?
Absolutely! Dc In December is a wonderful time for families. Many events, such as ZooLights, Season’s Greenings, ice skating rinks, and shows like A Christmas Carol and Step Afrika!, are very family-friendly. The festive atmosphere and numerous activities cater to all ages.
How early should I book tickets for paid events?
Popular events, especially major performances (Messiah, A Christmas Carol), sports games (Capitals, Wizards, Army-Navy), and highly-attended events like ZooLights (which require timed passes), can sell out quickly. It’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance, particularly if you have specific dates or events in mind for your trip to Dc In December.