When I say Christmastime in our nation’s capital is truly magical, I mean it. And those who are lucky enough to experience Washington, DC during the holidays have a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to festive things to do, outings, and events that are perfect for evoking the spirit of the season.
Between Christmas markets, light festivals, performances, half a dozen larger-than-life Christmas trees, holiday-themed art installations, and even a yacht parade, the city lights up between Thanksgiving and the New Year – and so many of these fun events double as fun holiday date ideas. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite festive things to do in DC (and the DMV) here in hopes of helping you curate your perfect holiday date nights. You can find all the details, as well as a map with all of the festive spots pinned, below for planning.
Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Each Christmas, the National Botanic Garden displays miniature DC landmarks made entirely of plant-based materials in its indoor conservatory and G-gauge model trains surrounded by plant-based scenes in its gated outdoor gardens as a part of the “Season’s Greenings” holiday exhibit. The color scheme in the conservatory and model train scenes changes each year, so even if you’ve visited during the holidays before, it is 100% worth checking out again. This year’s theme is dinosaurs!
There is no admission fee and tickets are not required to visit any area of the U.S. Botanic Garden, including the holiday train display. The exhibit will be open November 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026 from 10AM – 5PM daily. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December (12/9, 12/11, 12/16 12/18, 12/23, and 1/1/26) the Conservatory and outdoor train display will remain open until 8:00PM, and offer live holiday music and food and drink vendors.
While you’re there, grab a will coffee or hot chocolate from Vintage Views and check out the botanically-themed gifts at the pop-up shop put on by the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and local DC small business, Rewild.
DC Holiday Markets
Two main holiday markets run throughout the season in DC: The DowntownDC Holiday Market and the DC Holiday Market. Both are open daily (with the exception of Thanksgiving day) through December 23rd, 2025.
DowntownDC Holiday Market
Located on F St. NW between 7th and 9th Streets, this market is free to attend and runs November 21 through December 23, 2025 from 12PM to 8PM Monday-Friday, and 11AM to 9PM on Saturdays, and 11AM to 9PM on Sundays through December 23, 2025.
The Downtown Holiday Market features over 100 vendors, many of which are Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, and provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to shop for unique and locally-made items. In addition to unique items for sale, visitors can expect live music and food vendors. Check out how we turned our visit into the ultimate date night downtown (in our opinion, anyway).
DC Holiday Market
There is also the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle (adjacent to Kramer’s Books & Café). It opened on November 14th and features 35+ small business and food vendors. The market will run daily from 12PM to 8PM (Monday -Friday) and 11AM to 8PM (Saturday – Sunday) through December 23, 2025.
Other Notable Markets to Mention
Heurich House Markt (12/4-12/7) is the longest-running and only multi-day DC market with all local makers. Beyond shopping, you can expect Senate beer, Glühwein wine, seasonal German snacks, and a craft station. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here, and proceeds go towards funding the museum’s year-round programs.
Admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome at the Congressional Cemetery Market that takes place on December 7th. Check out the list of this year’s vendors here.
The annual Procrastinator’s Market is always a favorite as well. This year, it will be held on December 20th at Kraken Kourts and Skates on Rhode Island Ave. NE and feature shopping and train rides! Admission is free, and tickets are not required.
Union Station Decorations + Holiday Market
Admiring Union Station’s larger-than-life wreaths and Christmas tree is always a favorite tradition of ours, and this year, we’re excited to visit Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market as well. It will take place from December 17th through December 20th from 11am – 7pm daily and feature live music and seasonal sips from the 1908 Holiday Lounge.
The Wharf: Ice Skating, S’mores & Yachts
Holiday Boat Parade
There is no shortage of seasonal things to do in this DC neighborhood, but our favorite has to be the Holiday Boat Parade. We stumbled into this event by accident a few years ago, and it has been a staple tradition of ours ever since. On December 6, 2025, the 33nd Annual District Holiday Boat Parade will take place and showcase 60+ intricately and seasonally decorated yachts that will parade majestically around the Washington Channel.
S’mores at Camp Wharf
After you have your fill of exploring the waterfront, cuddle up by the fire at Camp Wharf and enjoy a s’more and some hot cider. A portion of the proceeds benefits charities in Southwest DC. For the 2025 season, Camp Wharf is open Thursdays – Fridays: 6:00PM – 11:00PM; Saturdays: 4:30PM – 11:00PM, and Sundays: 4:30PM – 10:00PM.
Skating at the Wharf’s Ice Rink
The Wharf’s overwater ice skating rink is also a must-visit. It opens on November 26 for the 2025 season and runs Wednesdays – Sundays through February. Check daily hours and prices here. And if you’re a resident of Southwest, DC, you can skate for free before the rink opens to the public on Sunday, November 23 (including free ice skate rental) with proof of Southwest DC residency.
Downtown Christmas Trees
Every Year on Christmas Eve, Seth and I pack a thermos of spiked hot chocolate and walk around to all of the Christmas Trees downtown. My personal favorite is known as the People’s Tree and is located in front of the Capitol Building. This tree is extra special because it is chosen from a different National Forest each year and decorated with ornaments handmade by residents from its state of origin. The National Tree, located in front of the White House is a less popular stop for us, but we still make it a point to stop by. If you want to check out all of downtown’s iconic, twinkling trees, we created a little walking tour with a map detailing our route to hit them all in one night.
Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden
Ice skating at the National Gallery’s iconic rink surrounded by over a dozen sculptures, makes for the quintessential DC date night. Afterwards, head to the Pavilion Cafe to warm up with an affordable and delicious meal. We’re obsessed with their California flatbread!
The rink is located right on the National Mall (this season’s dates are still TBA). In the past, tickets cost $12 for patrons ages 13+ and $10 for children ages 12 and under, 60+, military service members with ID, and students with school ID. Skate rentals cost $6, and free lockers are available first-come, first-served. NOTE: The ice rink closes for rain and extreme temperatures, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to check if they’re open (202.216.9397).
* This one is best paired with a trip to the Downtown Holiday Market or the Botanic Gardens, as they’re all within walking distance of one another. Check out our date night itinerary here.
Holiday Theatre and Ballet Performances
There is no shortage of theatres and performing arts centers in this city, so if you’re looking to experience a festive show, you’re in the right place! You can join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future at Ford’s Theatre for a performance of A Christmas Carol, head to the Washington Ballet to experience The Nutcracker, or make your way to Woolly Mammoth Theatre to see a festive edition of Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha Ha. The Arena Stage will also be hosting Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, The Keegan Theatre is the place to see An Irish Carol, and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical can be seen at The National Theatre.
Frosted at Franklin Park
From November 21, 2025 through January 7, 2026, you’ll once again have the chance to wander beneath thousands of lights at Franklin Park. This installation is free to visit and will be lit nightly from 4:30PM to 7AM. Check out a little walk-through of our experience here last year.
Pop by December 12 & 20 between 6PM – 7PM for free festive programming at the park that will include photos with Santa Claus and holiday characters: Gingerbread Lady, the Nutcracker, Snowman, Christmas Tree, and Else and Olaf, a sing along with holiday carolers, an ice sculpture carving demonstration, and free hot chocolate and hot apple cider.
This one is super cute, but if you’re not going for one of the special programs, plan to just walk through on your way to your destination, or pair it with a visit to the National Mistletoe and CityCenterDC’s fun and festive installations, to make the most of your time.
CityCenterDC’s Lights and SNOW
CityCenter is one of my favorite places to window-shop in the District and is beautifully decorated with each new season. On Saturday, November 29, 2025, CityCenterDC will host its 12th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, complete with live music, face painting, and other seasonal surprises.
They will also have their Dream Closet installation (pictured above) sparkling and ready for photos, and new this year, visitors will get to experience CCDC Snow Days and play in flurries to a soundtrack of holiday music every weekend from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21.
Georgetown Jingle
While Georgetown GLOW is on pause again this year, DC’s oldest neighborhood isn’t letting the season go by without celebrating. On Saturday, December 6, 2024, Georgetown will host its second annual holiday music event: Georgetown Jingle! The event will begin at 1PM and feature live performances across different outdoor locations. There will also be more than 40 shops and restaurants offering discounts, complimentary treats, and festive pop-ups during the event (full list here).
The Embassy of Sweden will also be hosting its Swiss Holiday Market featuring Nordic goods and treats from 10AM – 5PM. Afterwards, stick around because the St. Lucia Choir will be performing in front of the Embassy from 5PM – 6PM.
If you want to make this into a solid date night, we recommend lacing up your skates and taking a few laps around the Harbour’s Ice Rink and then grabbing dinner at the iconic DC institution that is Filomena Ristorante. It’s decked out for the season and somehow even more charming than usual.
Check out our experience at 2023’s GLOW here and cross your fingers that it will be back in 2026!
Snowglow: Holiday in The Dome @ Union Market’s Hi-Lawn
When you walk into the unassuming tent that’s located on the rooftop of Union Market and find yourself in The Dome’s holiday installation, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a retro snowglobe. This immersive pop-up experience is in its second year and might be the most magical pop-up in DC this season. Your $29 ticket secures you a table and access to a 90-minute immersive art show projected overhead on the ceiling and walls of Hi-Lawn’s 50-ft dome. Festive craft cocktails and small plates are also available for purchase.
Christmas Pop-Up Bars
Sipping on overpriced seasonal cocktails in a crowded, yet beautifully decked-out bar is one of those obligatory holiday traditions that we’ve stumbled into since moving to DC a decade ago. Over a dozen boozy holiday pop-ups in various establishments across the District have been announced thus far this year (check the map above for the green martini glasses) that are perfect for a little date night with a glass of holiday cheer in hand.
Some fan favorite pop-up bars in DC include Miracle! at BLACK WHISKEY in Logan Circle, Sippin’ Santa at Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle, and Dirty Habit‘s Winter Chalet in Penn Quarter. People also love Urban Roast on G St., NW & at the Wharf, and Holly Jolly Christmas Bar at Puttery (800 F St NW). And if you’re looking for a meal to go with your Christmassy cocktails, you can even reserve an igloo or gingerbread house to dine in at Limani’s Penthouse winter pop-up.
Last year, we loved Tinsel and Tonic at Barrel House, and Caroled at Commodore. The latter is returning this year, and according to the five-star dive bar’s recent IG post, it will be bigger and more spirited!
Zoo Lights
Grab your beau or your besties and some mulled wine and head over to the National Zoo to admire the environmentally-friendly light displays.
Tickets: This year the event is ticketed and costs $9. Proceeds from the event (including tickets, concessions, and parking sales) will directly benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. They’re also offering an adults-only (21+) date night this year on 12/17, and each $19 ticket includes admission and a complimentary beverage.
If you don’t snag those date night tickets, make this one a date night on your own by heading over to Duke’s Counter after bopping around the lights. Duke’s Grocery’s “Destination: Dreamlands” pop-ups will be launching in all of their locations in December. Their venue that is across the street from the zoo will be transformed into a panda-themed “Bamboo Land” slinging drinks like Panda-ritas and Bao-zy hot chocolates.
Light Yards
Grab dinner at one of Navy Yard’s many restaurants or a drink at Problem Child’s Stranger Things pop-up before checking out this interactive light installation at Yardʻs Park. Visit Light Yards from 5pm-10pm nightly November 25 through January 2, 2026. This is a great one to pair with a trip to Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park and/or a wine tasting at District Winery!
Honorable Mention: ICE! at Gaylord National
While this one isn’t technically in DC proper, we think it’s definitely worth taking a trip across the river to Maryland’s National Harbor to check out. When you get there, you’ll don a blue parka to keep you warm in the chilly 9°Fspace as you explore larger-than-life scenes from ICE! featuring The Polar Express. You’ll have the opportunity to twirl through ice tunnels, race each other down frozen slides, and literally marvel at characters from this beloved tale that have been carved into 1,000 tons of colorful ice.
On-site dining, outdoor ice-skating, and indoor ice-tubing are also available as fun ad-ons. Check out the date night we planned at ICE! here.
We hope that these ideas help make your holiday season a little more merry and bright and inspire you to plan your own festive holiday night out. We do our best to keep this list up to date as the season progresses, so please let us know what we missed in the comments down below!
