Strings of Christmas lights twinkle above crowds bundled in heavy winter coats, fighting against the biting wind to attend festive holiday events. Skaters twirl on a nearby rink as laughter echoes from a vibrant holiday market, and above, a plane begins to land, carrying families excited to spend the holiday season in Washington, D.C.
Performances are a fond memory for many during the holiday season, and Washington offers an abundance of spirited shows. The National Cathedral often hosts holiday music performances, including Handel’s “Messiah” from Dec. 5-7 and a performance from Grammy-nominated acapella group VOCES8 from Dec. 19-20.
Junior Dina Marret-Uhlmann attended the performances last year and said she enjoyed them.
“I actually only went last year, but I liked their choir,” Marret-Uhlmann said. “It was pretty cool.”
Another exciting holiday performance is the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s show at the Lincoln Theatre, featuring arrangements of popular Christmas carols including “O Holy Night,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” “We Wish You the Merriest” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” The show runs on Dec. 13, 14 and 20 and provides American Sign Language interpretation.
A childhood Christmas tradition for many is the classic, magical story of “The Nutcracker,” which many professional ballet companies and ballet schools perform. This year, some of these performances include the Cincinnati Ballet production at the Kennedy Center from Nov. 26-30 and the Washington Ballet production at the Warner Theatre from Nov. 29 to Dec. 28.
Marret-Uhlmann said she’s been going to “The Nutcracker” in Washington since she was a baby.
“I’ve gone every year at the Kennedy Center,” Marret-Uhlmann said. “I love it. It’s also cute when the little kids dance.”
“The Nutcracker” premiered 132 years ago, in December 1892. It tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker soldier on Christmas Eve. As she falls asleep that night, her toy comes to life and fights evil mice and the Rat King. Clara saves the Nutcracker, who turns into a prince and takes her to the Land of Sweets where everyone dances for her.
Maryland Youth Ballet dancer Charlotte Convis has been performing in “The Nutcracker” for the last four years. She said she enjoys being a part of her studio’s production, which involves almost 100 dancers. Convis recommends people see the show because it’s easy to follow, beautiful and an embodiment of the Christmas spirit.
“I love being in ‘The Nutcracker’ because it’s amazing to see it all come together,” Convis said. “It’s great to see how every dancer puts in the hard work to put on a fantastic show.”
For those looking to go ice skating this winter, Washington boasts numerous ice rinks. The West Post Ice Rink opened in late October and will remain open until mid-March, providing skate rentals and lessons. Washington’s only over-water rink on The Wharf opened on Nov. 26, offering skate rentals and private event bookings. The Washington Harbor Ice Rink on the Georgetown waterfront is open from mid-November through March 1 and is the largest rink in Washington, with many restaurants nearby. Marret-Ulhmann recommends ice skating in Georgetown.
Residents and visitors alike excitedly await Washington’s iconic seasonal markets. Though Washington’s markets tend to be the largest, there are also markets in Maryland and Virginia.
The Downtown D.C. Holiday Market, which opens just before Thanksgiving and remains open until Dec. 23, operates on F Street alongside potential dinner spots for after shopping.
The National Harbor Christmas Market in Oxon Hill, Md. features handmade gifts and seasonal decor. It takes place on the weekend of Dec. 13-14.
The Bethesda Market and associated Winter Wonderland events will take place on Dec. 6 on Norfolk and Cordell Avenues in downtown Bethesda, featuring over 50 artisans, along with music and ice sculpting.
Marret-Uhlmann also said one of her favorite things to do during the holiday season is shopping due to the festive atmosphere.
Lights and decorations also contribute to the holiday atmosphere and provide ample photo opportunities. Tysons Corner Mall, a 30-minute drive from the Bethesda area, offers an annual lantern festival that opens Nov. 20 and runs on Thursdays through Sundays from 5-10pm.
Visitors can also enjoy the ICE! festival at the Gaylord National Convention Centre in the National Harbor, where visitors can see “a world of carved ice.” The center is hosting multiple festive events this year, including photo opportunities and a cirque performance.
For a more historical holiday experience, Tudor Place offers a candlelight tour. The 45-minute tours run on most evenings and showcase the house as its residents once saw it. Located in Washington, Tudor Place was built for Martha Washington’s granddaughter in 1816 but now operates as a museum, honoring the former resident family and enslaved people who worked on the property. The site also hosts a Christmas celebration, where guests can explore the festively decorated house and participate in the Holiday Tea and Tour, which offers seasonal tea and desserts alongside a holiday installation display.
After exploring Washington’s historic sites, visitors can enjoy dining around the city. The Filomena, an Italian restaurant near the Georgetown waterfront, is a festive dining option, known for its over-the-top decorations. Colada Holiday Rooftop Bar will also be open for the season, featuring extravagant decorations to accompany its seasonal drinks, and Le Diplomate on 14th Street will decorate for the holidays and open on Christmas Day.
Other places hosting holiday events include Union Station, the White House and the National Menorah. Union Station displays a Norwegian Christmas tree each year and has also featured a giant menorah in recent years. The White House offers public tours during the holiday season to those who sign up in advance. The National Menorah, located on the Ellipse near the White House, will host a lighting ceremony on Dec. 14, with tickets available starting Nov. 10. The ceremony includes various other events, such as musical performances and special guest appearances.
Kids can attend the “Grinch Musical” at the National Theatre in Washington from Dec. 30 until Jan. 4 to enjoy a classic Christmas story. The Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf on Dec. 6 features a parade of over 60 boats, family photos with Santa, ornament decorating and games at M Street Landing. The National Zoo will also host ZooLights for the 17th year, where children and families can experience light displays, live music and a train ride from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3.
For those looking to bring the Christmas experience home, trees are available at various places around the area, such as Eastern Market, Butler’s Orchard or Snickers Gap Tree Farm. The National Christmas Tree in Washington lights up in early December and remains on display until shortly after Jan. 1. The People’s Tree, also known as the Capitol Christmas Tree, travels across the country to Washington and will have a lighting ceremony in early December.
For those looking to enjoy this holiday season, D.C. and its surrounding areas offer many festive opportunities for people of all ages.
