Do you want to go from grouchy Scrooge to cheery Scrooge without the paranormal interactions? The following sights and events around D.C. are sure to revive even the most beleaguered of spirits this holiday season.
Georgetown GLOW
The fifth iteration of Georgetown GLOW continues to redefine the season of lights in new and Instagrammable ways with 11 art installations peppering the streets of Georgetown. Take yourself on a walking tour or go with an expert guide Fridays and Sundays through January 6. For an extra dose of holiday cheer, stop by on Thursdays, when you can embark upon a guided holiday food and drink tour that includes the light displays. If you want to nail the perfect shot for your holiday card (a.k.a. Instagram), there are three chances to join Washington Photo Safari to learn the best settings on any camera for photographing the glowing art installations.
Chai-vy and Cohen-y, A Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar
If you think waiting in line to drink in a winter pandaland is for putzes and schmucks, schlep up to Ivy and Coney for their second annual Hanukkah pop-up celebration. Nosh on latkes, enter the dreidel spinning competition, and try not to make a mess with the ShotNorah, a menorah that, as the name implies, delivers eight shots. There will be nonshot menorah lightings for the remaining nights of Hanukkah, but the decorations, menu, and holiday cheer will be in full swing through December 24.
A Gospel Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear? You can channel your inner Aretha Franklin at A Gospel Christmas, a jazz, blues, and gospel set of Christmas favorites at the National Cathedral led by the Cathedral Band on December 21 at 7 p.m. O (What A) Holy Night to bring some Joy to the World with a lively sing-along. Snag your free passes before they go Away In a Manger.
Holiday Jazz at The St. Regis
The cozy, classic atmosphere of The St. Regis hotel is even more charming with a wintery cocktail (or hot cocoa) in hand and a fire in the fireplace. It’s like your living room, but way better. Take those vibes to the next level with live holiday jazz every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday through December 28 from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
ZooLights
Have you ever thought, “Gee, I wish I could go to the zoo without having to see those pesky animals?” ZooLights is for you. While the critters are sleeping, more than 5,000 LED lights and holiday music make for instant, free holiday cheer, even if you’d rather be hibernating with the bears.
Season’s Greetings at the Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is magical year-round, but the holiday season is especially enchanted with over 3,000 poinsettias, massive Christmas trees, and botanical models of train stations from all over the country. For even more cheer, enjoy the seasonal splendor during one of the live holiday music concerts—ranging from Irish rock to a capella—Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout December.
Winterfest at Wundergarten
The NoMa biergarten transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday activities every weekend through December 16. Pose with Santa and stick around for an ugly sweater party on the December 8, get naughty at the Night of 1,000 Santas party on December 15, and enter your pet in the highly competitive holiday costume contest on December 16. If you get your pet’s photo taken with Santa, proceeds support the Humane Society Rescue Alliance. ’Tis the season to annoy your pet in the name of charity!
Christmas Trees
Take yourself and a travel mug of something warm on a tour of D.C. trees—the National Tree, Capitol Tree (yes, these these are two different trees), and Library of Congress tree are all within walking distance of one another. If you prefer your trees indoors, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception boasts 50 Christmas trees amongst thousands of lights and hundreds of poinsettias. (And don’t forget to pick up a tree of your own this season.)
Russian Christmas Festival
If you’re planning to visit the fabulous Hillwood Estate to see the grandiose Christmas trees (this year they’re Faberge egg themed), plan your trip on the weekend of December 8 for the Russian Christmas Festival. Visit with Grandfather Frost, craft a traditional bourgeois lady’s headdress or gentleman’s hat, and enjoy traditional Russian dance, music, and fortune telling.
Ice Skating
Ask three different Washingtonians the best place to ice skate in the District and you’ll get three different answers. There is no right answer—it’s all about what you look for in a rink. Do you want to feel like you’re on a Mario Kart track? Canal Park is basically Snow Land minus the turtles and banana peels—usually. Do you want to feel like you’re skating in an enchanted forest? Lace up at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Are you nostalgic for warm evenings on rooftops? The Top of the Gate’s skate-up bar is for you. Does the pressure of hundreds of diners watching you bring out your inner Adam Rippon? The Washington Harbour rink in Georgetown is your stage. Do you hate yourself? Head to Pentagon Row and enjoy skating amidst the festive ambiance of a shopping center parking lot.
A Night at the Ballet
The famous Ballet West will show their opulent take on The Nutcracker through December 9 at the Kennedy Center, whose red and gold decor seems tailor-made for a festive evening. For a budget-friendly ballet experience, check out The Washington Ballet’s distinctively D.C. take on the Christmas classic at the Warner Theatre through December 28.
Holiday Markets
Be sure to reference our guide to this season’s most cheerful holiday markets. If you’re going to engage in rampant seasonal consumerism, do it while supporting locally owned small businesses!
