Visiting our nation’s capital at any time of year is awe-inspiring, but what would be the best places to visit during Christmas in Washington, D.C.? The holidays can be magical here, from elaborate lighting displays and decorations to the city’s festive Christmas markets. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the District if you know where to go.
If you’re visiting, you will undoubtedly want to add a few monuments and museums to your itinerary. Take it a step further and arrange a black car service in Washington, D.C., so you can sit back and relax without worrying about traffic, parking, or finding your way around. Either way, there’s plenty of holiday cheer on offer for your time in the city and so much to see!
Below, we list six of the best places you may want to visit during the festive season in Washington, D.C.
Our Favorite Places to Experience Christmas in the Nation’s Capital
The following events and activities are some of our favorite holiday and Christmas-themed options in and around the District. Would you like to shop, dine, experience a historical winter wonderland, or do it all? Try these six suggestions:
The National Christmas Tree
Located on the Ellipse on the south side of the White House, the National Christmas Tree is an evergreen decorated with bright lights. Smaller trees representing all 58 U.S. states and U.S. territories surround the National Tree. When you visit, you can walk through these trees on the “Pathway of Peace” and check out the ornaments made by schoolchildren from every state.
You can also visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. Unlike the National Christmas Tree that grows on the Ellipse permanently, the Capitol tree arrives from a different state yearly.
A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater
One of the best places to visit during Christmas in Washington is Ford’s Theater, best known as the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. It remains a working theater, and the company stages a production of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” every year. The family-friendly show tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the lessons he learns from the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future.
Zoolights
One of Washington, D.C.’s most popular events is Zoolights, a festive light display at the Smithsonian National Zoo. A glow-in-the-dark play area for children and the chance to see some of the zoo’s nocturnal residents means that Zoolights has something for everyone. Even if it isn’t a white Christmas, the event also boasts a 150-foot snow tube slide – no snowstorm required.
Season’s Greetings at the U.S. Botanic Gardens
The U.S. Botanic Gardens celebrates the holiday season with Christmas-themed displays, including some of the following:
- D.C. landmarks made from plants and plant material
- Botanic holiday decor
- Model trains running through outdoor gardens and more
For example, these landmarks often include the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, the White House, and the Supreme Court.
Downtown Holiday Market
Why not enjoy mulled wine as you stroll through the only permanent holiday market in Washington, D.C? Depending on when you visit, you might also find pop-up Christmas markets for those one-of-a-kind gifts people love. For example, the pedestrian market at 8th and F Streets lets visitors shop with local artisans for handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, and more.
Willard Hotel Caroling
As one of Washington D.C.’s most historic and luxurious hotels, the Willard is well-known for its holiday festivities. In addition to an impressive gingerbread display, locals and visitors flock to the hotel for nightly caroling performances in the exquisitely decorated hotel lobby. Choral ensembles perform every evening, spreading holiday cheer and delighting visitors.
Let DC Execucar Chauffeur You to Holiday Events This Year
A service like DCE Executive Car Service comes in handy in navigating the city. You’ll feel especially merry when you can experience the twinkling lights and other Christmas-themed delights of D.C. without parking hassles. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening of theater and Christmas lights or taking the family to a popular event, we will have the perfect transportation option.
Our professional drivers ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience and can focus on enjoying everything the city offers instead of driving. Learn more about DC Execucar on our website or get in touch to schedule transportation.
Call DC Execucar at (703) 899-5038 today, and don’t miss those upcoming events to wrap up 2022 in Washington D.C. in some of the best places to visit during Christmas!