The Holiday Season Comes Alive in Washington, DC
Washington, DC sparkles this time of year with the perfect mix of beloved local traditions and value.
There’s only one place to go ice skating in a sculpture garden and along waterfronts with iconic views, stay in timeless hotels with live carolers and wander through the world’s largest light maze, Enchant at Nationals Park (Nov. 20-Dec. 27). Sip afternoon tea under seasonal décor at the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont and more, and toast creative cocktails in whimsical pop-up bars across the city. Take in classic and contemporary holiday theater productions, like the Washington Ballet's iconic "Nutcracker," Ford's Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" and Step Afrika!’s "Magical Musical Holiday Step Show."
Don't miss the 50-foot rooftop dome atop Union Market, which becomes a fictional 1970s European mountain resort, pairing a new immersive visual journey with Alpine-inspired food and cocktails high above DC. Stroll through local traditions like ZooLights at the National Zoo (Nov. 20-Jan. 3) and the DowntownDC Holiday Market (Nov. 13-Dec. 23), which turns F Street NW into a winter wonderland with 119 local vendors. The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle (Nov. 14-Dec. 23) offers boutique brands and unique gifts.
Pair seasonal lights with new sites. The free Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens on Oct. 31, and features double the amount of work on display. The free National Air and Space Museum just completed its eight-year renovation with the opening of two new galleries. In Shaw, the Carter G. Woodson Historic Site reopens on Nov. 7, home of the early leader of Black education and founder of “Negro History Week,” which later became Black History Month. The African American Civil War Memorial Museum also just reopened following a multiyear transformation, honoring the heroic role of 209,145 U.S. Colored Troops in ending slavery and keeping the country united. ARTECHOUSE also just resumed programming with a wholly immersive digital art experience.
Images courtesy of Washington.org
