Washington DC at Christmas time is absolutely magical. When I was planning my trip there last year I had no idea what I was in for. Sure, I had a long list of political landmarks, monuments, museums, and galleries that I wanted to visit. But what I didn’t expect was just how FESTIVE Washington DC is during the Christmas season. All it took was one afternoon of strolling around downtown to fall completely in love with Washington DC at Christmas time.
Washington DC at Christmas time truly is magical
Why Visit Washington DC at Christmas Time?
There’s something about seeing a city with such historical and beautiful architecture that’s all decked out for the holidays that makes you feel like you’ve walked into a Hallmark Christmas movie. I’m not kidding. That’s exactly how I felt walking around Washington DC last Christmas. Washington DC at Christmas time is absolutely beautiful. Every corner is more festive than the next and you will feel like you stumbled into a Christmas dream.
What to See and Do in Washington DC at Christmas Time
If you’re wonder whether visiting Washing DC at Christmas time is a good idea, let me tell you I would go back in a heart beat. Beyond being incredibly beautiful this time of year there’s just so much to see and do.
I hope this list of incredibly festive things to do in Washington DC at Christmas time inspires you to plan your own trip there during the holidays.
1. Visit the Library of Congress – FREE activity to do in Washington DC at Christmas Time
The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It officially serves the United States Congress and is also one of the top tourist destinations in Washington DC. Although the Library of Congress is absolutely stunning year round, it’s even more beautiful during the Christmas season. Entrance is completely free so you should definitely plan to pop by while you’re in Washington. Visit the Thomas Jefferson building to take in the beautiful Christmas tree before exploring the rest of this historically stunning library. You’ll see why it’s such a beautiful site to see in Washington DC at Christmas time!
2. Grab a Holiday drink at the Old Ebbitt Grill
The Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon and was founded in 1856. To this day it remains one of the city’s greatest treasures and is a definite must visit while in Washington DC. Stop by for a picture with the adorable nutcrackers outside before venturing in for cocktails and oysters in their beautiful Victorian bar. You’ll quickly realize why the Old Ebbitt Grill is always so busy and it’s especially beautiful to visit at Christmas time.
I just loved the giant Nutcrackers outside Old Ebbitt Grill
3. Enjoy the Festive Decor and Holiday Christmas High Tea at the InterContinental the Willard
The Willard InterContinental is a AAA four diamond hotel located in the heart of downtown Washington DC. If you think the Willard is stunning year round (which it is) it’s even more spectacular during the holiday season. One step into the lobby of the Willard will transport you into an elegant Christmas wonderland that’s sure to take your breath away.
If you’re looking for a one stop shop of the most incredible Washington DC Christmas decorations then the Willard hotel is definitely for you. From the incredible tree lined hallways to the stunning lobby, to the garlands, wreaths, and lights galore outside. Every corner at the Willard is more breathtaking than the next.
Once you’re done taking in all of the Christmas decor you should enjoy the Willard’s Holiday high tea. The Willard’s Holiday High Tea is complete with holiday themed teas and treats which are a must to help get you into the Christmas spirit! This is a definite must do while you’re in Washington DC at Christmas time.
4. Stop for dinner and enjoy the festive decor at the Occidental
Located just steps from the Willard is the Occidental, a local landmark of Washington DC. The Occidental serves high-end American meals in a posh space lined with portraits of statesmen. Stop by for a true DC dining experience and enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations and tree outside. You’ll also enjoy portraits of famous past patrons including political powerhouses, sports figures, authors and celebrities on display throughout the main dining room. The Occidental is the perfect place to dine to give you a truly American holiday experience in Washington DC at Christmas time.
5. Browse the Boutiques and Enjoy the Holiday Decor at CityCentreDC
If you haven’t gotten all your Christmas shopping done yet here’s the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. CityCentreDC is an expansive outdoor shopping centre in downtown Washington DC boasting boutique after boutique that’ll make all your shopping dreams come true. Featuring the best in haute couture shops, restaurants, luxury skincare boutiques and more that are even more fun to visit during the holidays. From light lined walkways to giant reindeer to a massive Christmas tree, there’s tons of festive decor to stumble upon at it’s such a magical place to visit in Washington DC at Christmas time.
Strolling through CityCentreDC at night
6. Take in the Beauty of the National Christmas Tree – A FREE activity to do in Washington DC at Christmas Time
Although I didn’t get the chance to visit it this year, the National Christmas Tree was high on my list of things I wanted to do in Washington DC at Christmas time so I had to include it in this list! The National Christmas tree is an almost 100 year old tradition and is completely free to visit. The tree is lit every night from 4:30pm-midnight as part of the America Celebrates display at President’s Park. Musical entertainment also happens every night for the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas.
Surrounding the National Christmas Tree is the America Celebrates display which features 56 trees each representing a U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. The 2019 ornaments were handcrafted by students of 56 schools across the US to celebrate the history, culture, and heritage of their homeland. It will be exciting to see what this year brings!
7. Get lost at Enchant Christmas – the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Holiday Market
Open November 22 to December 29th at National Parks in DC, Enchant Christmas is the world’s largest Christmas Light maze! If you’re looking for something new to try this holiday season then this should definitely be it. Centered around a 100 foot lighted pine tree that’s bigger than the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Centre in New York, the Enchant maze is like a living storybook of larger than life stunning lit sculptures and displays. There’s also an ice skating trail which makes it a perfect afternoon activity to do with friends or family while in Washington DC at Christmas time.
8. Browse the Unique Vendors and Enjoy a Hot Apple Cider at the Downtown Holiday Market
Located conveniently right downtown Washington and next to the National Portrait Gallery, the Downtown Holiday Market is a great daytime activity to do while visiting Washington DC. Loaded with tons of unique vendors ranging from artists to apparel brands, jewelers and chocolatiers, the holiday market has something for everyone. It’s completely free to attend and they also feature live music throughout the afternoon and evening!
9. Take a walk around the Downtown core and Enjoy all the Decorations – A FREE activity to do in Washington DC at Christmas Time
After checking out the downtown holiday market why not head for a stroll and just enjoy all the festive decorations in the downtown area? I was so in awe of how festively decorated downtown Washington DC is at Christmas time. Every single business building and hotel we passed was even more festive than the next. Peek into the lobbies of the buildings you pass and you’ll be amazed! It’s so impressive how festive Washington DC becomes at Christmas time. You will feel like you walked into a Christmas movie.
Natalie
Sunday 25th of October 2020
So magical!!! Your outfits are so festive and cute too, love them!
Natasha
Saturday 24th of October 2020
I don’t know how I lived right outside of Washington D.C for almost all of my life and didn’t know about all these events! Saving this for when I move back!
Lisa
Saturday 24th of October 2020
I lived in DC last Christmas and you totally nailed it! These are definitely all of the best things to do in DC over the winter holiday season! beautiful pictures!
Margie
Saturday 24th of October 2020
Love your festive outfits! We have visited DC several times but never during the holidays - thanks for the tips!