Washington, DC

ZooLights is Back for their 16th Season!

• Nov 22 - Jan 4
• Thurs, Fri, Sat, Mon: 5pm - 9pm & Sun: 5pm - 8pm
• Tickets: $6/person over 2 yrs old
• Smithsonian’s National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Ave NW
• Visitors can stroll through immersive lantern displays that feature over a 1/2 million eco-friendly lights, live performances, and more.
• Tickets & details: HERE

Holiday Happenings at Tudor House

• Dec 6 - Dec 15 • Various times
• Most events require a ticket
• Tudor House - 1644 31st St NW
• Holiday tea & tours and special Candlelight tours are back for 2024!
• Tickets & details: HERE

Ice Rink at the National Sculpture Garden

• Nov 23 - March 2 • 11am- 9pm Sun – Thurs & 11am - 11pm Fri & Sat
• Tickets start at $12/two-hour session + skate rentals available
• 7th Street and Constitution Ave NW
• Take a lap around this outdoor skating rink this holiday season while enjoying the downtown DC views!
• Tickets & details: HERE

Downtown Holiday Market

• Nov 22 - Dec 23 • 12pm - 8pm daily • Closed Thanksgiving
• FREE Event to attend
• F St NW between 7th and 9th St NW
• Celebrating its 20th season, the market is partnering with The Market Show to revitalize the open air market with over 110 vendors - many participating for the first time!
• Details: HERE

• Nov 28 - daily Jan 5 • Closed on Christmas
• FREE Event
• U.S. Botanic Gardens - 100 Maryland Ave SW
• Enjoy model train displays, 1000s of poinsettias, DC landmarks made of plants, festive lights & more!
• Details: HERE

Lighting of the National Menorah

• Dec 25
• Ticketed Event – tickets are free, but must be ordered in advance. Limited number available.
• Ellipse across from the White House
• This annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah helps launch and strengthen the celebration of Chanukah.
• Ticket Details: HERE

District Holiday Boat Parade

• Dec 7 • 5pm - 8pm
• FREE Event
• District Pier at the Wharf - 101 District Square SE
• Enjoy over 60 decorated boats on the Potomac while roasting marshmallows, decorating ornaments, and getting a photo with Santa. Fireworks finale starts at 8pm.
• Details & Calendar of Events: HERE

Holiday Trees throughout the District

• National Christmas Tree - Presidents Park on the White House Ellipse • FREE to visit
• The People’s Tree at the U.S. Capitol - West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol • FREE to visit
• CityCenterDC - 825 10th St NW • FREE to visit
• Columbia Heights - Winter Community Day and Tree Lighting between 2pm and 8pm on Dec 6. Lots of participating vendors with specials throughout the event. Tree located at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza at 1400 Park Rd NW. More details HERE. 

Holiday Performances throughout the District

• A Christmas Carol - runs at Ford’s Theater between Nov 21 & Dec 21. Tickets at fords.org
• The Nutcracker by the Washington Ballet - runs at the Warner Theater between Nov 30 - Dec 29. Tickets at can be found HERE. 
• The Holiday Show (Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC) - runs Dec 7, 14 & 15 at the Lincoln Theater. Tickets can be found HERE. 
• George Balanchine's The Nutcracker performed by the Philadelphia Ballet- runs between Nov 27 - Dec 1 at The Kennedy Center. Tickets can be found HERE.
• Capital City Symphony's: SING! - Dec 15 at Atlas Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be found HERE.
• The Hip Hop Nutcracker - runs Dec 20 - 24 at The National Theater. Tickets can be found HERE.
• A Candlelight Christmas - runs De 15 - 22 at The Kennedy Center. Tickets can be found HERE.

Maryland

ICE! at National Harbor

• Nov 15 - Dec 28 • Various times
• Ticketed Event
• Gaylord National - 200 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD
• Embark on a magical journey through larger-than-life, immersive scenes from the classic 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' carved from over 2 million pounds of ice. There are several other holiday events happening at Gaylord National including snow tubing, Christmas décor, ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and so much more! CLICK HERE for a complete list of activities.
• Tickets & Details for ICE!: HERE

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas

• Nov 15 - Dec 28 • Various times
• Ticketed Event - start at $25
• This 30-minute Cirque-styled Christmas show features dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. 
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Lights on the Bay

• Nov 19 - Jan 1 • 5pm - 10pm
• Ticketed Event starting at $20/vehicle and coupons available at local retailers & publications
• Sandy Point Park - 1100 E. College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
• Celebrating its 30th year, this event features a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with approximately 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Winter City Lights

• Nov 18 - Dec 30 • 5pm - 8pm time slots available
• Ticketed Event
• OBGC Complex - 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD
• Experience over 1 million twinkling lights and 200,000 square feet of displays spanning 18 beautiful acres in a festive outdoor setting - named the 2nd Most Magical Lights Display in the US by CountryLiving! 
• Tickets & Details: HERE

The Polar Express Train Ride

• Nov 29 - 30 + Dec 1, 6-9, 12-15, 18-22 • Multiple times
• Ticketed Event
• B&O Railroad Museum - 901 W. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD
• Come in your PJs to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed, and little ones get to meet Santa!
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

• Nov 25 – Dec 30 (closed on Christmas) between 6pm and 9pm, Sun - Thurs and 6pm and 10am, Fri & Sat
• Ticketed Event - MUST purchase tickets in advance online
• Seneca Creek State Park -11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg
• The 3.5-mile drive through the park features over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees. 
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Garden of Lights

• Nov 22 – Jan 5 (closed Nov 25-28, Dec 24-25 & Jan 1)
• Opens daily between 5:30pm and 9pm
• Ticketed Event
• Brookside Gardens - 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
• Walk through the outdoor twinkling lights and glimmering displays that dot the paths and flowerbeds throughout 50 acres in Wheaton.
• Tickets & Details: HERE 

Winter on the Waterfront

• Nov 23 – Dec 24 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) • Sun - Thurs, 12pm - 8pm and Fri & Sat, 12-9pm
• Multiple different events throughout the holiday season
• Some events are ticketed. 
• 501 Light St, Baltimore
• This celebration features a large holiday markets, open air ice skating rink, and more! The most festive weekend of the season will be held on Dec 7 & 8 with multiple festivals and the Parade of Holiday Boats between 5:45pm and 8pm between Fells Point and the Inner Harbor.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Virginia

Winter Glow at Mount Vernon

• Nov 29-30, and Dec 15-19, 23 • Various Times
• Tickets start at $35/adult and $25/youth
• Mount Vernon Estate - 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA
• Stroll through the festively lit estate, roast s'mores & play a game of "I Spy" throughout the estate. Winter Glow ticket holders get free admission to the estate between December and February too! 
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Old Town Alexandria Christmas & Holiday Market

• Dec 14 • 11am – 4pm
• FREE Event
• 300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA
• Find the perfect gift for your loved ones at the Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square. The festival will feature craft and food vendors, Christmas music, Santa's corner with the opportunity for a photo, and Kid's Corner ornament crafting!
• Details: HERE

53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

• Dec 7 between 11am and 1pm
• Free
• Location: enjoy the parade from anywhere along the mile-long route through Old Town.
• Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more

24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade

• Dec 7 • Festivities on the dock between 2pm and 8pm with the parade starting at 5:30pm
• Free
• Dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.
• Details: HERE

Winter Walk of Lights

• Now - Jan 5 • Various Times
• Tickets start at $18/adult and discounted if purchased online in advance
• Meadowlark Park – 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
• Take an evening walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens adorned with lighted trees and displays featuring nature, winter, and holiday themes.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Winter Lantern Festival

• Now - Jan 13 • Thurs - Sun only • 5pm - 9:30pm (last entrance at 8:30pm). 
• Tickets start at $26.99/adults and $13.99/child
• Step into a dazzling world of light with over 1000 Chinese lanterns; all handmade by artisans with decades of experience.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Ice & Lights - The Winter Village at Cameron Run

• Now - Jan 5 (closed on Thanksgiving)• 5pm - 10pm daily
• Tickets start at $8.55 & discounted if purchased online in advance
• Enjoy a unique outdoor experience as you walk through light displays, sip hot chocolate, and take a lap around the ice-skating rink!
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Bull Run Festival of Lights

• Now - Jan 5 • Opens at 5:30pm daily
• Tickets required & discounted if purchased online + special promo nights offer up to an additional $10 in savings
• Bull Run Regional Park - 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA
• A 2.5 mile drive-through of festive light displays, walkthrough Christmas Village and Carnival!
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Eastern Shore & Ocean City, MD

38th Annual Festival of Trees

• Nov 30 - Dec 3 • Various Times
• Ticketed Event
• Tidewater Inn - 101 E. Dover St, Easton
• In a magical holiday setting, 50 beautifully decorated trees. will be on display and some will be for sale! Holiday entertainment will be performed by local artists, groups,
• and musicians along with the sale of festive gifts.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Winterfest of Lights

• Nov 21 - Dec 31 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm (closed Mon & Tue b/w Nov 21 and Dev 22)
• Ticketed event - $6/person • Children under 12 are free!
• Northside Park - 200 125th St, Ocean City
• Enjoy a walk-through winter wonderland experience and explore the 58-acre Northside Park with even bigger and better displays for 2024!
• Details: HERE

Breakfast with Santa

• Dec 14 • 8am - 10am
• Tickets: $10/child
• 125 Mulberry Street, St. Michaels
• Children 4-9 get to enjoy breakfast with Santa and both Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with each child to review their very own "wish list."
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Lighted Boat Parade

• Dec 14 • 6pm
• FREE Event
• St.Michaels Harbor - 101 N. Harbor Rd, St. Michaels
• Back by popular demand, festively boats will cruise around the St Michaels Harbor. See website for route.
• Details: HERE

Yuletide Festival & Holiday Marketplace

• Dec 7 & Dec 8 • 11am - 3pm
• Tickets: $10
• Mount Harmon - 600 Mount Harmon Rd, Earleville
• Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas with handmade wreaths, decorations, and artisan gifts, plus enjoy the open-air food court and festival! Rain or shine.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Coastal Delaware

Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along in Rehoboth Beach

• Nov 29 • 6pm - 7:15pm
• FREE Event Downtown Rehoboth Beach
• Join in on the festive cheer with the local bandstand to sing holiday classics and light this year’s community holiday tree!
• Details: HERE

Weekend Wonderland in Bethany Beach

• Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21 • 10am - 6pm
• Multiple locations throughout Bethany Beach
• Special business incentives between 10am and 5pm at participating businesses & trolly tours to see holiday displays (by reservation only)
• Details: HERE

Lewes Christmas Parade

• Dec 7 • 5pm - 6:30pm
• FREE Event
• Downtown Lewes, DE
• The 92nd Annual Lewes Christmas Parade will feature over 100 entries including classic cars, floats, marching bands, Santa, and more! Following the parade, everyone is invited to gather in Zwaanendael Park for the official tree lighting and candlelight caroling Christmas in Lewes. Rain/snow date: Dec 14
• Earlier in the day there is a Holiday Market & Bake Sale between 9am and 4pm at 110 Shipcarpenter St. 
• Details: HERE

Schellville: Enchanted Winter Celebration

• Multiple dates between now & December 31 • 1-4pm & 5pm - 9pm
• FREE Event this Year
• 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach
• Schellville is guaranteed to be filled with holiday magic, goodwill, and fun for the entire family. Most activities are free once inside and feature a maze of lights, expanded snow zone, sledding hill, and lots of good food and drinks for an additional cost. 
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Tree Lighting & More in Bethany Beach

• Dec 7 • 10:30am - 5pm
• FREE Event
• Downtown Bethany Beach
• Story time at the Nature Center, party with Santa, trolley and tractor rides, face painting + pony rides (pre-registration required) and tree lighting ceremony at 5pm featuring the SDSA Show Choir.
• Details: HERE

We hope you have the best holiday season! If you're looking for a new home for the holidays or in 2025, Bediz Group is here to help you accomplish your real estate goals and have licensed agents in DC, Maryland, Virginia & Delaware to help! 
More details about bediz.com can be found HERE or call us at 202-642-1616 to discuss your goals and timeline.

All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Download your free copy of our Bediz Group Holiday Happenings Guide below!