Washington, DC

ZooLights is Back for their 17th Season!

• Nov 21 - Jan 3
• Mon - Sat: 5pm - 9:30pm & Sun: 5pm - 8:30pm
• Tickets: $9/person over 2 yrs old
• Member Night: Dec 9 - 11 (free, up to 6 tickets/membership)
• Date Night: Dec 17 (adult-only evening, $19/ticket)
• 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 Markt at Heurich House Museum

• Dec 4 - Dec 7 • Various times
• Most events require a ticket
• Heurich House Museum Castle Gardens - 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW
• Stroll through the museum’s festive annual holiday craft market with a Glühwein in hand and find the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones
• Tickets & details: HERE

Holiday Happenings at Tudor House

• Dec 3 - Dec 13 • Various times
• Most events require a ticket
• Tudor House - 1644 31st St NW
• Events include holiday tea and special candlelight tours.
• Tickets & details: HERE

Ice Rink at the National Sculpture Garden

• Nov 24 - March 1 • 11am- 9pm Sun – Thurs & 11am - 11pm Fri & Sat
• Tickets start at $15/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 14 - Dec 23 • Mon - Fri: 12pm - 8pm & Sat/Sun: 11am - 8pm
• Closed on Thanksgiving &  December 1
• FREE Event to attend
• F St NW between 7th and 9th St NW
• Celebrating its 21st season, the market is partnering with The Market Show to revitalize the open air market with over 35 local vendors
• Details: HERE

• Nov 27 - daily Jan 4 • Closed on Christmas
• 10am - 5pm daily
• 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 14
• 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 6 • 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 - Columbia Heights Civic Plaza at 1400 Park Rd NW. Free to visit

DC Holiday Hunt

• Nov 23 - Jan 3
• As you complete missions across the District, you’ll discover new favorites, reconnect with neighborhood staples, and keep your holiday spending where it matters most: right here in DC.
• CLICK HERE to register and unlock your missions

Holiday Performances throughout the District

• A Christmas Carol - runs at Ford’s Theater between Nov 20 and Dec 30 Tickets at fords.org
• The Nutcracker by the Washington Ballet - runs at the Warner Theater between Nov 29 - Dec 28. Tickets at can be found HERE. 
• The Holiday Show (Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC) - runs Dec 13, 14 & 20 at the Lincoln Theater. Tickets can be found HERE. 
• Holiday Pops! with Melinda Doolittle at The Kennedy Center. Varies dates in December. Tickets can be found HERE.
• A Hoot for the Holidays - Dec 5 at 8pm at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be found HERE. 
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical - runs Dec 30 - Jan 4 at The National Theater. Tickets can be found HERE.
• A Candlelight Christmas - runs De 14 - 22 at The Kennedy Center. Tickets can be found HERE.

Maryland

ICE! at National Harbor

• Nov 25 - Jan 4 • 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 Polar Express 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 25 - Jan 4 • Various times
• Ticketed Event - start at $24
• 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 23 - Jan 1 • Closed Dec 1
• Sun - Thurs: 5pm - 9pm, Fri/Sat: 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 28 - Dec 29 • 5pm - 7:30pm 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 28 - 29 + Dec 6-7, 13-14, 19-23 • 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 28 – Dec 31 (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 21 – Jan 4 (closed Nov 24-27, Dec 24-25 & Jan 1)
• Opens daily between 5pm 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 in Baltimore

• Nov 27 – Dec 24 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) • Sun - Thurs, 12pm - 8pm and Fri & Sat, 12-9pm
• Multiple different events throughout the holiday season including a Christmas Village, outdoor ice rink, and multiple craft markets.
• 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 6 & 7 with multiple festivals and the Parade of Holiday Boats between 5:45pm and 8pm between Fells Point and the Inner Harbor.
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Winter in Annapolis

• Dec 4 - Dec 19 at various locations throughout Annapolis
• Details and tickets can be found HERE
• Some events include:
  • Midnight Madness on Dec 4, 11, and 18 which features late-night shopping, discounts, special treats and more
  • Annapolis Gingerbread Houses between Nov 22 and Dec 19 at the Visitor's Center
  • Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival on Dec 7
  • Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade on Dec 13

Virginia

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

• Nov 28-29, and Dec 12, 13, 19, 22, 23 • Various Times
• Tickets start at $35/adult and $25/youth
• Mount Vernon Estate - 3200 Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA
• Step back in time through history with Mount Vernon on a 45-minute candlelit tour of the estate as we celebrate the build-up to the 250th anniversary of American Independence. 
• Tickets & Details: HERE

Home Alone Pop-up Bar

• Throughout December
• Contact hotel for specific dates & times
• Heron Hotel: 699 Prince St, Alexandria, VA
• This season, step into a holiday classic as Francis Hall transforms into a Home Alone inspired pop-up bar. A playful, over-the-top celebration of everyone’s favorite holiday movie mischief.
• Details: HERE

54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

• Dec 6 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. Details HERE. 

25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade

• Dec 6 • 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 4 • Various Times
• Tickets start at $19/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 (Tysons)

• Now - Jan 13 • Thurs - Sun only
• 5pm - 10pm (last entrance at 9pm). 
• Tickets start at $18 and they offer some promotions and ticket packages
• 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

• Nov 28 - Jan 5
• 5pm - 10pm daily
• Check website for dates/times for daytime ice skating
• Tickets start at $9 & 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

• Nov 28 - Jan 4 • Opens at 5:30pm daily
• Tickets required & discounted if purchased online + special promo nights offer up to an additional $5 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

40th Annual Festival of Trees

• Nov 29 - Dec 2 • 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

• Now- Dec 31 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm (closed Mon & Tue b/w Nov 20 and Dec 21)
• Ticketed event - $7.78/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 13 • 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 13 • 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 at Mount Harmon Plantation 

• Dec 6 & Dec 7 • 11am - 3pm
• Tickets from $10/person
• Mount Harmon Plantation- 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 28 • 6:30pm - 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

Bethany Beach Holiday Events

• Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20 
• Enjoy several different events including tree lighting, parties with Santa, Trolley rides (reservation only), and Christmas at the Cottages. 
• Multiple locations throughout Bethany Beach
• Details: HERE

Lewes Christmas Parade

• Dec 6 • 5pm - 6:30pm
• FREE Event
• Downtown Lewes, DE
• The 93rd 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. 
• Earlier in the day there is a Holiday Market & Bake Sale between 9:30am and 4pm at 110 Shipcarpenter St. 
• More events and details can be found HERE

Schellville: Enchanted Winter Celebration

• Multiple dates between now & December 31 
• FREE Event, although some activities require reservation or ticket
• 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 6 • 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 2026, 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 Group can be found HERE or call us at 202-642-1616 to discuss your goals and timeline.

All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.