2024 Holiday events in DC, Maryland and Virginia

WASHINGTON - The holiday season is in full swing and FOX 5 has your guide to the best attractions and events taking place in the D.C. area to celebrate!

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Holiday pop-ups, performances and celebrations in DC

Seasons Greenings 2024

The U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual holiday display featured model trains, festive lights, poinsettias and D.C. landmarks made from plants. 

Nov. 28 through Jan. 5 | U.S. Botanic Garden
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free
More information here.

Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf

Watch more than 60 decorated boats pass by the Wharf and enjoy ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, family photos with Santa and live music.

Dec. 7 | The Wharf
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Free
More information here.

Celebrate Kwanzaa

The Anacostia Community Museum will be celebrating Kwanzaa with a multi-day program featuring events such as a traditional candle-lighting ceremony, an African Dance Workshop and a family memory box workshop. 

Dec. 26 - Jan 1 | Anacostia Community Museum
1 p.m. 
Free
More information here.

Miracle at Death Punch

Two levels of the beloved Adams Morgan bar Death Punch will be decorated for the holiday season. Enjoy themed cocktails, like the Christmapolitan or a Snowball Old-Fashioned.

Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 | Death Punch
5 p.m. - 2 a.m. 
Free
More information here. 

Sippin' Santa at Black Whiskey

If "Christmas Island" is your favorite song this time of year, head to the Sippin Santa pop-up at Black Whiskey in Northwest D.C. Enjoy tropical Christmas beverages and retro Christmas decor at the 14th Street favorite. 

Nov. 29 - Dec. 31 | Black Whiskey
5 p.m. - 2 a.m. 
Free
More information here. 

Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden

Strap on your skates for a classic D.C. Christmas experience on the National Mall. 

Nov. 23 - Mar. 2
11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday
$12 for adults, $6 skate rental
More information here. 

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

Watch the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, according to Step Afrika! Meet friends from the Arctic Kingdom along with DJ Nutcracker.

Dec. 13 through Dec. 22 | Arena Stage
Showtimes depend on date chosen
$56 - $115
More information here.

GMCW Holiday Show

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C.’s annual Holiday Show is a delightful and joyous musical celebration. The show features performances from the full Chorus, soloists and GenOUT Youth Chorus. 

Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 | Lincoln Theatre
Times depend on date chosen
$25 - $65
More information here.

Navidad Flamenca

Celebrate the holidays with Spanish music and dancing, featuring the Furia Flamenca Dance company and live musicians. 

Dec. 14 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
$40
More information here. 

A Chocolate City Nutcracker

Black Leaves Dance Company re-imagines "The Nutcracker" in a "love letter to Pan-Africanism, the LGBTQIA community, and the celebration of family." 

Dec. 7 & 8 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
6:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
$29
More information here. 

Fiesta de los Reyes Magos 

Celebrate Three Kings Day at the Gala Hispanic Theatre! Kicking off with a parade featuring the Three Kings and live animals, followed by a show featuring local musicians and dance troupes. 

Jan. 5 | Gala Hispanic Theatre
1:30 p.m. 
Free
More information here. 

Holiday pop-ups, performances and celebrations in Virginia

Joy on the Avenue

This holiday pop-up bar is serving up festive cocktails, late night snacks, and tasty bites. 

November 23 - January 5 | 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301
Sun. - Weds. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Thurs. - Sat. 4 p.m. - 12 am.
Free
More information here.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights 

The 24th annual boat parade features dozens of brightly lit boats cruising along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Visitors can enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park, including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.

Dec. 7 | Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
2 - 9 p.m.
Free
More information here.

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Head over to Mount Vernon and enjoy an evening filled with activities. Visitors can go on a mansion tour, enjoy wintry lights, and stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River. 

Dec. 20 - 22 | Mount Vernon
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Adults $55+ | Youth $33+ 

More information here. 

Holiday Market and LEGO Display

Enjoy a number of holiday activities in Purcellville, from a holiday market to a detailed Lego display. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an annual holiday lights tour. 

Dec. 14 | Bush Tabernacle
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Free
More information here. 

2024 Hillsboro Holiday Home Walking Tour

Join a holiday tradition with a walking tour in historic Hillsboro, see decorations, historic homes with self-guided and guided options!

Dec. 14 | 37098 Charles Town Pike Hillsboro, VA 20132
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
$16 - $25
More information here. 

The Nutcracker with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

Enjoy a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, candy canes, a ginger bread house, and sugar plum fairies in the timeless holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. 

Dec. 21 & 22 | Center for the Arts at George Mason University
4 p.m.
$44+
More information here. 

Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing

Pentagon Row’s 7,200 square foot ice rink is now the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia and the second-largest in the state! Enjoy the outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace and many shops, restaurants and a coffee shop.

November - March | 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
Hours vary
Adults: $13, children: $12, Seniors: $10, $6 skate rental
More information here. 

Ice Skating at Reston Town Center

Skate, hop and jump while skating at the Reston Town Center rink! The Ice Skating Pavilion is open seasonally from early November-mid-March, offering public skating every day and extended hours for all Holidays.

November - March | 1818 Discovery Street, Reston, VA 20190
Hours vary
Adults: $11, Children (12 and under): $9, Senior (55+): $9, Military: $9, Skate Rentals: $7
More information here. 

Ice Skating at Potomac Town Center

Winter magic awaits you at the Stonebridge Ice Rink at Potomac Town Center. After hitting the ice, shop or dine at one of the many stores or restaurants in the center. 

Now - Feb. 23 | 14900 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge, VA 22191
Hours vary
Adults: $10, Children: (12 and under): $9, Senior/Military: $9, Skate Rentals: $6
More information here.

Ashburn Ice House

Year-round | 21595 Smith Switch Rd., Ashburn, VA 20147
Hours vary
$9
More information here. 

Holiday pop-ups, performances and celebrations in Maryland

Holly Trolley Fest

Check out the National Capital Trolley Museum’s model railroad holiday display and watch a live steam display. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance and you can ride with them on the museum’s historic street cars.

November 30 - December 22 | National Capital Trolley Museum
Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
$10 - $12
More information here.

Christmas at the Harbor

A lot is going on at National Harbor for the Holidays including a Nightly Tree Light Show (from sunset - 9 p.m.) and fireworks on Saturdays at about 5:30 p.m. These are on top of holiday classes, shopping, holiday movies, free hot chocolate and much more. 

Nov. 9 - Dec. 28 | National Harbor
Hours Vary 
More information here. 

Christmas at Gaylord National

This "Charlie Brown Christmas" themed "ICE!" experience is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. 

Nov. 15 - Dec. 28 | Gaylord National
Various Times between 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
$25.99-$43.99
More information here.

Christmas in St. Michaels Talbot Street Parade

Calling all Chesapeakes! Get the holiday season started by marching in the Christmas in St. Michaels Parade!

Dec 14 | Talbot Street from Perry Cabin south to Seymour Avenue
10:30 a.m.
More information here.

The Polar Express Train Ride

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is bringing a holiday classic to life!

All aboard the Polar Express Train Ride this Christmas season. Inspired by the hit movie, this holiday experience comes to life when you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express. Set to the music of the motion picture soundtrack, families will love their trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served prior to boarding the train. There will be singing, dancing, and a reading of The Polar Express. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and join in on the magic. This family-friendly event offers fun for all ages just outside Frederick County! Jump right into the story as we journey from either Cumberland or Frostburg to the North Pole to see St. Nick himself. All passengers will be provided a hot chocolate and a cookie plus they will receive a special commemorative silver sleigh bell.

Nov. 29 - Dec. 24
Various times
$40+
More information here.

The 36th Annual Puppet Nutcracker

Hear the story of The Nutcracker through puppetry and integrated with Puppet Co. nursery rhymes. Plus, enjoy the music of the Arlington Symphony Orchestra.

Nov. 26 through Dec. 31 | The Puppet Co. Playhouse
Various hours
$15
More information here.