CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON DC
- Cinnamon Bottaro
- 20 hours ago
- 8 min read
Beyond the White House, Capitol and politics of the District is a thriving city. The real DC isn't like an episode of House of Cards, it is so much more. It is a city filled with a rich history, the sounds of go-go, the taste of mumbo and residents from all around the world.
And while I believe DC is a city worth being on everyone's bucket list, she really lights up over the holiday season. With decorated storefronts and twinkling Christmas trees the monuments tend to glow a little brighter at night this time of year.
Whether you live here or are hosting out of town guests over the holidays I am sure this list will help you enjoy the season to the fullest.
CHRISTMAS TREE HUNTING
If you are looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy with the family may I suggest a Christmas tree tour led by you! Use my guide to some of the best trees in the city.
DC's downtown holiday market is open daily November 21 - December 23 2025.
• Monday-Thursday | 12pm-8pm
• Friday-Saturday | 11am-9pm
• Sunday | 11am-8pm | 11am-8pm
Located in front of the National Portrait Gallery, the market features multiple vendors, hot beverages, sweets, and a calendar of holiday performances.
Plan a day outing starting at the National Portrait Gallery followed by a stroll through the holiday market. I recommend grabbing a churro and hot chocolate to enjoy while browsing.
Want to continue the holiday fun in this area? Head to Urban Roast (reservation required)or Dirty Habit Winter Chalet located just a block away for s'mores and cocktails.
Looking for a hearty meal to warm up with after the holiday market? Head to two of the best ramen shops in DC just a few blocks away. Daikaya (1st floor) for ramen or next door Bantam King. You will have to put your name in for either and can expect a long wait on a busy weekend. If you have your heart set on this plan I suggest stopping by here first to inquire how long the wait is and putting down your name for the waitlist while you explore the holiday market. Waits can sometimes be as long as 90+ minutes. TIP: Traffic is heavy so do not drive. Highly recommend visiting by metro.
CITY CENTER DECORATIONS
City Center really knows how to bring the holiday cheer to DC. This downtown area has seasonal decor year-round but they go all out for the holiday season. This impressive 75-foot tree is one of the largest in the city, decorated with more than 150,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments.
Just a few blocks away from the downtown holiday market, make your way over here to enjoy the decor and perhaps stay for dinner. I recommend Centrolina or Seven Reasons.
U.S. BOTANICAL GARDENS
The US Botanic Gardens features an outdoor train display with festive holiday adornments and lights throughout the garden from The train display can be visited in the gated outdoor gardens between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m Nov. 27, 2025, and Jan. 4, 2026, closed Dec. 25. Tickets are not required.
Make sure to check out the Conservatory windows which will also be decorated for the holidays featuring thousands of colorful poinsettias and some collections of D.C. monuments and landmarks made from plant materials. The display is truly impressive and can be enjoyed later at night if you can't make it to the trains before 5:00pm.
NATIONAL HARBOR
Just a 20-minute drive from DC this waterfront area in Maryland has lots to offer during the holiday season.
To enjoy an outing here for just a few hours I recommend the following. Arrive around 4:30pm and take a stroll down to the water to snap a picture in front of the Christmas tree. Then make your way over to the lookout right in front of Grace's Mandarin to enjoy the sunset with a view overlooking the water and the iconic Ferris wheel lit up.
Next up it's time to make your way over to the Gaylord National Hotel for the free #LIT light show in the lobby of the hotel. A high-energy, celebratory show with thousands of dancing lights, lasers, and music at 7:30pm, 8:45pm and 9:15pm
CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD NATIONAL HOTEL
There are many ways to celebrate the holidays at National Harbor and the Gaylord National Hotel offers plenty. Here you can see the extensive list of activities they offer.
Last holiday season my family and I enjoyed the I Love Christmas Movies experience. Where we were able to walk through the movie set of five iconic christmas films: The Polar Express™, Elf™, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation™, A Christmas Story™, and The Year Without A Santa Claus™.
Throughout the hotel there were several vendors with delicious treats. A personal favorite was the Holiday Sweet Shoppe offering spiked hot cocoa and eggnog. Let me tell you, bourbon hot chocolate hits different.
SPEND A DAY AT THE WHARF
Light Up the Wharf, kicks off the holiday season at December 6, 2025, The waterfront transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights.
Plan an entire evening of holiday fun with a stroll to admire all the holiday decor including Jack Daniel’s twenty-five-foot-tall whiskey barrel tree on Market Pier. Carry on the evening with a visit to the Terrazza at Officina for dinner and drinks and end your evening with a s'more around the campfire with the magnificent Christmas tree in the background.
You can also enjoy the ice rink from Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
ICE SKATING
You won't find me on skates, but this classic holiday pastime can be enjoyed in Washington, D.C. with some epic backdrops, like the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, the Washington Harbor in Georgetown, or down at the Wharf.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
If the weather is too cold may I suggest a visit to the Library of Congress.
Next to the Capitol sits the largest library in the world, where more than 500 miles of bookshelves house books, photos, and maps and it's FREE to visit.
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This is a great holiday outing. Step into a historic building to enjoy its stunning architecture, rotating exhibits, and end with a photo op in front of the indoor Christmas tree. This spectacular tree is decorated with hand-painted wooden books representing every state.
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You must book a timed reservation ahead of time.
STROLL THROUGH GEORGETOWN
DC’s most historic neighborhood lights up during the holidays in a month-long celebration with outdoor works of art, an ice skating rink by the water, and wreaths hanging on lanterns. Wander around the charming residential streets of this historic neighborhood and peep the decor before making your way down to the waterfront.
A holiday favorite in the neighborhood is the famous Filomena. For over three decades this restaurant has been filling the residents of the nation's capital hearts and bellies with giant plates of pasta. Filomena goes all out with its holiday decor. The food is delicious, the atmosphere feels like a family dining room and the portions are dangerously big so keep in mind when ordering. Make sure to wave hello through the glass to the woman making fresh pasta as you head down into the restaurant.
Many hotels in the district put on a show for the holidays but no one does it quite like this iconic hotel. The Willard goes all out for the holidays and should be at the top of your list.
When it comes to feeling pampered, an afternoon tea always does the trick. As soon as the tiered tray of delights is set on the table and hot tea begins to pour into my delicate patterned teacup I am instantly transported to my own personal Downton Abbey fantasy.
Book a spot at the Willard's red-carpeted Peacock Alley lined with Christmas trees and enjoy the British tradition of scones, clotted cream, and jam accompanied by the sounds of a live harpist.
Afternoon Tea is offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December (excluding December 31) with seatings at 1:00 p.m. and at 4:00 p.m.
Price: $105 per adult, or $120 with a glass of champagne $65 per child (3-12 years of age).
If you are unable to get a reservation here consider enjoying a warm beverage at Cafe du parc and admiring the Christmas decor around the hotel. Tea or no tea the Willard will get you in the Christmas spirit.
HAY ADAMS
The Willard gets a special shout-out on this list due to its iconic holiday decor but for afternoon tea the Hay Adams is a personal favorite year-round. I have an entire blog post with the details for an afternoon tea with the most iconic view of the White House. The Hay Adams will be sure to impress any out-of-town guests.
HOW TO BOOK
Reservations are made by calling (202) 638-2570 or emailing concierge@hayadams.com
ST REGIS HOTEL
Located steps away from the White House the St. Regis offers daily afternoon tea 2-5pm in the hotel’s grand lobby.
This year’s Holiday Afternoon Tea is reimagined through the lens of a champagne and caviar theme—an elegant homage to timeless luxury and festive delight. Surrounded by holiday décor and the soft melodies of live music, this enchanting afternoon offers a moment of celebration. Wednesday through Sunday from November 5th, 2025 - January 4th, 2026. Reservations can be made online.
DRINKS AT A HOLIDAY BAR
I’m a sucker for an over priced cocktail in a Santa cup. The following round up of holiday bars is sure to help you celebrate the holiday season.
MIRACLE AT BLACK WHISKEY
Black Whiskey will be hosting this year’s Miracle holiday pop up Friday November 28, 2025 – Wednesday December 31, 2025. Enjoy festive decorations and holiday cocktails.
URBAN ROAST WINTER WONDERLAND
This spot goes all out with their decor year round and their Christmas setup will not disappoint. Book a reservation for hot drinks and s’mores around the fire pit. They have an extensive menu of hot chocolate and s’more options for you to enjoy. In a hurry? Just stop by and pick up a coffee to go and have a holiday photo up*. If you are hosting out of town guests this is a fun place to stop by for a warm cup of coffee after a visit to the Portrait Gallery located a block away. *As of recently, they expanded the to-go coffee orders to be separate from the main decorated area.
NOVEMBER 20 - JANUARY 31
Behind the hotel Monaco their courtyard is transformed into a dreamy winter wonderland. This spot offers festive cocktails and heaters to warm you up. This is a great spot to sit down after a visit to the holiday market. If the lines are too long for hot chocolate come here instead! The winter chalet is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
NOVEMBER 15-JANUARY 4
This pop-up is inspired by the charm of European winter getaways, offering a stunning visual experience, along with a themed selection of cocktails and delicious bites. Located on the rooftop of Union Market immerse yourself in a winter wonderland. Tickets required.
RESIDENTS
This is more of a 'winter wonderland' and less "Christmas" but I had to include one of my favorite spots in DC. This beautiful space is one of my favorite restaurants in the city with the best espresso martini. The menu is updated by season to showcase fresh ingredients and well as their cocktail list.
Have guests in town and want to escape the cold? Stop by one of my favorite private museums and enjoy the holiday decor.
Beginning Tuesday, November 25, the exhibition demonstrates the style and elegance of the legendary Marjorie Post and her remarkable treasures, so too do the Christmas trees, each inspired by a particular exhibition piece.
Please let me know if you make it to any of these spots this holiday season. Would love to hear about your visit! Tag me on Instagram @ontheroadwithcinn
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