Written by Staff Writer-Now Moments TIMES
The holiday season in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) is a time of joy, light, and togetherness. Whether you’re looking for a magical Christmas Eve activity or something fun for Christmas Day, the region is bursting with events to make your holidays unforgettable. From sparkling lights and live performances to festive treats and unique shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The glow of holiday lights is one of the most beautiful parts of the season. Across the DMV, you’ll find dazzling displays that bring neighborhoods and parks to life. These events are perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to capture the magic of Christmas under twinkling skies.
The holiday season is about creating memories that last a lifetime. With classic performances like The Nutcracker, live holiday concerts, and caroling events, the DMV offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate the traditions that make this time of year special. For those looking for something new, modern twists on seasonal favorites are sure to surprise and delight.
The region’s Christmas markets and pop-up shops are filled with seasonal treats and unique gifts. Enjoy warm drinks, delicious baked goods, and savory snacks as you browse for handcrafted ornaments, cozy knits, and thoughtful treasures. These markets are the perfect place to find something special for loved ones or to treat yourself.
Christmas Eve is the heart of the season, and the DMV offers plenty of ways to celebrate. Enjoy a peaceful candlelight service, take a festive walk through a holiday light display, or share a delicious meal at a local restaurant. These moments are perfect for winding down before the excitement of Christmas Day.
Whether you’re exploring with friends, enjoying time with family, or planning a quiet date night, the DMV has an event for every holiday mood. Let the magic of the season guide you to a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and memories that will last long after the holidays are over.
Below is our full list of events to help you plan your perfect Christmas adventure across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
1)Winter City Lights: A Magical Holiday Outing in Olney:
Discover the magic of Winter City Lights in Olney, Maryland, with over 1 million lights across an 18-acre park. Stroll the 1.5-mile trail featuring 75 dazzling holiday displays, an eight-lane snow tubing ride, and a 52-foot Christmas tree with synchronized light shows. Warm up by bonfires while enjoying festive treats like s’mores and hot chocolate for a holiday experience perfect for all ages.
2)Charm City Lights Brightens Baltimore This Holiday Season
https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/charmcitylights
Celebrate the holidays at Charm City Lights in Druid Hill Park, open nightly from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM through January 1, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Experience over 250,000 twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive themes like Candy Cane Lane and Toyland. Choose a drive-thru adventure for $10 per car or enjoy walk nights for $5 per person. Create magical memories with this enchanting holiday tradition!
3)Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular
https://book.peek.com/s/6aeb041e-3316-44f2-90cc-0d83e9d0cf5f/REMqR
Stroll through over a million dazzling lights, enjoy festive holiday scenes, shop the Holiday Village, and delight in carnival rides and live performances. Meet Santa nightly through December 23 and make magical memories with family and friends! Free parking included.
4)Do Portugal Circus
A combination of excellence and magic creates a journey of laughter and pure amazement. Talented and passionate artists deliver breathtaking, death-defying acts, while the delightful clown brings nonstop smiles. This extraordinary show offers enjoyment for every generation, creating lasting memories for all.
5)Sip & Shop Local Market – Oversea Distillery:
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Enjoy a delightful day of shopping and sipping at Oversea Distillery’s Local Market. Explore a variety of local vendors offering unique products, from handmade crafts to delicious treats, all while savoring a handcrafted cocktail from the bar. It’s a wonderful way to support local businesses and enjoy a lively atmosphere. Make sure to stop by for this unforgettable experience!
6)A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2024
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Charles Dickens’ story was created to inspire a spirit of charity toward those less fortunate. Our Helen Hayes Awards–recommended original production of this classic holiday story has become an annual holiday tradition, delighting patrons of all ages.
7)Christmas Eve Breakfast Tour
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Begin your day with a continental breakfast before exploring 100 themed rooms and hunting for 80 secret doors—guaranteed access to 60 spaces and 32 hidden passageways. Bring a shopping bag; almost everything is for sale!
8)THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AT MGM
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Celebrate the season at the annual holiday party at MGM’s Felt Lounge. Enjoy great music, lively vibes, and an open bar from 10 PM to 11 PM to toast an incredible year!
9)T’Was The Night Before X-Mas Party
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Prepare for a night of Christmas cheer, sparkling lights, and unforgettable holiday vibes at the T’was The Night Before X-Mas Party.
Happening exclusively at Lima Twist, the event features music by Schemes and Sam I Am, keeping the energy alive from 10 PM to 3 AM. Dress code is strictly enforced, and parking options include ample street parking and valet service for convenience.
10)National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)
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The National Chanukah Menorah lighting on the Ellipse, near the White House, is a cherished tradition bringing light and hope to millions worldwide. First lit in 1979, it features the world’s largest menorah and has hosted prominent figures, including U.S. presidents and global dignitaries. Celebrate the Festival of Lights at this iconic event.
11)Light Yards on Christmas’ Day!
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Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at The Yards Park! This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplify the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging.
12)Drive Through Merriweather Symphony of Lights!
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The Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion, a Howard County tradition for over 25 years, features more than 300,000 twinkling bulbs. This family-friendly event showcases stunning animated and stationary holiday displays, with new additions each year, promising a magical night for all.
13)ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
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ICE! brings “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to life with breathtaking sculptures crafted from over 2 million pounds of ice, creating a magical holiday experience for all.
14)Snow Flow Mountain Ice Tubing (at Gaylord National Harbor)
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Slide into fun on Snow Flow Mountain, where real frozen ice lanes set the stage for thrilling races with family and friends.
15) 2024 Bull Run Festival of Lights
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The Bull Run Festival of Lights offers a 2.5-mile drive-through experience filled with vibrant light displays, along with a walk-through Holiday Village and Carnival. Open nightly through the holiday season, it’s a perfect way to celebrate.
16)A Family Christmas Concert
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Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them!
This one-hour concert is perfect for children ages 5 and up.
17)Holly-Days at Maryland Zoo
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Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! This December, enjoy a visit from Mrs. Claus and other beloved holiday characters. Storytime and photo opportunities create the perfect chance to make lasting holiday memories.
18)Silver Spring Ice Skating
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Skate into the holiday season at Veterans Plaza, surrounded by shops, dining, and entertainment. Skates are available in toddler to adult sizes, with lessons offered for all skill levels.
19)Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District!
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Glide into a 75-minute skating adventure at the Color Burst Ice Rink in Color Burst Park. Enjoy seasonal events, lively music, and pop-up food and drink stands. Children’s skate aids are available for $5 to make the experience even more enjoyable.
20)German Christmas Village
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Discover the magic of a German-inspired Christmas market at West Shore Park in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. From unique vendors and sparkling lights to live performances and holiday treats, there’s something for everyone. Open on Christmas Eve until 5 PM.
21)Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
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Step into a magical woodland trail featuring iconic creatures, spell-casting, and wizard-inspired treats. Located at Morven Park, this enchanting adventure is perfect for all ages. Tickets available now!
22)Miracle at deathpunch CHRISTMAS POP UP BAR!
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Now in its 11th year, Miracle is a global Christmas pop-up franchise developed by Cocktail Kingdom and has grown to over 150 international locations.
Miracle at Death Punch is thrilled to represent Washington DC for the 5th year in a row.
23)Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
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Experience the magic of “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” at Gaylord National Resort’.
24)Fireside S’mores
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Cozy up by the fire in The Living Room and enjoy decadent and delicious s’mores with all the irresistible fixings prepared nightly.
25)DEL RAY ARTISANS 29TH ANNUAL FINE ART & FINE CRAFT HOLIDAY MARKET
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Explore the 29th Annual Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market by Del Ray Artisans. Rotating artists each weekend showcase handmade treasures, perfect for holiday gifts.
