See the city at its most festive.
It ’s the most howling prison term of the year — and it ’s also the most sparkly . The District dons its holiday finery and is literally wink in lights this December , so be sure to pencil in some time to see it in all its glorification . To help get you in theholiday spirit , here are some well - loved light displays , iconic tree diagram lightings , and unexpected vacation light installations both indoors and out to discipline out this month .
ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo
Now through December 30ZooLights , the yearly holiday extravaganza at the National Zoo , has become a dear tradition in DC . The lights add some conjuring trick to the zoo , transforming the grounds into a winter wonderland with thousands of environmentally friendly light-emitting diode brightness and glowing lanterns . While ramble through ZooLights is free , be sure to file in advance . In addition to a twinkly perambulation , the experience also includes live melodious performance , plus chance to do someholiday shoppingor pick up pleasant-tasting winter treats .
Enchant at Nationals Park
Now through January 1You do n’t need to be a nestling ( or have a kid ) to relish the kinsfolk - friendly vacation pop - up , Enchant , which has once again taken over Nationals Park . The immersive glitter - fill up vacation experience features the reality ’s big light maze , an ice rink , winter potable , and a vacation market . After wandering through the space , get cozy with a winter meal at The District ’s only Swiss restaurant , Stable , which has set up a fondue - focused frontier settlement in the stadium ’s Budweiser Brew House infinite .
City Center
Now through January 1If you do n’t find yourself at City Center for vacation gifts , you should still make your path over to correspond out the shopping district ’s holiday luminance . The centrepiece is the 75 - groundwork Christmas tree diagram decked out in more than 150,000 lights . While in the neighborhood , perambulation through the Downtown Holiday Market where you ’ll incur topically made production by 70 vendors , as well as six nutrient stalls .
Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn of the US Capitol
Now through January 1The US Capitol Christmas Tree is an iconic , must - see mint this vacation season . This yr ’s excerpt — a 78 - foot Red Spruce tree — hails from the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina . The tree diagram represents an iconic species from southern Appalachia and its 14 - day , multi - cease journey from the forest in North Carolina to the lawn at the Capitol Building suffice as a vehicle to lift funds for a Modern baby’s room that will grow red spruce seedling for re-afforestation efforts .
National Christmas TreeandMenorahat the White House Ellipse
Now through January 1The White House Ellipse is home to some of DC ’s most iconic vacation lights : both the National Christmas Tree and the National Menorah . While tickets to attend the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony are long move , you’re able to stillclaim a spotfor the lighting of the largest menorah in the human beings on December 18 . Or you could manoeuver down to the president ’s home any time this calendar month to check up on out the displays on your own .
Seasons Greenings at the US Botanic Garden
Now through January 2Nothing says the vacation quite like a string show , and luckily for us , the US Botanic Garden has an heroic video display . The garden is presently decked out in vacation attire with lights both inside the glass - domed conservatoire and throughout the outside priming coat and gardens . The model caravan and miniature replica of DC landmarks throughout the infinite are bonus .
Light Yard at The Yards
Now through January 2DC ’s waterfront neighborhood is continuing its holiday custom this yr with the seventh one-year “ Light Yards ” holiday light show . This yr ’s installation , “ swing out bell , ” feature five , 13 - foot - tall ship’s bell that sparkle and bell . The bells were designed by the Australian creative person studio , Amigo & Amigo , and make for a nice photograph op before head to dinner party nearby .
Spectacular Factory at Artechouse
Now through January 8If you require a severance from the insensate , headland inside to see the vacation light at Artechouse , a digital and experiential art place just to the south of the National Mall . “ Spectacular Factory , ” the outer space ’s multi - sensory immersive exposition , allows visitor to wander through brightly colored , massively decorated vacation art room full of candy canes , nutcrackers , and digitized talent box seat — all with a gay cocktail in hand .
Georgetown GLOW
Now through January 22The historical locality of Georgetown is awash in lights this vacation time of year . Georgetown GLOW , an outside light source and art experience and festival , features five burn installations that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit . While you ’re in the neighborhood , check outGeorgetown Park , which will transform into a holiday wonderland of multicolored igniter and holiday decor including “ Cloud Swing , ” a whimsical showing of debar multicolored swing . Or stroll along Wisconsin Avenue , where twelve of business will illuminate their windows to compete for fun awards like “ Most originative Use of Lights ” and “ Most Georgetown . ” Check them out and take eminence of your dearie to hurtle your right to vote for the competition .
Enchant
Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
Enchant
CityCenterDC
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Artechouse
Georgetown GLOW
