WASHINGTON — The temperatures are dropping across the DMV, some might even say it is coald, but the drinks are getting warmer and the lists of events are only getting longer. As the holidays approach at the speed of light -- it is time to spruce up your to-do list of activities this season.
From new activities this year, to repeat and popular santamental happenings -- there are numerous things you can do for fun -- fir real!
WUSA9 is working to help you lighten up your holiday season and leave you wanting to check your list twice when it comes to getting out of your home and into the festive spirit. Here's a look at things happening in different neighborhoods across D.C.:
Penn Quarter/ Chinatown
- Downtown Holiday Market
- What: The market, which is returning for the 19th year, is an outdoor shopping village which features small businesses and entrepreneurs from across the region. There is also food and live music planned for the holiday shopping market.
- When: Nov. 17-Dec. 23 from noon to 8 p.m. daily. (Closed on Thanksgiving and Dec. 4)
- Where: Centered at 8th and F Streets Northwest
- National Christmas Tree
- What: The National Tree is lit as a national holiday tradition every year and was first done in 1923. In the area of the tree is also the Pathway of Peace which features 58 smaller trees. This is completely free to the public.
- When: Daily from Dec. 2, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024, from around sunset to around 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday-Saturday.
- Where: The President's Park at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Navy Yard
- Light Yards
- What: A free interactive light installation, which is returning for its 8th annual event. It will include Swinging Bells -- five, 13-foot tall bells that play a jingle while you swing.
- When: Every night from Nov. 20, 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024
- Where: Yards Park at 355 Water Street Southeast
- EnchantDC
- What: An immersive experience which includes a light maze, ice skating, a village with storefronts, special events, and even Santa's Landing to find out if you have made the naughty or nice list this year.
- When: Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 (Days vary with ticket purchases allowing for selected time slots)
- Where: Nationals Park
- Price: Tickets start at $36 for adults and $27 for children ages 3-17. Seniors ages 65+ are offered $32.40 tickets. There are special offer tickets including a night owl option for $30 and family 4-pack for $100.80.
The Wharf
- District's Holiday Boat Parade
- What: An annual free, family-friendly event that features over 60 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. There will also be holiday activities such as ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, photos with Santa, and fireworks.
- When: Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.
- Where: The Wharf along the Washington Channel
- The Wharf Ice Rink
- What: Yes it is an ice rink, but it is special -- it's the District's only over-water ice skating rink.
- When: Nov. 22 through February. Wednesday through Friday it is open from 4-10 p.m. Saturday's hours are noon to 10 p.m. while Sunday it is open from noon to 8 p.m. The rink is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
- Where: 970 Wharf Street Southwest on Transit Pier
- Price: Children 12 and under is $10, Seniors 65+ are $11, and adults are $13. Skate rentals are available for $8.
- Visit Camp Wharf
- What: A wood-burning fire, along with a vintage Airstream trailer will give you cozy camping feels for the holiday season. Though this is not a holiday fixture, there are warm offerings including s'mores you can make and hot apple cider. (Pairs well with a visit to the ice rink.)
- When: Thursday through Friday from 6-11 p.m., Saturday from 4-11 p.m., and Sunday from 4-10 p.m. The restaurant is closed from Monday to Wednesday.
- Where: 101 District Square Southwest
- Price: S'mores are $4.75 each or four for $16.50. Hot apple cider, a holiday addition, is $4.75.
Georgetown
- Georgetown GLOW
- What: A free, curated, outdoor public light art experience returning for its 9th edition.
- When: Dec. 1, 2023- Jan. 7, 2024 from 5-10 p.m. nightly
- Location: Outdoor locations throughout Georgetown's commercial district.
Woodley Park
- ZooLights
- What: A winter wonderland lit by more than half a million lights and illuminations, allowing people to stroll through an immersive lantern display. There will also be live performances, food options, and holiday shopping.
- When: Nov. 24, 25, and 26; Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. The event is from 5-9 p.m., and on Sundays from 5-8 p.m.
- Location: Smithsonian National Zoological Park at 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest
- Price: $6 per person
Feel like something is missing from the list? Let WUSA9 know by emailing bmelton@wusa9.com or WUSA-WebProduction@wusa9.com.