For winter fun, DC offers long list of ways to celebrate holiday season

WASHINGTON, DC - With a seemingly endless array of seasonal celebrations and ways to embrace the holiday spirit, DC shines brightly this winter. Discover beloved local traditions, like lavishly decorated hotels, European style holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies and seasonal theater. Combine these experiences with a flurry of exciting restaurant and trendy bar openings, as well as sports drawing global attention, and the nation's capital offers the complete package for a winter getaway. Maximize the value of DC and plan your trip at washington.org/winter.

DC's historic hotels are known for going all-out, with festive décor, themed afternoon teas and Instagram-worthy pop-up bars. The city's theater community produces timeless shows, including the Washington Ballet's Nutcracker. Enjoy ice skating at The Wharf, Georgetown, Canal Park and the National Building Museum. DC also boasts two European style markets and a plethora of neighborhood markets and events to explore. The rejuvenated DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter (Nov. 21-Dec. 23) will once again transform F Street into a vibrant winter village with more than 115 local makers (20 new to the market) and 15 festive food vendors. More than 70 percent of the vendors are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ or women owned.

On Dec. 13, megastar John Cena's highly anticipated final WWE match will take place at Capital One Arena. Downtown DC will welcome fans with community-driven initiatives and ancillary events, including the taping of an episode of "Six Feet Under with The Undertaker" at the Howard Theatre on Dec. 12. Gallery Space DC will host the official WWE Superstore.

"The global appeal of the Sports Capital will be on full display this winter, as world-class events, creativity and amazing food never stop in DC. The city's 700,000 residents remain ready to warmly welcome visitors," said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO, Destination DC. "Add the many enchanting ways in which the city always embraces the holiday season, and potential travelers have an extensive list of reasons to visit DC for experiences they can only have here."

The culinary scene in DC, a legacy Michelin Guide city, continues to sizzle with a wave of internationally acclaimed chefs and bartenders laying roots. Lauded chef Cedric Maupillier is behind splashy French-Mediterranean Barbouzard and Chef Tadayoshi Motoa brings his extraordinary talent to the U.S. for the first time with Omakase Room by Tadayoshi, a 12-seat counter experience. The Union Market District welcomes celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's Marcus DC and Chai Pani, the famed Asheville homage to Indian street food. James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina launched Acqua Bistecca in Tenleytown and Lagos-based Nuli opens its first U.S. location inside The Square food hall.

There is also a flurry of trendy bars opening across DC, including the first U.S. outpost of World's 50 Best Bar Brasero Atlántico in Georgetown. The internationally acclaimed team of Alex Resnik and "Tato" Giovannoni first introduced Brasero in Buenos Aires, before expanding to Barcelona, Bahrain and now DC. In Adams Morgan, chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy, the husband-wife team behind Pascual and Lutéce, opened Maison Bar à Vins. The polished Proper Bar opens in Mt. Vernon Triangle and no phones are allowed in H Street's new Hush Harbor. Realm and Casamara add to DC's trend of more than 30 new or renovated rooftops in five years.

New hotels include the ROOST White House, combining the best of hotel and apartment-style living, and Dupont Circle's SIXTY DC, with locations in Beverly Hills and New York City. The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill has received a full-property transformation in anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2026, while the Willard InterContinental has unveiled a restoration to its 335 accommodations. The Eurostars Hotel Group acquired the St. Gregory and the new CitizenM Georgetown is anticipated to open in early 2026.

Using cutting-edge technology, the new Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream explores ingenuity, perseverance and possibility in a nation of immigrants. On Nov. 10, the African American Civil War Memorial Museum reopens, honoring the heroic roles of 209,145 U.S. Colored Troops who helped end slavery and keep America united under one flag.

Throughout 2026, Washington, DC will be center stage for America's 250th, with events in all four seasons across cultural institutions, hotels, restaurants, theaters and more. No place tells America's story as vividly as DC - a city uniquely equipped to discover the impact of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the only place to see it. Explore only-in-DC experiences for the occasion: DC250.us.

Major openings in 2026 include:

• Improved Tidal Basin (spring 2026)
• New exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial (spring 2026)
• National Geographic Museum of Exploration (summer 2026)
• National Air and Space Museum expansion (July 2026)
• Innovative museum under the Lincoln Memorial (July 2026)
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden renovation (October 2026)
• New concourse at Dulles International Airport (fall 2026)

Anniversaries in 2026:

• 75th Anniversary of Arena Stage
• 50th anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum
• 50th anniversary of the Art Museum of the Americas
• 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Exhibits and Programming:

• Art to Go Murals Tour, ongoing
  A journey through art, history and community in historic Anacostia.
• Art Ave, through January 2026
  A stunning collection of outdoor sculptures and window art in DC's Golden Triangle.
• Tawny Chatmon: Sanctuaries of Truth, Dissolution of Lies, Oct. 15-March 8, 2026
  The solo exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts is a celebration of Black childhood, Black resistance, history and self-determination.
• Anonymous Was a Woman, Oct. 16-Dec. 31
  Recent work by local artists Jae Ko, linn meyers, Joyce J. Scott and Renée Stout at the Kreeger Museum.
• Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection, Nov. 8-Feb. 15, 2026
  The Phillips Collection presents artists from its permanent collection to build a story about how people, cultures, landscapes and histories of the U.S. have been imagined.

Seasonal Theater:

• ho ho ho ha ha ha ha, Nov. 13-Dec. 21
  Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company invites audiences to bring their holiday problems to the stage for a hilarious and surprising solution. A completely different show every night.
• The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Nov. 29-Dec. 28
  A local tradition for over 60 years, this DC-themed production at the Warner Theatre features dancing cherry blossoms, Harriet Tubman and George Washington.
• Handel's Messiah, Dec. 5-7
  Experience the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus" by the Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra under the Cathedral's soaring architecture.
• Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show, Dec. 13-14, 20
  The annual holiday show at Lincoln Theatre features new arrangements of holiday carols. The reindeer will be high-kicking and the snowflakes will sparkle!
• Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, Dec. 5-21
  The world's first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping returns to Arena Stage for its 31st season.
• Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Dec. 30-Jan. 4, 2026
  The record-setting Broadway sensation comes to the National Theatre.

Dazzling Displays and Holiday Delights:

• DC Holiday Market (Dupont Circle), Nov. 14-Dec. 23
  Find unique gifts by over 35 local artists, crafters and small businesses.
• Snowglow at the Dome at Hi-Lawn, Nov. 15-Jan.4
  The 50-foot heated rooftop dome atop Union Market hosts a visual and culinary holiday experience with state-of-the-art winter scenes projected overhead and festively decorated bars.
• DowntownDC Holiday Market (Penn Quarter), Nov. 21-Dec. 23
  A DC tradition for more than two decades features an expanded vendor lineup with more than 115 local artisans offering unique, handcrafted goods, gifts and holiday décor.
• National Mistletoe, Nov. 21-Dec. 23
  Aerial art installation by artist My Ly comes to Anthem Row.
• Holiday Windows Unveiling at Macy's Metro Center, Nov. 22
  The annual unveiling includes special photo opportunities with holiday characters.
• Winter Glow, Select dates in November/December
  George Washington's Mount Vernon illuminated with brilliant lights set to holiday music.
• DC Holiday Hunt, Nov. 23-Jan. 3, 2026
  A festive scavenger hunt that explores the District and supports local businesses.
• Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park, Nov. 28-Dec. 24
  The stadium transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, complete with snow tubing, curling, kids' activities and an adults-only ski chalet.
• CityCenterDC's Holiday Tree, Nov. 29-Early January 2025
  The luxury shopping destination celebrates 12 years of displaying a jaw-dropping 75-foot tree and accompanying décor.
• DC Cocktail Week, Dec. 1-7
  Celebrates local cocktail culture in restaurants across the region with delicious cocktail, mocktail and bite pairings.
• Chanukah Holiday Market, Dec. 2
  Shop handmade goods from independent artists and food vendors.
• Christmas Markt at Heurich House, Dec. 4-7
  Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the event features 40-50 local vendors in the Castle Garden.
• 33rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf, Dec. 6
  Over 60 beautifully decorated boats will parade along the Washington Channel.
• Georgetown Jingle, Dec. 6
  Enjoy live holiday music throughout charming Georgetown as more than 40 shops and restaurants offer special discounts, complimentary refreshments and pop-up events. Don't miss the procession of the St. Lucia Choir from the Embassy of Sweden to Washington Harbour. The Embassy is also hosting its annual Swedish Holiday Market.
• ArtRave: Christmas Extravaganza, Dec. 6, 13, 20
  A twice-monthly open-air market in the heart of Dupont Circle that celebrates creativity, culture and community with local makers.
• Holiday Her-Story Market at Hotel Zena, Dec. 6
  Spotlighting the DMV's visionary female artisans, makers and entrepreneurs.
• Makers' Market at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Dec. 7
  Shop handmade jewelry, art, ceramics and vintage pieces from women and gender-expansive vendors and artists. The Maker's Market takes place during a Free Community Day, so guests can continue to the galleries for further inspiration.
• Winter Skate at the National Building Museum, Dec. 27-Feb. 8
  A unique indoor skating experience in the museum's Great Hall.
• Festive hotels
  The historic Willard Intercontinental famously transforms into a holiday wonderland complete with nightly caroling. The chic Riggs Hotel collaborates with celebrated fashion designers for its bejeweled tree. The Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Washington, DC also boast Instagram-worthy seasonal décor. Rosewood Washington, DC's The Lodge at CUT Above offers an immersive winter atmosphere, while a winter chalet pops up at Kimpton Monaco's Dirty Habit, complete with an on-site snow cannon. The Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown offers Nutcracker afternoon tea, the Salamander DC offers sips and s'mores and the JW Marriott offers gingerbread house displays and a Holiday Helper Hotline.
• Making Spirits Bright
  Bars like Miracle at Death Punch, Penn Social, Wunder Garten, Urban Roast, Duke's Grocery, Lulu's Winegarden, Death & Co., Mercy Me, MXDC, Colada Shop and Swinger's Crazy Golf are known for drinks and décor that fit the season.

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