Christmas in Washington D.C.
When Christmas rolls around, you want to make sure you’ve picked the right destination for the season. Especially if you’re looking for something a little bit more refined, elegant, urban and filled with so many different things to do in the great outdoors. D.C. is definitely a place for those who hate getting cooped up in a hotel, resort or even the beach! This capital is fondly nicknamed the Evergreen state and is the only state in the Americas to be named after a president. The city is famous for Puget Sound where the lush green of forests, mountains and valleys is a sight to see when you veer slightly off-road from the city center minutes away. Explore this great destination packed with historical landmarks, monuments, museums and memorials and eclectic neighborhoods that make you believe in luxurious adventure if that even is a term. Miles and miles of incredible forests, mountains peaks and glaciers can be glimpsed from every iconic vantage point putting into perspective what the DC experience is really all about.
Christmas in D.C. is exciting! A weekend here would be a magical retreat to a winter wonderland with Santa suites, Christmas markets, lighting up of Christmas trees in the Capitol and the White House and fun times at the many ice skating rinks (the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is a fan favorite). Read on for more travel recommendations for what to do in the festive season!
The best hotels in Washington D.C.
D.C.’s hotels are just as glitzy and classy as you’d expect and the best part is no matter what type of traveler looking to be put up somewhere in the city, there will be accommodation that fits your tastes. The Watergate Hotel is the ideal hotel for all you first-timers in D.C. Why? Well, for starters this iconic revamped and restored hotel is something of a legend. Just check your history books for the Watergate scandal. A favorite of both politicians and travelers, this gorgeous urban hotel overlooks the Potomac river and holds none of the glamour during the holiday season. Grab brunch at the waterfront, catch a show at the Kennedy Center at night or order Winter Igloos cocktails at the Next Whisky Bar.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
For timeless luxury and splendor, book this hotel on the outer rim of the bubbling neighborhood of Georgetown and in the vicinity you will see the lines of beautiful trees in Foggy Bottom. The Ritz-Carlton is the sort of stay that travelers book when they are absolutely sure of the kind of experience they want - because the hotel is so unique in its Italian marbled bathrooms, deluxe rooms and spacious suites and brings a varied clientele from pleasure seekers to business travelers. Apart from the delicious looking rooms inviting you to a soothing and sumptuous stay, there is also the Quadrant Bar and Lounge where you can enjoy a home-made Negroni in a style unto its own.
There are so many places for elevated cuisine in the capital but none beats Fiola Mare which we feel best reflects that European style cuisine you may be in the mood after all that ice skating and woodland exploring has worked up an appetite in you. This fine restaurant serves up exquisite Italian food and the menu itself is everchanging from day to day using the freshest seasonal produce. As you tuck into a delicious plate, chat with your dining partner over cocktails and wine you can order from an extensive list all while taking in the gorgeous river views in a contemporary ambience.
Time to get sloshed in D.C.! HEIST brings the energy to the heart of Dupont Circle - a favorite neighborhood where the most happening events, nightlife and party vibes go down. The nightclub is a champagne lounge that has doubles as a venue for private events like parties and wild alcohol-fueled affairs with an exclusive guest list. It is bank-heist themed hence the name. Because it is so intimate, you can bet that this is one of the trendiest places to club in Washington D.C. Don’t stress about the drinks, the bottle service is spectacular with a great selection of drinks and cocktails crafted by world-class bartenders and mixologists.
Best things to do in D.C. during Christmas
Ice skating at The National Gallery Of Art’s Sculpture Garden
One of most beloved Christmas activities in the winter season is to go ice skating in D.C. and one of the most popular places to do that is this family favorite skating rink. A good place for a romantic date (reminds us of Rocky and Adrienne’s first date in Rock I) but it’s also the obvious choice for groups with families and little children wanting the full Winter Wonderland experience. Rented skates are 4$ per person. There’s also the Pavilion café nearby if you’re suddenly hungry and need a quick bite (you pay 5$ for the specials). The skating rink is open from mid-November to mid-March.
Lighting up of the US Capitol Christmas tree
To say that D.C. loves its Christmas trees would be a serious understatement! There are so many Christmas trees out and about on the town that there are actual tours that involve Christmas tree spotting and spending all day under the trees taking photographs and just staring at how pretty and magnificent they are. But one of the best trees out there has got to be the US Capitol tree, standing at 75 feet, which has been on display every Christmas since 1964 - the “People’s Tree” - and brings people from all over town to look at it, photograph it, and even make sure its properly watered and protected! The moment where it is lit up is almost always so very special every single year.
Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf
You cannot possibly miss the Wharf during the merry season. The District’s Holiday Boat Parade is the place to be for Christmas and the moment you step onto the docks you’ll see why. A good place for the whole place for the whole family to relax and settle into a comfortable place near a fire decorating Christmas ornaments and sip a delicious cup of hot cocoa in one hand. As the boat parade cruises across the waters, wave to the smiling captains of the ships all dressed up for the season and take photographs of these beautifully decorated vessels. It’s not only fun for the kids. There’s Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden where the adults can grab a round of drinks before the fireworks show begins.
Other cool things to do for Christmas
Holiday movie screenings at The National Museum Of American History
Watch Handel’s Messiah At The National Cathedral - a Christmas tradition for Washingtonians
Santa meet-and-greets at at the Fairmont Washington D.C. Santa Suite
We love D.C. so much that we’ve added it to our exclusive collection of city guides in the WKNDTRP travel app. Check it out and plan your Christmas visit to Washington D.C. in a couple months’ time!