Wanderlist: 80+ Awesome Things to Do in DC in December

'Tis the season for winter fun and festive events that celebrate the holiday season! The District is spectacular any time of the year, but it is especially magical in the winter because of all the Christmas and holiday activities.

From ice skating to igloos, holiday markets to outdoor lighted animations, sing-alongs and spectacular seasonal performances, we've gathered some of the best and most unexpected ways to experience the holiday season in DC.

Legend:

• ​🆓 ​:        This is a free event​
• 💲🎟:     Donation or paid ticket required
• ​👤:         This is an in-person event
• 💻:         This is an on-line/streaming event
• 🎄🕎 :    This is a holiday-themed event

​ICE SKATING ​⛸

Georgetown skating rink. Enjoy views of the Potomac River and historic Georgetown as you glide along the ice at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink. 💲🎟Ongoing

Wharf ice rink. Experience The Wharf Ice Rink—DC’s only over-water ice skating rink. From November through February, head to Transit Pier right outside The Anthem and lace up your skates—bring your own or rent some rink-side—to glide over the ice and enjoy amazing views of the water and monuments. 💲🎟 Ongoing

NGA ice skating rink. Strap on your ice skates and take a spin on the ice surrounded by the grand architecture of national museums and monuments. Enjoy splendid views of large-scale sculptures from artists in our renowned collection, including Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, and Roy Lichtenstein. Group and individual skating lessons available. 💲🎟 Ongoing

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HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS + RESTAURANTS🎄🍹

Ho-ho holiday bars! You know it's the holiday season in DC when the bars and restaurants start concocting holiday drinks and get decked out in their over-the-top festive best. Check out our roundup of the most festive pop-ups to sip seasonal cocktails and take in the holiday vibes.

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UNEXPECTED HOLIDAY FUN 🎄🎁

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, 'tis the season to get into the holiday spirit!  From holiday boat parades, cookie tours and an immersive gift factory, there are tons of ways to have fun this holiday season. We've rounded up some fun and unexpected holiday activities and Christmas events to help your holiday planning.

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HOLIDAY MARKETS 🎅🏾🛍​

Holiday markets in DC abound and are a fun and festive way to shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season. There are so many holiday markets out there, where do you even start? From German-themed markets to international gifts, we've compiled a comprehensive list to jump start your holiday shopping. Happy gifting!

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THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER🎉​ 

Spectacular  art immersion. ​A magical Christmas wonderland comes to life at "Spectacular Factory," the latest immersive art experience at Artechouse (check out our sneak peek!). Traverse immersive digital multiverses filled with dreamlike yet familiar holiday themes, from floating giant swinging bells to thousands of nutcrackers, thrilling train rides through wreaths, spinning candy cane carousels and more. 💲🎄 Now - Jan 8, 2023

Into the Woods. Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale mash-up musical comes to Virginia’s Signature Theatre. A baker and his wife want to reverse a witch’s curse so that they can have a child together. However, their quest becomes much more complicated, with Little Red Ridinghood, Jack and his beanstalk, Cinderella and Rapunzel all eventually getting involved. A beautiful score highlights this darkly humorous journey into the imagination. 💲🎟Now – Jan. 29, 2023

Viva Italia! Phillips museum hosts an after-five night in Italy as you immerse yourself in the flavors of Italy and savor Italian wine and beer as you learn about An Italian Impressionist in Paris: Giuseppe De Nittis, enjoy live music, and find your inner Impressionist with an art activity. 💲🎟Dec 1

Winter Soiree. Winter Soiree 2023 at the Cultural Center of the Embassy of Spain will celebrate the end of the year with live dance performances, a number of openings, cultural activities,new hall intervention by muralist Lula Goce and the launch of the photography project “DC.es.” DC.es has been conceived as a project where six Spanish photographers, former alumni from the Spanish Academy in Rome, share their gazes of Washington through their lenses — gazes as personal, singular, and unique as the city itself. Registration required 🆓 Dec 1

Light Yards. Light Yards is back with another art installation at The Yards Park! This year's holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, features  five, 13-foot tall bells that prompt animated light displays and amplify the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging. 🆓🎄Dec 1 - Jan 1

Holiday spirits. Celebrate the festivities of the season with a daily, rotating selection of 25 holiday cocktails thoughtfully crafted to warm the spirits at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown. 💲🎄​Dec 1 - 25

It's lit! The larger-than-life light installation of Light Yards is back! This year it features illuminated, 22 feet tall trees trimmed top to bottom in holiday decor and festooned lights that will cast The Yards’ Sun Deck with beautiful, colored patterns. 🆓🎄Dec 1 - Jan 1

All of the lights. Get dazzled by the lights as neighborhoods across DC adorn their “main streets” with colorful lights. Local vendors will be offering holiday specials and promotions throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. Enjoy holiday cheer in Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park, and more. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor! 🆓🎄Now - Jan 8

Disco Dolly. After working 9 to 5, put on your dancing shoes and dance to music inspired by national treasure Dolly Parton, including Kacey Musgraves, Orville Peck, Shania Twain, Miley Cyrus, Cher, Whitney Houston, The Chicks, Madonna, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow and more at 9:30 club. So wrangle your country-disco dancing queens and come party! 💲🎟 Dec 2

Miracle on 8th Street. Get in the holiday spirit with a month-long marathon screening of holiday movies at Miracle Theatre. Titles include: A Christmas Story, Elf, Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express. 💲🎄Starts Dec 2 and continues throughout the month

Dupont Circle celebrates. Dupont Circle gets in the holiday spirit wit carolers, a photo booth, seasonal treats for both humans and your four-legged friends, hot chocolate (while supplies last), and a light installation! 🆓🎄Dec 3

Holiday boats. Bundle up and head to the Wharf for the annual District Holiday Boat Parade that features over sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. Event includes Santa, live music and a fireworks salute. 🆓🎄Dec 3

SAAM Winter family fun:  Enjoy family time with winter-themed crafting, face painting, story time with a reading of the classic holiday story The Nutcracker, groove to the beat of DJ Harry Hotter, and embark on a scavenger hunt in the galleries, to find winter-themed artworks. Participants also may take home an activities packet (while supplies last) to accompany The Nutcracker story time and continue the holiday magic. 🆓🎄Dec 3

Gingerbread DIY. National Building Museum hosts a gingerbread workshop for you and your family to turn gingerbread walls and royal icing into a delicious masterpiece while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. Two sessions available, plus a take home kit.💲🎄Dec 3

Frosted at Franklin Park. Bundle up for Downtown DC BID's winter themed experience as you stroll through Franklin Park's reimagined space featuring winter forms from snowflakes to icicles, creating a Frosted winter wonderland. 🆓🎄​Dec 3 - Feb 3, 2023

Teddy bear holiday tea. Kiddos and their teddies are invited to enjoy a special holiday tea at Four Seasons in Georgetown with the traditional fancy fixings, plus an entire room filled with cotton candy, holiday sweets and cakes. Dancers from the Metropolitan School of the Arts in their holiday costumes enchant the youngest guests and each child will be gifted with a Children’s National Teddy Bear. A percentage of proceeds go to Children’s National. 💲🎄Dec 3 - 17

Puppy portraits. Congressional Cemetery, home to DC's favorite dog-walking program, is the setting for a holiday photoshoot with your pup. Dress up your pooch in your favorite costume or choose from available options. Choose dog or family style,  well as seasonally cheery backgrounds and decorations. 💲🎟🎄Dec 4

Holidays in Old Town Alexandria. Step back in town on a walking tour through Old Town during the most wonderful time of the year and learn how Christmases of yesteryear were celebrated in Alexandria. 💲🎟🎄Dec 4

In conversation with Bono.  National Cathedral hosts an evening of conversation with legendary singer-songwriter and activist Bono to discuss his new memoir, Surrender, with Cathedral Canon Historian Jon Meacham. Tickets are currently sold out but more may become available soon. 💲🎟 Dec 5

Can I kick it hard? Celebrate the season at Shaolin Jazz's special action-packed screening of the ultimate holiday movie, Die Hard. Shaolin Jazz co-creator DJ 2-Tone Jones will be providing a mix of hip hop and more to score the film live (scene-by-scene). 🆓🎄Dec 6

Shakespeare improv. Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written) The Improvised Shakespeare Company creates a fully improvised masterpiece right before your very eyes, bringing you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. 💲🎟​Dec 6 - 18

Wreath-making. Sign up for Jungle & Loom's workshop and create a Winter Wreath and participate in a wine tasting with Vitis Wine. 💲🎟🎄Dec 7 + 20

NYC for the holidays. There’s no more iconic holiday experience in New York than going to Radio City Music Hall’s for a performance by the famous Rockettes. Enjoy a bus tour from DC to NYC for a matinee performance, get a special behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Music Hall, covering the stunning 1930s interiors and art, the Great Stage, Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, and an opportunity to meet a Rockette along the way. 💲🎟🎄Dec 8

Top chef.  Enjoy a glass of bubbly and learn a sweet new recipe for the holidays from Chef Bill Yosses, a former White House Executive Pastry Chef, educator, and cookbook author. 💲🎟 Dec 8

Silent Disco + Holiday Block Party. Head to the Grace Episcopal Church lawn (1041 Wisconsin Ave) in Georgetown and dance your heart out at a free silent disco. Across the street, you can warm up at the Grace Street Holiday Bonfire & Block Party. Enjoy free food, drinks and treats from nearby restaurants and bakeries, live music, and a cozy fire to make s’mores. 🆓 Dec 9

Step Afrika holiday show. Step into the holiday spirit with Step Afrika's Magical Musical Holiday Step Show,  a dynamic and engaging show that will have you swaying to the beat and tapping your feet. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom – Popper the Penguin along with polar bear twins, Pinky and Polo-ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family! 💲🎟🎄Dec 9 - 18

C is for cookie. Explore Georgetown and support local small businesses as you collect cookies on Georgetown's cookie tour. 💲🎟 Dec 10

Flamenco Holidays. Create a new tradition celebrating the holidays the Spanish way at Atlas Theatre's Furia Flamenca: Navidad Flamenca (Flamenco Holidays). This festive program will take you on a journey of some of the most festive holiday traditions as celebrated in Spain and Puerto Rico. 💲🎟🎄Dec 10

21st Century Nutcracker.  The holiday classic Nutcracker gets updated for today's modern audience with a diversity of characters, elevate female-lead roles, and include gender-neutral approach in dance partnering. The show features works of recognized visual and installation artists from Washington DC. Following the performance, there will be a 30-minute reception featuring artwork and a silent auction in support of the local art community. 💲🎟🎄 Dec 10 - 23

Batman screening. Enjoy a special screening of Batman (1989) and visit the new permanent exhibition Entertainment Nation in the American History Museum's Culture Wing. 🆓 Dec 11

Muppet Christmas. The Millennium Stage at Kennedy Center hosts a film screening of A Muppet Christmas Carol, featuring the Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Registration required; seating available on a first come, first served basis. 🆓 Dec 11

Snow day paint and sip. Put on your painter's cap for a Winter Day paint and sip where you'll learn to paint a winter wonderland scene of DC while enjoying beer or a glass of wine. The class will also include basic information on paints, mediums, and brushes. This casual class is great for both beginners or more advanced painters. 21+ only class. 💲🎟Dec 11

Tea + cocktails. Learn to make your own signature cocktails infused with tea. You'll be guided You'll be guided through 3 cocktails shown how to muddle, mix and shake your own cocktails. You'll leave with 2 cocktails recipes and a recommended pairing. 💲🎟 Dec 11

Music at Dumbarton Oaks. Visit the Music Room at Dumbarton Oaks, the former home of Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, for “A Midwinter Feast,” a holiday program of music from the British Isles, featuring a trio of female voices, with beloved English medieval and Renaissance carols, seasoned with two new works reflecting the musical spirit of the Middle Ages. 💲🎟Dec 12

Seeing is not believing. Be among the first to visit the Museum of Illusions, DC's newest museum, designed to amuse, amaze, and stimulate the senses. It features more than 50 unique visual and educational installations that are perfectly Instagram-ready. 💲🎟Opens Dec 13

Jane's revenge.  The year is 1606, and we are in England. In Jane Anger, a new comedy at Shakespeare Theater, late-career Shakespeare is stuck in quarantine during the plague with a bad case of writer's block, when along comes a  cunning woman who climbs through the window and changes history. 💲🎟Dec 13 - Jan 8

Indian cooking class. Spice up your holidays with a cooking class at Hill Center where you'll learn to make some easy and comforting Indian vegetarian dishes using some familiar flavors. Dishes include sambar (butternut squash and tamarind stew), cardamom basmati rice, and more. Complimentary beer and wine included. 💲🎟Dec 14

Christmas at the Library of Congress. Celebrate the season at the Library of Congress with musical performances, festive refreshments, a visit by Santa and a special storytime with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Timed entry passes required. 💲🎟🎄 Dec 15

Candlelight tour. Discover how those who lived and worked at Tudor Place celebrated Christmas in 1880 through a special candlelight tour,Partake in light, period-appropriate refreshments and complete a holiday craft. Afterwards, see seasonal decorations and rarely-seen decorative objects. 💲🎟🎄Dec 15 

Irish Christmas.  An homage to Dickens’ classic, an Irish Carol is a comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub that follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve – challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present, and faced with the reality of a lonely future – David’s life may change forever. 💲🎟🎄Dec 15 - 31

Happy birthday, Jane. Celebrate Jane Austen's birthday with a screening of a film adaptation of one of her novels, Emma. 🆓 Dec 16

Winter watercolors. Unleash your inner artist at a family-friendly painting workshop in the great outdoors at Kreeger Museum where you'll learn the history of plein air painting before creating original landscapes. As an added bonus each participant will also leave with a handmade gift. 💲🎟Dec 17

Library of Congress tour. Take a special private tour of the exterior architecture of Union Station and the Supreme Court, followed by a guided tour of the interior of Library of Congress. 💲🎟 ​Dec 17

Country Christmas. Enjoy a modern take on country music at Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage as The Sweetback Sisters, the Queens of Christmastime, put their signature twist on holiday classics and hidden gems that are sure to get even your scroogiest uncle in a festive spirit. Songbooks and plenty of warm fuzzy feelings provided. Registration required; seating available on a first come, first served basis.  🆓🎄Dec 17

Menorah lighting. Get your ticket for the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. The ceremony will feature Pershings OwnUnited States Army Band,  The Three Cantors, dreidels and personal menorah kits, and latkes and donuts. 🆓 🕎 Dec 18

Los Tarantos. Programmed in conjunction with the exhibition “Sargent and Spain” at the National Gallery of Art and in conjunction with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain, Los Tarantos  celebrates the revolutionary career of Spanish Romani Flamenco dancer and singer Carmen Amaya (1913-1963). Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Amaya’s skill and command of Flamenco steps usually reserved for male performers was celebrated on stage and screen. Note: Sargent and Spain on view from Oct. 2, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023. RSVP required. Registration opens on Friday, December 9 at noon. 🆓 Dec 18

R&B Yoga. Unwind and improve your flexibility in a yoga session fueled by a dynamic R&B playlist as you breathe mindfully and enjoy a playful movement experience together. 💲🎟 Dec 21

Movie marathon and gift wrapping. Drop in to the Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library for an all-day holiday movie marathon and gift wrapping. Everything you need will be provided (while supplies last) while showing some holiday favorites. 🆓🎄​Dec 22

Beyoncé Tribute. Experience a live, multi-sensory musical tribute to Beyoncé at the Miracle Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight. 💲🎟 Dec 22

Santa on the Potomac. Santa’s visiting Alexandria, Virginia and it’s not in a sleigh! Waterskiing Santa is a long-running tradition of watching Santa and friends waterski and jet ski the waterfront in time for him to grab his reindeer and deliver gifts that night! 🆓🎄​Dec 24

Zoolights. The colorful glow of D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition is back for 2022. Colourful fairly lights are strung up around its paths and rest areas, with glowing animal and creature sculptures set around the park. Delightful for children especially, there is a light show set to music to be enjoyed each night. Everyone can appreciate the live musical performances scattered through the festivities, along with holiday stalls set up for shopping, getting a quick bite, or warming hands around hot cider or cocoa. Over 500,000 (environmentally-friendly!) LED lights dazzle, making the park a wonderland. 🆓🎄Now - Dec 30

National Harbor Holiday Tree Show. Watch National Harbor's new 60-foot Christmas tree come to life nightly with a breathtaking light show accompanied by holiday medley performed by the United States Air Force Band. NOTE: From November 12 – December 17 the show will be accompanied by fireworks. 🆓 🎄​Now - Dec 31

Ice, ice baby! ICE, Gaylord National Resort longtime holiday tradition, returns after a two-year hiatus. Using more than 2 million pounds of ice, the holiday classic, A Christmas Story ,will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China. This year, guests will experience over 10 scenes from the hilarious family tale including the old man’s major award, Aunt Clara’s pink nightmare, the ultimate triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole and more! 💲🎟🎄Now - Dec 31

A Christmas Carol. The classic holiday tale about Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption returns to Ford's Theatre. 💲🎟🎄Now - Dec 31

Forest bathing. Wrap up 2022 on a serene note.  Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. Join the nature and forest therapy guide at the National Arboretum in a two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in your surroundings through all your senses.  The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, improved attention and mood, and hitting the reset button on life. Pay what you can, 💲🎟Dec 31

Midnight train to 2023. Get onboard the midnight train at Metrobar with festive cocktails and a live DJ as you prepare to ring in the new year. Stay warm with fire pits, patio heaters, and plenty of deck heat lamps. 💲🎟🎄​Dec 31

Enchanting. Enchant Christmas DC turns Nationals Park into a magical wonderland. Experience a world of adventure featuring over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive walk-thru, story-themed maze. Discover our charming Village offering ice-skating, live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more. Tickets on sale now. 💲🎟🎄Now - Jan 1

Which Office character are you? Explore 17 areas inspired by the iconic sitcom; visit Scranton Business Park, sit at Michael’s desk, recreate Beach Day, and at the immersive The Office Experience. ​💲🎟 Ends Jan 16

Get your GLOW on. It's back! GLOW, Georgetown's annual outdoor public light art experience returns for the holiday season. Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, it’s a whole new way to shine. 🆓​🎄​Now - Jan 22

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