Holiday Happenings. Yes, We’re Serious! Holiday Happenings: Lights, Santa Sightings, Sips & More
Ready for all the twinkle lights and cocoa cravings? Holiday season is officially on. There’s dazzling light festivals and Santa sightings, all the pop-up bars, merry markets, winter wonderlands, and ice skating too! The DMV is packed with ways to feel festive (and work up an appetite). Dive into our round-up below, sort by what you’re in the mood for —> Light Shows, Santa Stops, Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups, Winter Wonderlands & Skating, or Tree Lightings <— and check back often; we’ll keep adding the sparkle as new info rolls in.
Santa Sightings:
Photos with Santa at Tysons Corner Center: Capture the joy of the season with professional photos with Santa Claus at his Chalet. Guests can enjoy a festive, family-friendly setting complete with craft station to write letters to Santa, cheerful holiday décor, and photo experience. Visits with Santa are always free, and professional photo packages are available for purchase, offering a variety of digital and print options. November 7 through December 24, Lower Level near Wasabi. Book appointments in advance and receive a complimentary personalized digital message from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole. tysonscornercenter.com/SantaPhotos.
Santa’s Suite at the Fairmont: Sleigh bells will be ringing at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown when Santa is checks into his D.C. residence. All children and adults who stop by to visit Santa in his Suite will enjoy gingerbread displays created by the hotel's pastry team, hot chocolate, and holiday treats. In preparation for Santa’s arrival, Fairmont’s official elves have been busy transforming his suite into a stunningly whimsical winter wonderland. Exquisitely decorated trees will twinkle along with a host of enchanting details, from an elegant dining table, set with places for Santa and his special guests. (Garfield, Winnie the Pooh, Elsa, Skye, Peppa Pig, Sponge Bob, Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter are just a few of his friends.) A letter-writing station for leaving Christmas wish lists is available for all visitors. Those writing a letter to Santa, and posting in his special red mailbox, will receive a letter back from him. Due to his busy schedule, he will depend on the postal service, rather than his sleigh, to deliver his response. Santa’s Suite is available for 15-minute visits for up to 10 people at $10 per adult and $10 per child, 100% of the proceeds go directly to Horton’s Kids*. Families touring his suite can share their Christmas wishes with Santa, and take their own photos with him. Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 3:30pm, December 6 through December 21. Reservations for Santa Suite visits in December are available starting November 1. fairmontwashingtondc.ticketspice.com/santa-suite
Westfield Montgomery Mall - Photos & Brunches with Santa: Create lasting memories with photos with Santa from November 21 through December 24. Enjoy special photo opportunities such as Santa Paws photos with your fur-babies on December 8 (4:00-7:00 p.m.) or Santa Cares, where families with special needs are invited to a sensory-friendly Santa experience on December 14 (10:00-11:00 a.m.) Santa will be located on Level 1 in front of Macy’s. Due to high demand, we recommend reserving your spot in advance — book your appointment here. Brunch with Santa will be available on November 30, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Frank Pepe Pizzeria and December 14, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at California Pizza Kitchen. Add a touch of magic with a festive dining experience where children can enjoy breakfast with the season's jolliest guest! Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are strongly encouraged.
Let There be Lights
Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular: The 2nd Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular features over a million spectacular lights, larger-than-life holiday scenes, including Mistletoe Marina, Jinglebell Junction Farm, the Symphony of Illumination, a Winter Wonderland Carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and other rides plus many more attractions. New this year, guests can enjoy new scenes on the ½ mile walking trail along with the Cosmic Heat Zone and Buddy’s Holiday Bar in VIP. Pathways will be safe and accessible, making them suitable for scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs. The charming Holiday Village will be bustling with boutiques, shops, and rotating food trucks, offering seasonal treats and unique gifts. Little ones will have plenty to enjoy with activities and other fun attractions, such as the Carnival rides and seesaws. And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, who will be making nightly appearances through December 23rd. Enjoy special performances every night from ballerinas, entertainers, and Elves (from the North Pole, natch). For more excitement to the experience, add-ons are available for purchase, including an interactive snowflake wand element and the Winter Carnival area. The magical snowflake wand can be used throughout event – look for the illuminated snowflakes and with a wave of your wand, your Interactive Snowflake Wand will create amazing magical experiences. The Winter Carnival will host fun rides, like a Ferris Wheel, the Magical Carousel, the Santa Train and a slide. December 5 through 30, 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., with variations on select dates. Please refer to mdholidaylights.com for specific times and holiday closures. General admission, $10-25; VIP admission, $39, includes a souvenir hot chocolate mug with bottomless hot chocolate, access to VIP Lodge & Bar, VIP washrooms, and VIP entrance. For more information, visit mdholidaylights.com
Light Yards: The Yards is getting into the holiday spirit with the return of Light Yards for another season of daily holiday magic. Fan-favorite Swinging Bells will return, and to kick off the installation, The Yards is hosting the third annual Light Yards Express. The interactive light installation is free to the public every night throughout the holiday season. Swinging Bells offers a perfect holiday stop with friends and family with 13-foot-tall illuminated bells that jingle as you swing! The Bells will be open every day from 5:00-10:00 p.m. starting November 25th, free for all. Light Yards Express promises a festive family-friendly event. Guests can enjoy holiday giveaways, like jingle bells, reindeer ears, and light-up necklaces, a DJ playing seasonal favorites and can even hop on a magical train ride through the captivating light show. Keep an eye out for a special appearance from Santa, who’ll be stopping by to add an extra dose of cheer. Light Yards Express will be Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light Yards installation runs from nightly from November 25 to January 6, 2026, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. 355 Water Street SE; For more information and to register for Light Yards Express, please visit theyardsdc.com.
Holiday Markets
Czech Christmas Market: 'Tis the season to be jolly! The Embassy of the Czech Republic brings the magic of the season to its annual Czech Christmas Market on November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Browse stands filled with beautiful hand-crafted ornaments, Bohemian garnet and glass jewelry, fine art photography, books & prints, decadent chocolates, Moravian wines and traditional liquors. Savor gingerbread and beer from the Pilsen region. Enjoy the taste and smell of mulled wine as well as an assortment of delicious Czech pastries and cuisine. Adore the array of live animals for selfies. Listen to a live band, as well as children of American Sokol Washington, DC, and Slavic American Sokol performing Czech Christmas carols. Watch a puppet theatre performance and participate in a workshop. November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required, here.
Downtown DC Holiday Market: The DowntownDC Holiday Market will once again transform F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW into a vibrant winter village. Back and better than ever, this year’s market celebrates over two decades of holiday magic with new vendor offerings, and exciting activations that provide something for everyone. Enjoy more than 115 curated vendors bring the magic of the season to life, with everything from handcrafted art and home décor to gourmet treats and festive fashion; 15 festive food vendors, like S’mores N’ More’s viral hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows and candy, and authentic German-inspired fare from The Taste of Germany; The Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit returns as the Market’s official bar - serving up artisan cocktails and holiday classics such as spiked hot cocoa and mulled wine; printed gift guide will spotlight maker stories, product highlights, and more to help shoppers buy local and meaningful gifts; memorialize your dreams on the DC Dream Wall, an oversized chalkboard installation celebrating community hopes and creativity; the Dov Co. Craft Café will feature creative craft workshops for children and adults, and live entertainment will grace the main stage. Open daily from November 21 through December 23. The market is free to the public and open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit downtowndcholidaymarket.com
Winter Wonderlands
Folger Frost Fair: The Folger Shakespeare Library welcomes visitors to step into a world of winter wonder during the holidays as the Folger Frost Fair returns for a second winter season. The Folger will be decked in seasonal splendor and offer an array of holiday programming and activities that bring Shakespeare, the arts, and poetry to life, including the annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute, Folger Consort’s Resplendent Joy series of holiday concerts, printing press demonstrations, building tours, craft stations, and special events, including a holiday sing-along, from November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026. Inspired by the historic Frost Fairs that took place when the river Thames in London froze solid during sporadic winters between the 1600s and the 1800s, the Folger Frost Fair brings a sense of Shakespearean merriment and discovery to Washington, DC.
Winter Wonderfest at Nat’s Park: Nats Park is already gearing up for winter and just announced the first-ever Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park, transforming the ballpark into a magical, multi-sensory winter playground on select days November 28 through December 24. Celebrate the season, racing down a snow tubing hill, roasting marshmallows with friends, and sipping seasonal cocktails in a hidden speakeasy—all on a Major League Baseball field. Expect sports-inspired thrills, art and play for all ages, Apres-ski vibes for 21+ (including a hidden speakeasy inside the Nationals’ batting cage), and festive eats and treats. More than a festival, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park highlights how the venue has become a true year-round community destination. For more information, visit mlb.com/nationals/tickets/winterfest
Bethesda Winter Wonderland: Celebrate the holiday season Saturday, December 6th on Norfolk and Cordell Avenues in downtown Bethesda with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, activities, food, and more. Please bring a new toy for Toys for Tots. And don’t miss the Holiday Market with URBN Market and 50 artisans. Activities include a live ice sculpting demo (12:30-2:00 p.m.), visit with Santa Claus (2:00-4:00 p.m.), student concert, face painting, and arts & craft activities with Bach to Rock, Imagination Stage, Mathnasium, and Round House Theatre. Plus, Bethesda restaurants Olazzo, The Red Bandana and Smoke BBQ will be onsite. For more information, visit bethesda.org/winter-wonderland
Jingle Bell Bars
Après Ski at Casamara Rooftop: Casamara Rooftop, the glamorous rooftop atop the SIXTY DC hotel, is channeling Alpine ski-lodge vibes this winter. A new, limited series featuring seasonal warm drinks, an exclusive menu of elevated hygge favorites from fondue to mini croque monsieur, and curated DJs every Thursday-Saturday, Après Ski begins this season. Glowy lighting and fuzzy, warm textures have been added to set a slope-side scene for lively gatherings and groups to share gooey emmental-gruyere Fondue or dishes such as Sausage en Croute and Beef Tartare on toasted brioche. Cozy up over Casamara’s ginger-infused, signature Toddy, Mulled Wine, or Chamonix Old Fashioned with spiced banana rum, and vibe with DJs every Thursday through Saturday. In keeping with the theme, the menu features several seasonal, only-on-the-slopes favorites including a special selection of soul-warming schnapps, chilled Toffee Vodka and selection of beers including Stiegl and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, and a decadent Valrhona Hot Chocolate with Toasted Marshmallow, served with fresh chantilly whipped cream (and your favorite spirit, if you prefer it spiked). Après Ski at Casamara Rooftop opens November 7, and culminates with a New Year’s Eve bash before the Rooftop closes for the season. 1320 18th St. NW. For reservations, visit casamaradc.com/rooftop
Holiday Coquito Bar: Serenata will transform into the Holiday Coquito Bar, a festive Puerto Rican and Latin American–inspired pop-up serving Coquitos and other seasonal cocktails. Guests can enjoy the warm, celebratory spirit of the holidays with creative drinks and lively ambiance before the space evolves into an all-new concept in early 2026. Led by Beverage Director and Managing Partner Andra “AJ” Johnson, the pop-up continues Serenata’s legacy of community and creativity, offering the perfect spot to toast the season in style. 1280 4th Street NE; available November 11, 2025 through January 20, 2026. For more information, click here.
Lace Up Your Skates
Ice & Lights: Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland at Cameron Run Regional Park. Ice & Lights offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience to explore new, stunning light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Open weekends starting November 15, and open daily December 1-30. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. Alexandria, VA; For more information, click here.
Tree Lightings
Alexandria Tree Lighting: The City of Alexandria invites the community to join the mayor and a host of holiday friends at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 22, at 6:00 p.m. in Market Square. Admission is free, and the event will occur rain or shine. Tree Lighting is expected to occur sometime between 6:40 – 6:55 p.m. following the arrival of Santa by way of the King Street Trolley. Then, after 7:00 p.m. enjoy the start of the holiday season with music and merriment while Santa and Mrs. Claus walk the Square and visit with families until 8:00 p.m. 301 King Street, VA. For more information, please click here.
City Center Tree Lighting: Kick off the holiday season with City Center on Saturday, November 29th from 5:00 to 7: 00p.m. The evening will include a joyful music performance, balloon artists, face painters, holiday treats and more. NBC4’s Eun Yang will host the official tree lighting ceremony and countdown. Enjoy a dazzling 75-foot tree, visit two resident 25-foot reindeer, and capture the spirit of the holidays with a photo under Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation. Festivities start at 5:00 p.m. Tree Lighting program starts at 6:00 p.m. This event is free and open to all, and no tickets are required. Rain date: November 30th.
Fairmont’s 22nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: Don’t miss the annual tree lighting in the hotel’s Courtyard beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2. Filled with tiny white lights and a shimmering Christmas tree, the courtyard becomes a glittering crystal garden – the perfect venue for holiday celebrations. While listening to the award-winning Georgetown Visitation Madrigals perform holiday classics, families can take the chill off next to heaters while children may enjoy decorating holiday cards and tasting holiday treats. All families will be entered to win prizes. A Master of Ceremonies and special guests will introduce Santa Claus as he makes his first appearance, spending time listening to children’s Christmas wishes after the ceremony. Fairmont encourages all guests to bring a gift for Horton’s Kids – such as Legos, basketballs, footballs, dolls, books, games or arts and crafts. The donations will help spread holiday cheer to over 500 children, ages 5 – 18. Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown will also be accepting toy donations for Horton’s before and after the tree lighting ceremony from November 27 until December 10. Fairmont’s tree lighting ceremony is free and open to the public.
