Here are nine things to add to your D.C. holiday bucket list to make this season the most epic of ALL TIME.
There are so many great attractions in Washington, D.C., but especially in December! Here are nine things that you need to do in D.C. during the holiday season.
The Fire Pit at The Wharf
Courtesy of Wharf DC (Facebook)
WHERE: 1100 Maine Avenue SW
MORE INFO: Click here
Anyone who has heard of The Wharf knows it's one of the D.C. spots you want to visit all the time—no matter what the time of year! Cozy up next to the 14-foot, gas-powered fire pit and enjoy great scenery, s'mores (they sell you what you need!), and warm drinks from the pop-up bar.
Washington Harbour Ice Skating Rink
Courtesy of The Washington Harbour (Facebook)
WHERE: 3050 K. Street NW
MORE INFO: Click here
It doesn't get more epic than the Washington Harbour's Ice Skating Rink! With 11,800 square feet of space, there's plenty of room to spread out and show off your mad skating skills. Or if you're more of a God-please-don't-let-me-fall-on-my-face kind of person, the rink also offers Learn to Skate classes! The skating rink will be open daily (including holidays), from November 15 to March 15.
CityCenterDC Holiday Displays
Courtesy of CityCenterDC (Facebook)
WHERE: 825 10th Street NW
MORE INFO: Click here
One of the best parts of the holidays is seeing the city all lit up in celebration. CityCenterDC's Palmer Alley holiday display makes great fodder for Instagram posts—not to mention your memories.
Union Station's Giant Wreaths
Courtesy of Union Station, Washington, D.C. (Facebook)
WHERE: 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE
As D.C.'s Union Station proves, even train stations can have a huge amount of holiday spirit! Before you enter the station, you should definitely feast your eyes on the giant wreaths hanging above the entrance. We promise you'll be dazzled by this spectacle as you go about your commute!
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Courtesy of Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Facebook)
WHEN: Saturday, December 7 | 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Starts at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and ends at the Wharf in D.C.
The Holiday Boat Parade us an absolute classic! Look on as boats decorated to the nines float through the waterfront from Alexandria to D.C. If you choose to watch the parade from Alexandria, there'll be a pop-up beer garden, letter-writing to Santa, and more! The District Wharf will also have its own beer garden, s'mores, and music to make the D.C. side of the parade a joy as well.
The National Menorah
Courtesy of National Menorah (Facebook)
WHERE: The Ellipse at the White House
MORE INFO: Click here
If you're ever cruising past the White House during the holiday season, stop and take a look at the National Menorah (you can't miss it)! Then, on December 22 (the first day of Chanukah), at 4 p.m., you can catch the Grand Lighting Ceremony. There'll be family-friendly activities, live entertainment, free goodies, hot latkes and donuts, and more!
The Downtown Holiday Market
Courtesy of Downtown Holiday Market (Facebook)
WHEN: November 22–December 23
WHERE: 8th and F Streets NW
MORE INFO: Click here
What would our bucket list be without a holiday market? Every day from noon to 8 p.m., look through over 150 exhibitors' goods and munch on some good food—all to the soundtrack of live entertainment!
Hot Chocolate at Ice Cream Jubilee
Courtesy of Ice Cream Jubilee (Facebook)
WHERE: 301 Water Street SE or 1407 T St. NW
MORE INFO: Click here
If hot chocolate is your holiday staple, then Ice Cream Jubilee is the place to be! Try one of their delicious specialties—Nutella Hot Chocolate, Earl Grey White Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Cocoa.
Afternoon Tea at the Willard InterContinental Washington
Courtesy of InterContinental The Willard D.C. (Facebook)
WHERE: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
MORE INFO: Click here
Tea at Willard's is a holiday tradition! Listen to serene harp music as you sip on festively-flavored teas and enjoy sandwiches and holiday pastries! Make reservations here.
What's on your D.C. holiday bucket list? What essential activities did we miss? Tell us in the comments!
