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Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC for Kids and Families

Be dazzled by the Shine Light Show at Gaylord National Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
Be dazzled by the Shine Light Show at Gaylord National Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
12/4/22 - By Jennifer Swope

The holiday season can be an expensive time of year. Luckily, the DC area is full of free holiday activities and Christmas events to get families into the festive spirit. These free holiday events and Christmas activities include tree and menorah lightings such as the National Harbor Tree Light Show and the National Menorah Lighting, Christmas markets like the Downtown Holiday Market, dazzling Christmas light displays such as ZooLights at the National Zoo, and so much more.

Read on for the ultimate list of free holiday and Christmas events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2022. For more ideas for seasonal fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our list of the best holiday and Christmas activities and events near DC. Happy holidays!

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Georgetown GLOW is the DC area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience. Photo courtesy of Georgetown GLOW
Georgetown GLOW is the DC area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience. Photo courtesy of Georgetown GLOW

Free Tree Lightings and Christmas Light Displays in and Near DC

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show & Fireworks

National Harbor, MD
Saturdays, November 12 - December 17, 2022
Each night, families can enjoy a beautiful light show as a 60-foot Christmas tree at National Harbor lights up and is followed by fireworks. READ MORE

DC Holiday Lights

Washington, DC
Friday, November 18, 2022 - Sunday, January 8, 2023
Businesses along 14 of DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors are putting up their best light displays to compete for the title of Best Decorated Corridor. Families can enjoy the displays, then go to the website to cast their vote. Families can also participate in the DC Holidays Lights scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants. READ MORE

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Washington, DC
Friday, November 25 - Friday, December 30, 2022 (Various dates)
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. ZooLights is free but timed passes must be reserved in advance. READ MORE

Shine Light Show

National Harbor, MD
Friday, November 25 - Saturday, December 31, 2022
Brand new for 2022, Gaylord National's Shine Light Show features thousands of dancing lights synchronized to a high-energy, seasonal soundtrack. Animated light curtains glow with Christmas imagery around a centerpiece tree that magically transforms into a glowing holiday spectacle. READ MORE

Georgetown GLOW

Washington, DC
Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Sunday, January 22, 2023
The eighth edition of GLOW returns to winter this year. Set against the backdrop of Georgetown, GLOW is the area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience.  READ MORE

Light Yards 2022

Washington, DC
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - Sunday, January 1, 2023
Enjoy a free festive lighting installation in Yards Park. Light Yards 2022 features illuminated, 22-f00t- tall trees trimmed top to bottom in holiday decor and lights, designed by Australian artist studio Amigo & Amigo. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

Washington, DC
Friday, December 2, 2022 - Sunday, January 1, 2023
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 2, 2022 through January 1, 2023. Surrounding it will be more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE
The US Navy Band performs at the National Menorah lighting on the first day of Hanukkah. Photo courtesy of nationalmenorah.org
The US Navy Band performs at the National Menorah lighting on the first day of Hanukkah. Photo courtesy of nationalmenorah.org

Free Menorah Lightings in and Near DC

National Menorah Lighting

Washington, DC
Sunday, December 18, 2022
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Lighting of the Menorah at District Wharf

Washington, DC
Sunday, December 18 - Monday, December 26, 2022
District Wharf continues its tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah to celebrate the Festival of Lights. READ MORE

Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting

Kensington, MD
Sunday, December 18, 2022
The annual Kensington menorah lighting takes place at Town Hall, featuring music, treats, and the lighting of the menorah. All are welcome! READ MORE

Community Menorah Lighting

Fairfax, VA
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Join the JCC of Northern Virginia for a community menorah lighting and Hanukkah celebration in Mosaic District with songs, entertainment, dreidel games, and more. READ MORE
Find gifts for everyone on your list at the German Christmas Village in Baltimore. Photo courtesy of the Village
Find gifts for everyone on your list at the German Christmas Village in Baltimore. Photo courtesy of the Village

Free Holiday and Christmas Markets and Craft Shows in and Near DC

Downtown Holiday Market

Washington, DC
Friday, November 18 - Friday, December 23, 2022 (except November 24 & December 5)
With more than 70 regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethically produced goods, the Downtown Holiday Market brings a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of downtown DC. There's also a live stage featuring regional performers.  READ MORE

German Christmas Village

Baltimore, MD
Saturday, November 19 - Saturday, December 24, 2022 (Various dates)
Experience an authentic German Christmas market at West Shore Park at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There are a variety of vendors, thousands of Christmas lights, live music, rides, food, and more. READ MORE

Fairfax City Holiday Market

Fairfax, VA
Fridays - Sundays, December 2-11, 2022
Shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and small businesses at the Fairfax City Holiday Market. On Sunday, December 4, bring your camera to take a free photo with Santa from 11am-2pm.  READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Village

Fairfax, VA
Saturdays & Sundays, December 3-4, 17-18
Shop for everyone on your list from more than 65 makers at Mosaic's Holiday Village. Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa on December 3 and 4, and more. READ MORE

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Alexandria, VA
Saturday, December 10, 2022
This festive Christmas market in Old Town features arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, hair care products, and more from over 110 local vendors. There's also live entertainment, food and desserts, and hot cocoa to enjoy. READ MORE
Take pictures with Santa Claus at Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops
Take pictures with Santa Claus at Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Other Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Hanover, MD
Saturday, November 5 - Saturday, December 24, 2022
Get a free 4x6 photo with Santa Claus at Santa's Wonderland in Bass Pro Shops. Kids can also mail their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's

Gainesville, VA
Saturday, November 5 - Saturday, December 24, 2022
Visit Santa at his wonderland in Cabela's and get a free 4x6 photo with him. Kids can also mail their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways. READ MORE

The Greatest Story Stage Show

National Harbor, MD
Wednesdays - Sundays, November 25 - December 31, 2022
Experience the birth of Jesus through the eyes of six international storytellers in a musical stage show and multicultural celebration of everlasting faith, hope, and love. Complimentary seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Guaranteed seating can be purchased online. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC
Thursday, November 26, 2022 - Monday, January 2, 2023
The US Botanic Garden's popular holiday display returns this year with both indoor and outdoor displays. The garden-wide "Season's Greenings" features G-gauge model trains in the outdoor gardens, while the Conservatory features DC landmarks made of plants, holiday decor, and more. READ MORE

Willard Holiday Caroling

Washington, DC
Thursday, December 1 - Friday, December 23, 2022
Each night from 5:30-7:30pm, highly accomplished choral and vocal ensembles from around the DC area perform holiday songs for free at The Willard hotel. READ MORE

FONA Winter Festival

Washington, DC
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Shop from local vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery, and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities at Friends of the National Arboretum’s Winter Festival.  READ MORE

Explore Kwanzaa!

Washington, DC
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Explore Kwanzaa! Bring the kids and join musical guest The Culture Queen for this one-day music- and craft-filled exploration of the only holiday born in the Black Power movement of the 1960s. READ MORE

Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg

Leesburg, VA
Saturday, December 10, 2022
The city of Leesburg's annual Christmas & Holiday Parade features floats, live music, and the arrival of Santa. The parade begins at Ida Lee Park and ends at Fairfax Street. READ MORE

Holiday Movies on the Potomac

National Harbor, MD
Sundays through December 18, 2022
Enjoy a free family-friendly holiday movie every Sunday afternoon on the big screen outdoors at National Harbor. READ MORE

Waterskiing Santa

Alexandria, VA
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Watch Santa take to the Potomac on waterskis! After the show, he and his merry crew greet children on the waterfront and behind the Torpedo Factory. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
F Street sidewalk in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Willard InterContinental Washington, DC
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront