December Holiday Events in D.C. and Northern Virginia

This season is not just about shopping for the holidays, but also about doing things with family and friends.  Check out the family-friendly events below in D.C. and Northern Virginia!

ZOOLIGHTS - November 29 to January 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

This free event includes more than 500,000 lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland!  This year, the Zoo's holiday tradition includes large, glowing animal lanterns and thousands of reflecting lights as part of the interactive art exhibit.  Don't forget to slide down the "zootubes" near the lion and tiger exhibits!  Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation since parking is limited.  Click here for more information.

A FAMILY CHRISTMAS -  December 24, 11 a.m. at The Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.

The Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for your kids!  This one-hour sing-along of Christmas favorites also includes a visit from Santa, Frosty and Rudolph!  Click here for more information.

U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN - November 28 to January 5, Washington D.C.

This year's theme is America's Gardens.  Admire the elaborate model train display with plant based recreations of conservatories, fountains and sculptures in the model train room.  There is also a large display of D.C. landmarks made from plant materials in the Garden Court and the West Gallery will feature a decorated tree with its own model train.  Visit their website for more information.

CHRISTMAS AT MOUNT VERNON - November 29 - December 31, Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon kicks off the season with fireworks over the Potomac River on December 20 and 21. Check out other festive events such as Mount Vernon By Candlelight here.

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT FIRST NIGHT - December 31, Alexandria

Ring in the New Year in Old Town Alexandria at the 25th Annual First Night Alexandria celebration.  It's a live music and performing arts festival that is fun for the entire family and ends with a fireworks finale over the Potomac River at midnight.  Click here to see all the events!

BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - November 22 to January 5, 7700 Bull Run Dr, Centreville, VA 20121

Drive the 2.5 miles festival route through Bull Run Regional Park.  After viewing the lights, enjoy rides, refreshments and photos with Santa Claus a the holiday village.  Click here for more information.

2019 ICE National Harbor and Christmas on the Potomac - November 15 - December 30, Gaylord Resort

Marvel at more than 2 million lights and magnificent decorations, plus spectacular holiday activities and event.  ICE! is back with a new theme featuring Dr. Seuss' classic How The Grinch Stole Christmas.  New to 2019 are Feast with the Grinch! and the Reindeer Rush Ice Tubing hill, a 2-story tall, four-lane hill offering all the fun of sledding with the added speed of ice.  Click here for more events.

MEADOWLARK WINTER WALK OF LIGHTS - November 8 - January 5, Vienna

Every year the garden is transformed into a half mile walk of lights. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages by the fire.  Click here for more details.

Note:  First responders, teachers and military service members receive free admission with one paying guest on their appreciation nights.  Check out these and other specials on their events page.

Christmas at the National Museum of the Marine Corps - December 14, Triangle

Visit with Santa! Bring your own camera and take a photo with Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Free and open to the public!  For more information and events, click here.

Share your favorite December Holiday events in the DMV area!

THE ROYSTER HEARTH GROUP

HOME is more than a place with a roof over your head. It is a place of comfort, love, warmth, rest and security – “HEARTH”. We want to help you reach that place. Hence, our mission at The Royster Hearth Group is simple – Serve Our Neighbors, Not Ourselves.  We work hard to serve you in every aspect of the home-selling and -buying process.