The holiday season brings lots of winter fun and cheer in the DMV area. Here are some activities that can get you in the right spirit.
Go ice skating at the Wharf
Ice skating is a great activity to get into the holiday spirit. The Wharf in Washington, D.C. is home to the district’s only over-water ice skating rink. From November to February, you can glide across the ice while enjoying the view of the monuments.
Located on Transit Peer outside of the Anthem, you can either rent skates or bring your own pair.
Go to a holiday market
The district has a downtown holiday market that will run from Nov.17 to Dec. 23. The market is open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at 8th and F Streets. The outdoor shopping village has aisles of shopping, food and live entertainment.
This year, the market will feature 70 exhibitors and six food vendors serving hot chocolate and other delicious holiday treats like donuts and cookies. The featured exhibitors are mainly local small businesses that will sell things like jewelry, art, clothes, crafts, soaps, and antiques.
Georgetown GLOW
Another holiday exhibit is Georgetown Glow, which features 11 lighted art pieces spread out among different buildings in Georgetown. You can view the exhibit, from Dec. 1 to Jan. 7, and it is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the district.
This year is the 9th edition of the exhibit and it will be lit from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day. The exhibit will feature works from both national and international artists.
One of the exhibits titled “Rotifers” was created by Nicole Anona Banowetz and represents the fascinating creatures. Rotifers are a type of bacteria called wheel animals and survive through adaptations. The artwork depicts the circle of life and is between Thomas Jefferson and 31st Streets.
Visit the National Christmas Tree
Every year in the district, the National Christmas Tree is set up along with the Christmas Pathway of Peace. The Pathway of Peace has 56 different trees with unique ornaments representing a different state or territory in the United States.
The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace are free to view and open to the public. The tree opened to the public on Dec. 2, 2023.
This year, the official tree lighting ceremony took place on Nov. 30 and required tickets. You can watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrating 100 Years on Friday, December 15, at 8 pm ET/PT on CBS (also streaming live on Paramount Plus).
These are just some of the holiday activities that are in our area. Next time you are in the DMV area, make sure to check out some of these great activities that will get you in the holiday spirit.
