Washington, D.C

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids

Christmas in DC Day 1: National Mall and Downtown Area

Season’s Greenings at the US Botanic Garden

You don’t have to be a train lover to be dazzled by this popular—and FREE—annual display at the United States Botanic Garden. G-gauge model trains wind throughout the gated outdoor gardens, which are filled with festive lights, poinsettias, and other holiday decor. Inside the Conservatory, you’ll find DC landmarks made from plants.

Shopping at Holiday Markets

For 20 years, holiday shoppers have flocked to the DowntownDC Holiday Market, a festive shopping village where you can buy unique gifts from regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses while enjoying live performances. A second holiday market is also taking place in 2024—the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle. There, you’ll find over 30 small businesses with unique gifts, popular holiday treats, local performers, and festive decor.

The Nutcracker Ballet at the Warner Theatre

Even if you’ve seen The Nutcracker before, the Washington Ballet’s adaptation is truly unique. It’s set in 1882 Georgetown, with characters that include George Washington, Harriet Tubman, King George III, and others. December 15, 2024 is Family Day, when kids can do crafts, take photos with dancers, and more before the matinee performance.

32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids

The President and First Lady typically light the National Christmas Tree each year. Photo by Kelsey Graczyk, for the National Park System

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

The National Christmas Tree is located south of the White House on the Ellipse. Surrounding it are 56 smaller trees adorned with student-designed ornaments representing all of the US states and territories. The trees are typically lit from sunset until 10pm.

US Capitol Christmas Tree

Each year, a different national forest provides a tree that stands on the west lawn of the US Capitol building for the holiday season. The 2024 tree comes from Tongass National Forest in Alaska. The towering tree stands 80 feet tall and is a sight to behold.

If you have time:

Walk, bike, or take a quick taxi ride over the Arlington Memorial Bridge to Arlington National Cemetery, which is quite the sight to behold at Christmastime with wreaths lying against most of the white headstones.

Christmas in DC Day 2: National Harbor, MD

The waterfront Maryland community of National Harbor, located on the banks of the Potomac River, is packed with holiday cheer at Christmastime.

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Ice! at Gaylord National is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, so bundle up! Photo courtesy of the resort

Christmas at Gaylord National Resort

You can have a full day of Christmas fun without leaving Gaylord National Resort. Bundle up to experience Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Enjoy cookies and storytime with Mrs. Claus. Take photos with Santa. Get creative at the Gingerbread Decorating Corner. Go ice tubing down Snow Flow Mountain. Participate in a Snoopy-themed scavenger hunt. Challenge yourself at the Snowball Build and Blast. And enjoy two shows in the dazzling atrium, Cirque: Spirit of Christmas and the Here We Glow A-Caroling light show.

30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
See a tree light show each night at National Harbor. Photo courtesy of National Harbor

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show

The 60-foot National Harbor holiday tree dazzles nightly with a light show every half hour from sunset until 9pm, set to a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band. But if you happen to be there on a Saturday evening, you can enjoy 5:30pm fireworks, too!

Holiday Movies on the Potomac

If the National Harbor portion of your three-day itinerary falls on a Sunday, you can enjoy an afternoon holiday movie outdoors on the big screen. The Santa Clause, Jack Frost, and The Polar Express are just a few of the offerings.

Capital Wheel

Soar 180 feet above the Potomac River in a climate-controlled gondola on this giant Ferris wheel and enjoy breathtaking views of National Harbor, the Washington Monument, and more. On December 7, 14, and 21, you—and your pup!—can take photos with Santa before your ride (humans can also meet the jolly guy on November 29, 2024).

National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

This holiday market and craft show takes place every Saturday and Sunday from November 30 – December 22, 2024. This market offers something unique every day with a rotating selection of artisans and crafters, along with delicious holiday sweets and desserts.

MGM National Harbor Conservatory

The conservatory of this hotel and casino gets all decked out for the holidays with poinsettias, larger-than life installations, and dazzling lights. If you find some extra time in your packed day, it’s worth checking out!

If you have time:

Score some holiday deals at the Tanger Outlets National Harbor.

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Christmas in DC Day 3: Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, VA

Mount Vernon

While George Washington’s home in Alexandria is worth a visit any time of year, it’s even more fun at Christmas. See a gingerbread model of Mount Vernon, meet Aladdin the Christmas camel, learn about holiday practices observed by the Washingtons, and more. There are also some fantastic holiday events throughout the season, including Winter Glow and Christmas Illuminations.

Old Town Alexandria

Walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria feels like stepping back into colonial times, and its especially charming at Christmastime. You’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie as you stroll along historic King Street with its twinkling lights, flickering lamps, wreathed doors, decorated storefronts, and more. The unique shops are great places to do your holiday shopping. Be sure to check out the giant Christmas tree at Market Square.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Head to the Old Town Alexandria waterfront for the holiday boat parade. Photo by Adam Fagan, via Flickr

Depending on when you visit, there are some fun—and free—holiday events in Old Town, too. Head to the waterfront on the evening of December 7, 2024 for the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, or on Christmas Eve to catch a glimpse of Waterskiing Santa. Also on December 7 is the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade, when dozens of Scottish clans parade through the streets of Old Town along with pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and more.

If you have time:

About a 15-minute drive from Old Town is Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run. There you can see unique holiday lights and displays and go for a spin on the ice skating rink.

Where to Eat During Christmas and the Holidays in DC

If you want to eat near the National Mall during your festive day in DC, check out our list of the best kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall. Some of them, including The Hamilton and Carmine’s, go crazy with the holiday decor. You can also begin one of your mornings with breakfast with Santa at one of several great eateries.

Best Things To Do in DC’s Georgetown Neighborhood with Kids

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Nearly every inch of Filomena is decorated for Christmas. Photo courtesy of Filomena Ristorante

If you’re willing to venture to Georgetown for dinner, Filomena Ristorante is famous for its over-the-top holiday decorations and its heaping portions of homemade pasta and other Italian food. After dinner, you can stroll the cobblestone streets to enjoy the lights and decorations.

On your National Harbor day, Old Hickory Steakhouse is a delicious and festive option right inside Gaylord National.

If you’re at Mount Vernon from December 6-8 or December 13-15, you can enjoy afternoon tea as you listen to live harp music and take in the holiday decorations at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.

Old Town Alexandria has a plethora of great dinner options, most of which go all out with the holiday decor. Mia’s Italian Kitchen serves up brick-oven pizza and family-style Italian food in a warm and cozy setting. Virtue Feed & Grain has a large menu and a great ambience that will please the whole family. And Ada’s on the River offers delicious food and stunning panoramic views of the Potomac River.

All Aboard A Polar Express Train Ride, Plus More Christmas Trains Near DC

Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
The Willard InterContinental is a must-see at Christmas. Photo courtesy of the hotel

DC Hotels for a Holiday Stay

Willard InterContinental Washington, DC

If you want to splurge on a luxury hotel, you can’t get much better than the Willard. It transforms into a holiday wonderland come Christmastime, with elegant lights and decorations that belong on a postcard. The hotel’s Afternoon Tea and Christmas Day Brunch are legendary. Each night, choral and vocal ensembles from the DC area do holiday caroling in the lobby. Bonus: The Willard is located just steps from the White House and the National Christmas Tree.

Fairmont Washington, DC

If you stay at this Georgetown hotel, you’ll have some VIP company—Santa! And on Saturdays and Sundays from December 7-22, 2024, you can visit and take photos with him in his elaborately decorated suite for a fee (100% of which will go to the non-profit Horton’s Kids). Email WDC.santasuite.DL@fairmont.com to reserve your visit. The Fairmont also has a beautiful lobby tree and an elaborate gingerbread display.

Gaylord National Resort

Even if you live locally, the Gaylord National is a great place to have an overnight staycation. You’ll get a front-row seat to all of the resort’s fun Christmas offerings, leaving you more time to explore the rest of National Harbor. And the resort offers several holiday deals, like the Celebrate Christmas package that includes tickets to Ice! as well as savings for AAA and Marriott Bonvoy members.

The Alexandrian

This beautiful Old Town Alexandria hotel, located in a prime spot on King Street, has a cozy lobby fireplace, pretty Christmas decor, and a Holiday Cheer package that includes drink vouchers for the grown-ups, a tote bag for holiday shopping, and more.

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Washington, D.C

DC weather: Sunny, mild Tuesday; showers return Wednesday

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Press Room

DC weather: Sunny, mild Tuesday; showers return Wednesday

WASHINGTON – A sunny, dry and mild Tuesday for the Washington, D.C. region, with highs near 71 degrees.

What we know:

The day starts chilly, with temperatures in the 40s and a few upper 30s in the area. Plenty of sunshine with some light winds that will make for a pleasant afternoon. FOX 5’s Taylor Grenda says it’s a good day for outdoor plans, with temperatures climbing into the low 70s by mid‑afternoon. Winds may turn a bit breezy overnight, but conditions will remain cool and dry.

Rain chances return Wednesday as clouds increase. The morning and early afternoon look mostly dry, but the evening commute could turn soggy on Wednesday. Grenda says to expect two rounds of showers tomorrow – one around 5 p.m. and another after sunset – with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms. The severe weather threat appears to be limited.

Behind the system, Thursday turns cooler and breezy, with highs only in the mid‑60s. Temperatures rebound into the 70s Friday before a warm, more humid stretch arrives over the weekend. Highs could reach the 80s by Saturday and Sunday and the 90s by Monday.

DC weather: Sunny, mild Tuesday; showers return Wednesday

The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.

WeatherNewsWashington, D.C.MarylandVirginia

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Washington, D.C

Nonprofit sues the federal government over plans to paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue

Published

16 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

Nonprofit sues the federal government over plans to paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue

With a blue sky above the Lincoln Memorial, people walk along the reflection pool in Washington, D.C., on June 9, 2023.

Jose Luis Magana/AP

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Jose Luis Magana/AP

A nonprofit is suing the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over the decision to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at Washington D.C.’s National Mall, and to paint the pool’s basin blue.

The suit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), an education and advocacy organization. In the suit, TCLF is asking a federal judge to halt the project, saying that the Trump administration failed to have the project reviewed federally, as is dictated by the National Historic Preservation Act.

The White House ballroom, reflecting pool resurfacing, Kennedy Center renovations and a triumphal arch are among the many changes Trump wants to make in D.C.

President Trump revealed his plans for the pool do-over last month in “American flag blue,” saying that the project would take one week and $2 million, and that it would be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. A few days later on Truth Social, the president posted a fake image of himself and several of his administration officials in swimsuits, along with an unidentified woman in a gingham bikini, lounging in the water with the Washington National Monument at the rear. (Swimming in the reflecting pool is prohibited by federal law.)

Workers paint a corner of the reflecting pool blue on Monday morning.

In a YouTube video posted by the White House on April 23, Trump called the pool “filthy dirty” and said it “leaked like a sieve.” In that video, Trump said he was going to call three companies that he has worked with in the past – “all they do is swimming pools” – and say, “Give me a good price.”

The New York Times reported last Friday that the contract for the reflecting pool’s resurfacing was awarded in a $6.9 million no-bid contract to a company called Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which previously has never held any federal contracts.

An employee at the Atlantic Industrial Coatings confirmed in a telephone call on Monday that it has been contracted for this project, but referred all other questions to the Department of the Interior.

The Times reported on Monday that the final cost of the project could be upward of $13 million, per documents it says it has obtained. The Department of the Interior did not confirm the cost of the project, but wrote: “The contract price reflects the effort necessary to expedite the timeline of completing the leak prevention coating project—more people, more materials, more equipment and longer hours ahead of our 250th.”

In an unsigned statement emailed to NPR Monday afternoon, the Interior Department wrote: “The National Park Service chose the best company to expedite the repair of the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of our 250 celebrations. The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. NPS is also investing in a state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system and will now have a dedicated crew who will maintain the grounds’ from wildlife. The Department is proud of the work being carried out by our Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only our 250th, but for many generations to come.”

Critics of the project, including TCLF, don’t share that vision – and are taking particular umbrage at the color.

“The reflecting pool should not be viewed in isolation; it is part of the larger ensemble of designed landscapes that comprise the National Mall,” Charles A. Birnbaum, the president and CEO of TCLF, said in a statement emailed to NPR Monday. “The design intent, to create a reflective surface that is subordinate, is fundamental to the solemn and hallowed visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park.”

The National Park Service regularly cleans out algae, goose droppings and other detritus from the reflecting pool. The last major renovation of the reflecting pool, which included the installation of a new circulation and filtration system, took place during the Obama administration at a reported cost of $34 million.

Before founding TCLF in 2008, Birnbaum served for 15 years as the coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.

A view of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in February. On Monday, a group of eight architecture and culture groups filed a federal lawsuit against President Trump and the arts complex's board to halt a planned renovation.

TCLF has another open lawsuit against the federal administration: it is one of eight cultural and architecture groups currently suing President Trump and the Kennedy Center board over the planned renovations of the complex, which are planned to start in July.

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Washington, D.C

K-9 Knox to be honored at ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday

Published

1 day ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

K-9 Knox to be honored at ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday

The memorial service will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at 1 p.m.

WASHINGTON D.C. – A brave K-9 hero from the region will be honored at the Annual National Police K9 Memorial Service on Monday afternoon.

K-9 Knox died in the line of duty last year after he was accidentally hit by a police vehicle while pursuing a suspect involved in a stolen vehicle incident. He was a 3-year-old German shepherd and had served as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension K-9 for the Roanoke Police Department since May 2023.

The memorial service will include a wreath-laying ceremony and will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., at 1 p.m. The event will open with a musical performance by Frank Ray, and the guest speaker will be Deputy Jared Hahn of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

The San Antonio Police Department Blue Line Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Emerald Society Pipes & Drums band will also perform.

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