More about: 12 Things to Do in Washington DC in December
Travelling to Washington in December is a brilliant idea, as you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of activities beyond just Christmas and carols. Join me on this tour and I’ll show you everything you shouldn’t miss.
From a moving tribute to its war veterans to a charming light show at the zoo, Washington is full of incredible places and unique activities to enjoy.
1. Attend the nautical light parade
Every year, in the first few days of December, one of the most eagerly awaited events in Washington DC takes place: the Boat Light Parade. At this event, you’ll see a huge number of boats cruising along the Potomac River, decorated with the most beautiful lights and Christmas motifs.
Motorboats, sailing boats and even local fireboats take centre stage at this event, lighting up the sky with their decorations full of lights. The parade is also complemented by other attractions set up on both banks of the river: festivals, live music, ice skating and numerous food stalls. Entry to this event is completely free. A great way to round off the event is to enjoy a cruise around Washington DC.
Below are some of the options available to you:
- Brunch cruise in Washington DC, from £76
- Lunch cruise in Washington DC, from £48
- Dinner cruise in Washington DC, from £93
Practical information
- Location: starts at the Waterfront Wharf.
- Dates: around 7 December.
- Price: free.
- Time: from 5.30 pm.
2. Explore Arlington National Cemetery
One of the must-do activities on your trip to Washington is a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. And December is the perfect time to do so, as the arrival of Christmas makes it even more beautiful.
This legendary military cemetery will bring you closer to the history of the USA. I recommend booking a guided tour so that a professional guide can show you the highlights and hidden gems, such as the tomb of President John F. Kennedy. You’ll also be able to witness the changing of the guard at the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Sightseeing tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery, from £16
- Arlington National Cemetery tour, from £53
- Arlington National Cemetery tour for small groups, from £41
Practical information
- Location: Arlington, VA.
- Price: A tour starts from €47.
- Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm.
3. Beat the cold in Washington’s museums
And what better plan for December than to shelter from the cold in one of Washington DC’s best museums, such as:
- The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, from £76, which is the second most visited natural history museum in the world after the one in London.
- The National Archives in Washington DC, from £85, where you can see original documents such as the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, amongst others.
- The Museum of the Bible in Washington DC, from £29, which, with eight floors and 40,000 square metres, houses an extensive collection of biblical artefacts.
Which one will you choose? Add them to your list and book your tickets in advance.
4. Take a tour of Georgetown Glow
The Georgetown tour is one of the year-round tours available in Washington, but the Georgetown Glow Tour is exclusive to December and has its own special touch. On this tour, you’ll be guided through the picturesque streets of Georgetown, where you’ll see the incredible light installations, created by various local artists and those from other states.
As you walk through this historic neighbourhood, the guides will tell you stories about Georgetown’s former residents and the history of DC. This is a unique visual experience, thanks both to the lighting and to the immense beauty of Georgetown, with its characteristic brick houses, its streets and even its elegant cemeteries.
You can also enjoy a themed experience by booking the Georgetown ghost tour or the Georgetown food tour.
Practical information
- Location: Georgetown
- Dates: throughout December
- Price: themed tours start from €39 on Hellotickets.
- Times: in the afternoon and evening
5. Enjoy a concert at Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral is a true musical landmark. Here you can see and hear one of the largest pipe organs in the world, a male choir and a mixed choir.
The choirs sing during the evening masses. Specifically, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at the Sunday morning masses. But in December you can enjoy these same choirs giving special concerts.
In December, as well as this beautiful building adorned with Christmas lights and special decorations, you can see the main event of the month, The Joy of Christmas, featuring performances of classic Christmas music and essential carols. If you’d like to get there in comfort, book the bus tour of Washington.
6. Discover the National Christmas Tree
Washington DC is home to the famous National Christmas Tree, one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in the United States. Located very close to the White House, in the north-eastern part of The Ellipse, it is decorated year after year with thousands of lights.
In early December, after delivering his now traditional Christmas address, the President of the United States switches on the lights of the tree, which, every year, is surrounded by many other trees decorated with all manner of ornaments crafted by artisans from different states and regions across the United States. This is one of the reasons why you should visit Washington DC in December.
It is worth noting that, to take part in the tree lighting ceremony, an online competition runs from October onwards. If you are one of the winners, you will be able to witness this spectacular event and enjoy the experience to the full. Another way to see the Christmas tree is by booking a bus tour of Washington.
7. Explore the maze of lights
Known as Enchant Christmas, this Christmas light maze consists of large-scale sculptures made from illuminated structures. The walk invites you to search for Santa’s reindeer.
An ideal event to enjoy with the family. If you’re travelling with children, the little ones can enjoy an exclusive area with lots of fun games. You can also go ice skating and, of course, stroll through a classic Christmas market.
Practical information
- Location: 1500 Capitol Street.
- Dates: 26 November to 2 January.
- Price: from approximately €28.
- Opening hours: from 4.30 pm to 10.30 pm.
8. Visit the Winternational Annual Embassy Showcase, at the Ronald Reagan Building
Every year in December, Washington DC hosts the Winternational Annual Embassy Showcase, an event held at the Ronald Reagan Building where embassies from countries around the world participate and showcase their nations through food, art, music and dance.
In addition, an international market is organised, featuring hundreds of artisans selling their creations. Here you can buy all kinds of handicrafts, jewellery, decorative items, works of art and food from different parts of the world without leaving DC.
Practical information
- Location: at the Ronald Reagan Building.
- Dates: around 8 December.
- Price: free.
- Opening hours: to be confirmed.
9. Discover the United States Botanic Garden
Throughout December, the Washington Botanical Garden is decked out in lights to celebrate Christmas. A place of great beauty, it is one of the must-see attractions during your visit to the city. As well as being able to see some 26,000 plants and numerous plant species, it features a special room dedicated to the world’s deserts, where you can admire succulents, shrubs and flowering plants characteristic of these regions.
Also taking place this month are a series of festive concerts and an annual exhibition showcasing the finest plant species and miniature replicas of iconic buildings, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Within the Botanical Garden is the Children’s Garden, a space designed for children, where they can have fun and learn by using gardening tools and interacting with the plants, whilst their parents relax surrounded by nature.
Practical information
- Location: 100 Maryland Ave.
- Price: free.
- Opening hours: from 10 am to 5 pm.
10. Join us for a Scottish weekend in Alexandria
Every year during the first few days of December, the city of Washington DC pays tribute to its Scottish heritage. The Old Town Alexandria district presents its Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, where you can enjoy a series of highly picturesque events, featuring live traditional Scottish music and over 100 Scottish soldiers dressed in their classic kilts.
The streets of Old Alexandria fill with the unmistakable sound of bagpipes, whilst the event offers the chance to enjoy the most delicious food, wine and beer.
There are also activities designed for children, such as games, music and a visit from Father Christmas. Enjoy a unique experience and discover the best of Scottish tradition in DC.
Practical information
- Location: in Old Alexandria.
- Dates: around 7 December.
- Price: free.
- Opening hours: from 11 am.
11. Treat yourself to ZooLights
The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is visited each year by nearly two million visitors from all over the world. This charming zoo, where you can see numerous species of animals and which also works towards their conservation, puts on a spectacular display in December during a celebration known as ZooLights.
ZooLights is an event held at the National Zoo year after year. It mainly involves decorating the park with the most beautiful illuminated decorations you can imagine. The brightest lights adorn the park’s paths and rest areas, and everywhere you go you’ll come across dazzling animal sculptures.
This light show is complemented by a number of musical performances. Of course, the more than 500,000 LED lights that make up this annual spectacle are completely environmentally friendly and do not harm the zoo’s animals. This is one of the things to do with children in Washington DC, but adults are sure to have a great time too.
Practical information
- Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave.
- Dates: to be confirmed
- Price: free
- Opening hours: in the afternoon
12. Go shopping at the Holiday Markets
Almost a hundred stallholders gather year after year at the Downtown Holiday Market in Washington DC.
This market offers all kinds of products: crafts, clothing, food and works of art are just some of the things you’ll find. Ideal for buying Christmas presents for the whole family.
As well as shopping, you can enjoy some delicious food. The Downtown Holiday Market also hosts musical performances featuring jazz, country, rock, soul and, of course, Christmas carols.
What is the weather like in Washington DC during December?
December in the United States, like the rest of the winter, is generally a cold month. Daytime temperatures in Washington DC are usually low, ranging from approximately 11 to 12 degrees Celsius.
On the warmest days , the maximum temperature can reach 18 degrees Celsius. At night, however, it is usually quite cold, with an average of between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius.
From mid-December, temperatures tend to drop even further, averaging between 6 and 7 degrees Celsius during the day; in the early hours, before sunrise, temperatures can range from -3 to -1 degrees. However, most days in December are usually sunny in Washington DC and snow only makes an appearance on a few days of the month.
What should I pack in my suitcase for a visit to Washington DC in December?
I recommend packing clothes to keep you warm whilst exploring the city. A warm jacket, gloves, a scarf, a woolly hat and boots should all be in your luggage.
It’s also a good idea to pack some light jumpers and at least one mid-season jacket, just in case you get caught out on one of those 18°C days.
Although low temperatures are the norm, I’d advise you to pack some light clothing too, as you can quickly work up a sweat whilst walking.
Is December a good time to visit Washington DC?
Generally, the best months to visit and enjoy all the things to see and do in Washington DC are June, July and August, as these offer the most pleasant temperatures of the whole year.
However, December boasts many unique events and attractions that make up for the low temperatures. Just by wrapping up warm, you can enjoy the many treasures Washington DC has to offer, for both locals and tourists alike.