5 Free Holiday Attractions in Washington D.C.
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Washington D.C. is home to one of the most famous Christmas trees in the country. The beautiful National Tree on the White House Ellipse draws many visitors and much media coverage each year. I have always wanted to see the tree in person after watching the Hallmark Channel classic The National Tree with Andrew McCarthy! I got my chance while living within easy driving distance in Pittsburgh. Mike and I took a quick weekend roadtrip to check out the festivities. We have visited the city numerous times in the past, but wanted to specifically enjoy the trees and lights as this is our favorite season of the year.
Although the city itself is not as festive as other big cities like Chicago and New York, there are a number of great attractions and activities I recommend checking out. Best of all, most of them are completely free! And, more importantly, there are plenty of wonderful free historical sites and world-class Smithsonian museums to explore while you are in town. There are less tourists this time of year, plus lots of free fun, so really the best time of the year in my opinion.
1. The National Tree
On any December visit, you will definitely want to plan some time to see the famous tree. This 100+ year old tradition started in 1923 during the Presidency of Calvin Coolidge. According to the NPS, he walked from the White House to the Ellipse and lit a 48 foot tree with 2500 lights. Today, it has become a tradition to watch the lighting in a star studded ceremony. I was excited to be in town for the 100th anniversary of this beloved tradition.
I thought the tree was gorgeous and classic with all white lights and snowflake ornaments and I loved the mini trees surrounding the main one. Trees representing each state and territory – a “Pathway of Peace” surround the main beauty.
The tree opens to the public in early December and is free to visit although there is often a long line. Expect big crowds during the evening hours – we waited quite a while. For 2025, the tree will be lit on Dec. 4th, although The Great American Family Channel will broadcast the event the next day at 7pm. Tickets to the lighting are based on a lottery system which opens in late October.
- Location: The Ellipse (5th St NW &, E St NW)
- 2025 Dates: Dec. 4th lighting. The tree stays up through January 1st.
- Learn more about the history of The National Tree
2. The Capitol Hill tree
While The National Tree receives much more press coverage, I actually think that the Capitol tree is even more enchanting. And, less tourists visit this tree which means you can take more photos. The lighting takes place on the West Front Lawn in late November. This tradition has been going strong for over 50 years.
The tree comes from a different national forest each year. When we attended this event in 2022, the tree was a beautiful 78 foot tall red spruce (nicknamed Ruby) from the gorgeous Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina. For 2025, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada will be providing the tree.
Also, if you have the time, be sure to take a tour of the gorgeous Capitol building. It’s a must for history buffs as you will learn so much. We took the tour a few years ago and what really impressed me most were the gorgeous murals and statues. I highly recommend taking the tour if you are a first time visitor.
- Location: US Capitol Building West Lawn
- 2025 Dates: TBA. The tree is lit from sunset-11pm, early December – January 1st.
- Learn more about the tree’s history
3. “Season’s Greetings” at the U.S. Botanical Gardens
One attraction that is often overlooked is the beautiful holiday exhibit at the US Botanical Gardens. I’ve toured these gardens numerous times, but really loved the holiday display. Plus, it’s warm all year so a nice cozy escape in between walking outside in the cold.
During the holidays, you will get to enjoy colorful poinsettia displays, holiday decor, a model train set, and mini replicas of famous D.C. landmarks (the highlight for me). It will not take long to explore, however, admission is free! I recommend heading over at night too as their light display is quite beautiful. Update: New for 2025, the model trail set will feature dinosaurs made from plant parts.
- Location: 100 Maryland Ave SW
- 2025 Dates/hours: Nov. 27th-Jan. 4th (closed Christmas). 10am-5pm (open late select nights)
- Several sensory friendly evening (pre registration required). Find out more on their website
- Check out some pics I took during my tour
4. Downtown Holiday Market
2025 marks the 21st year for this festive outdoor shopping village. Here you can shop for unique gifts from small business owners, splurge on holiday treats, and enjoy festive decor and music. There are many great photos opps, chocolate churros, and even a bit of fake snow!
If you are lucky enough, you may get to enjoy rare real snow. After the market, I recommend a stroll around the fabulous National Portrait Gallery (where you can see the famous presidential portraits), located just across the street. Bonus – you are within an easy walk of many local restaurants and coffeehouses. La Colombe is a wonderful roaster.
- Location: F St NW &, 8th St NW,
- 2025 Dates: Nov 21st – Dec. 23rd. Hours: Noon-8pm (Mon-Thurs), 11am-9pm (Fri & Sat), 11am-8pm (Sun)
- Details and vendor lineup
5. The District Holiday Boat parade
I have always loved watching illuminated boat parades ever since living in Tampa Bay where I saw my first show. When I saw that D.C. had one, I knew it had to be on my bucket list. This festive spectacular has been a beloved tradition for over 30 years.
At this event, you will get to see 60 illuminated boats make their way down the Washington Channel. There’s live music, lots of foods stands and restaurants, a fireworks show, a beer and wine garden, and much more. Really, it’s so over-the-top and crowded, it feels more like a 4th of July or NYE celebration. If you can handle the crowds and commotions, it’s a fun time.
- Location: The Wharf (760 Maine Ave SW)
- 2025 Date: December 6th, 5pm-8pm
- 2025 Event lineup
More festive winter fun
Holiday pop up bars – Lots of these pop up bars open in cities all over the country each year now. Mike and I stopped by Urban Roast because they also served espresso drinks and hot cocoa flights. I am not a big drinker (so I usually skip out on these bars) so I loved that I could enjoy the festive ambiance with a coffee. Of course cocktails are also available. Due to the immense popularity, reservations are recommended.
Ice skating – I absolutely loved skating on the rink at The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. The setting with the historic building in the background is gorgeous. Prices are affordable, the ice well maintained, and it’s never too busy. Best of all, you are within a 5 min walk to 2 of the best D.C. museums, The National Gallery of Art and The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 2025 dates TBA. Check their website for updates.
Stroll around Georgetown – This gorgeous section of the city is lined with historic homes, and plenty of local restaurants and shops. I recommend dinner at Il Canale, a wonderful local Italian restaurant.
Enjoy decor at various museums – Most museums feature beautiful holiday decor and/or gardens. I was truly impressed by the amount of effort put into these displays. Everything looks so beautiful especially the poinsettias. The Library of Congress puts up a gorgeous tree in the Jefferson building.
The National Gallery of Art also looks stunning this time of year with beautiful fountains surrounded by poinsettias. There are also 8 festively decorated trees in the Rotunda and Garden courts. Really – one of the nicest displays around!
For more recommended winter activities, check out my winter travel guide post.
Where to stay?
The Capitol Hill Hotel, conveniently located within walking distance to The National Mall, museums, and monuments is a wonderful moderately priced 3 star hotel. Amenities include a continental breakfast, all day coffee, tea, and cocoa, and complimentary use of bicycles. I loved being able to walk to everything – the Smithsonian Museums, The National Mall, several great restaurants.
Where to dine
Hunan Dynasty – This local gem serves great Chinese food in a beautiful setting. Dining here was such a nice break from the crowds. Walkable from Capitol Hill Hotel.
Founding Farmers – Trendy farm-to-table that is located within a half mile walk of the White House. The setting is trendy and lively, the food is delicious! I thought the Butternut Squash ravioli was amazing.
