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The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
12/1/24 - By Jennifer Swope

The holiday season can be as expensive as it is festive. Luckily, there are loads of free holiday events throughout the DC area for families. Tree and menorah lightings, such as the National Harbor Tree Light Show and the National Menorah Lighting, are some of the most popular. Then there are the parades like the Scottish Christmas Walk in Old Town Alexandria and the Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg.

These are just a few of the many free events I've found for your family. Don't miss the section dedicated to holiday markets, where you can soak up the cheer while buying unique gifts for family and friends.

Read on for the ultimate list of free holiday and Christmas events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia in 2024. For more ideas for seasonal fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids, which includes our list of must-do Christmas and holiday activities in DC for kids. Happy holidays!

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The National Christmas Tree lights up the Ellipse every evening through New Year's Day. Photo by Kelsey Graczyk, courtesy of the National Park Service
The National Christmas Tree lights up the Ellipse every evening through New Year's Day. Photo by Kelsey Graczyk, courtesy of the National Park Service

Free Tree Lightings and Christmas Light Displays in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show

National Harbor, MD
Saturdays, through December 28, 2024
Each night, families can enjoy a beautiful light show as a 60-foot Christmas tree at National Harbor lights up. On Saturdays at 5:30pm, the show is followed by fireworks. READ MORE

Here We Glow A-Caroling Light Show (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor, MD
Daily, through December 28, 2024
Experience the magic of caroling door to door without moving a muscle in this spectacular holiday light show. Thousands of glowing lights and a custom score create a unique journey through past holiday celebrations. From swinging '20s jazz and the doo-wop of the ‘50s to the funky disco beats and rock and roll riffs of the ‘60s and ‘70s, your favorite Christmas carols come to life. Enjoy a high-energy sing-along finale. READ MORE

Light Yards

Washington, DC
Daily, through January 1, 2025
Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at Yards Park. This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplifying the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging. READ MORE

DC Holiday Lights

Washington, DC
Daily, through January 5, 2025
Businesses along 14 of DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors are putting up their best light displays to compete for the title of Best Decorated Corridor. Families can enjoy the displays, then go to the website to cast their vote. Families can also participate in the DC Holidays Lights scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants. READ MORE

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick, MD
Daily, through March 15, 2025
Carroll Creek Park once again comes alive with individually designed lighted sailboats. Visitors can view the boats anytime day or night, with the lights turning on at sunset. READ MORE

Celebration of Lights at Great Falls Village Field

Great Falls, VA
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Great Falls celebrates the beginning of the season at its annual Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, performances by local school choirs, a petting zoo, and pony rides before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the tree at 5pm. Children are then welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa. The evening closes with a live Nativity. READ MORE

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Washington, DC
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse features live musical performances. The tree will be lit every evening and open to the public from December 7, 2024 through January 1, 2025.  READ MORE

Washington, DC Temple Festival of Lights

Kensington, MD
Daily, December 5, 2024 - January 1, 2025
The Festival of Lights at the Washington, DC Temple features over 400,000 lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The Visitors’ Center exhibits beautiful créche displays featuring nativities from around the world and hosts many free holiday performances. The lights are on from 4:45-9pm.  READ MORE

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

Washington, DC
Daily, December 7, 2024 - January 1, 2025
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is lit every evening and open to the public. Surrounding it are more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE

Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting

Leesburg, VA
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Town of Leesburg holds its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green. Enjoy lights, live music, holiday characters, and community cheer. READ MORE

One Loudoun Holiday Tree Lighting

Ashburn, VA
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season at One Loudoun with live music, Santa photos, food, shopping, and more before the lighting of the Christmas tree. READ MORE
The US Navy Band performs at the National Menorah Lighting. Photo courtesy of nationalmenorah.org
The US Navy Band performs at the National Menorah Lighting. Photo courtesy of nationalmenorah.org

Free Menorah Lightings in and Near DC

National Menorah Lighting (on The Ellipse)

Washington, DC
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
One of the most prominent public Hanukkah programs in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Ticket holders get hot latkes and donuts as well as free dreidels and menorah kits. The US Navy Band performs. READ MORE

Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting

Kensington, MD
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The annual Kensington menorah lighting takes place at Town Hall, featuring music, treats, and the lighting of the menorah. All are welcome! READ MORE

One Loudoun Menorah Lighting

Ashburn, VA
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Celebrate the Hanukkah season at One Loudoun with the lighting of the Menorah. READ MORE
Find gifts for everyone on your list at the German Christmas Village in Baltimore. Photo courtesy of the Village
Find gifts for everyone on your list at the German Christmas Village in Baltimore. Photo courtesy of the Village

Free Holiday and Christmas Markets and Craft Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

Washington, DC
Daily, through December 23, 2024 (except November 28)
The DC Holiday Market features 30-plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts, and unique gift items. The market brings its signature style, local performers, festive decor, and popular holiday treats (Migues Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts) to an iconic location adjacent to Dupont Circle and Kramer’s Books & Café. READ MORE

DowntownDC Holiday Market at Gallery Place/Chinatown

Washington, DC
Daily, through December 23, 2024 (except November 28)
With regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethically produced goods, the DowntownDC Holiday Market brings a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of downtown DC. There's also a live stage featuring regional performers.  READ MORE

German Christmas Village (in Baltimore, MD)

Baltimore, MD
Various dates, December 6-13, 2024
Experience an authentic German Christmas market at West Shore Park at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There are a variety of vendors, thousands of Christmas lights, live music, rides, food, and more. READ MORE

Fairfax City Holiday Market

Fairfax, VA
Fridays - Sundays, December 6-15, 2024
Shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and small businesses at the Fairfax City Holiday Market. On Sunday, December 8, bring a camera to take a free photo with Santa.  READ MORE

Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show

Leesburg, VA
Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8, 2024
The Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show features local and regional artisans selling handmade items including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, table linens, and more. READ MORE

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Alexandria, VA
Saturday, December 14, 2024
This festive Christmas market in Old Town features arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, hair care products, and more from over 110 local vendors. There's also live entertainment, food and desserts, and hot cocoa to enjoy. READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Village

Fairfax, VA
Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15, 2024
Shop for everyone on your list from more than 65 makers at Mosaic's Holiday Village. Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa, and more. READ MORE
Meet Santa at the Bethesda Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the Bethesda Urban Partnership
Meet Santa at the Bethesda Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the Bethesda Urban Partnership

Other Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Willard Holiday Caroling

Washington, DC
Daily, through December 23, 2024
Each night, highly accomplished choral and vocal ensembles from around the DC area perform holiday songs for free at The Willard hotel. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Hanover, MD
Daily, through December 24, 2024
Get a free 4x6 photo with Santa Claus at Santa's Wonderland in Bass Pro Shops. Kids can also mail their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's

Gainesville, VA
Daily, through December 24, 2024
Visit Santa at his wonderland in Cabela's and get a free 4x6 photo with him. Kids can also mail their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways. READ MORE

Holiday Movies on the Potomac

National Harbor, MD
Sundays, through December 29, 2024
Enjoy a free family-friendly holiday movie every Sunday afternoon on the big screen outdoors at National Harbor. Show times vary and can be found online. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC
Daily, through January 5, 2025 (except December 25)
The US Botanic Garden's popular holiday display returns this year with both indoor and outdoor displays. The garden-wide "Season's Greenings" features G-gauge model trains in the outdoor gardens, while the Conservatory features DC landmarks made of plants, holiday decor, and more. READ MORE

The District's Holiday Boat Parade

Washington, DC
Saturday, December 7, 2024
More than 60 beautifully decorated boats pass by the Wharf at this iconic annual DC holiday event. Other activities include ornament decorating, s'mores, family photos with Santa, and live music under the Wharf's Christmas tree. READ MORE

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, VA
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Head to the Alexandria waterfront at 5:30pm for a dazzling light display as decorated boats light up the Potomac River. While the parade is the main attraction, families can also enjoy dockside festivities from 2-8pm in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden, food, activities, and more.  READ MORE

Bethesda Winter Wonderland

Bethesda, MD
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season with Santa at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery in downtown Bethesda. Enjoy live ice sculpting, live music, and more. READ MORE

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade

Alexandria, VA
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade is back for its 52nd year to benefit programs that help children and families. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town Alexandria, joined by pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and more. READ MORE

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Manassas, VA
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade includes marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, dancers, and more. This year's theme is "Christmas in Candyland." READ MORE

Christmas and Holiday Parade in Leesburg

Leesburg, VA
Saturday, December 14, 2024
The city of Leesburg's annual Christmas & Holiday Parade features floats, live music, and the arrival of Santa. The parade begins at Ida Lee Park and ends at Fairfax Street. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Great Falls Village Centre
1500 block of 19th Street, NW
F Street sidewalk in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery
Ida Lee Park Recreation Center
Willard InterContinental Washington, DC
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Historic Downtown Manassas