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Kids of all ages will find lots to explore at Mount Vernon. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
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Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
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Kids of all ages will find lots to explore at Mount Vernon. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
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See Rudolph and friends at Ice! at Gaylord National Resort. Photo by Truff /Shuff via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
See Rudolph and friends at Ice! at Gaylord National Resort. Photo by Truff /Shuff via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
12/15/23 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

Christmas Day 2023 is almost here! Whether your family celebrates Christmas and you need an activity to burn off your kids' energy, or it's just another Sunday and you're wondering what's open on Christmas Day near DC, fear not—there are plenty of things to do on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Here is our ultimate list of what's open on Christmas Day in and near DC. Most outdoor ice skating rinks and local movie theaters are open as well. And if you're looking to take a break from cooking as a Christmas present to yourself, check out our list of restaurants that are open on Christmas Day.

Whatever you decide to do, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas Day with your family!

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Nationals Park has transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo courtesy of Enchant DC
Nationals Park has transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo courtesy of Enchant DC

Things To Do on Christmas Day in DC

Georgetown GLOW

Georgetown
Free
The ninth edition of GLOW returns to winter this year. Set against the backdrop of Georgetown, GLOW is the area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience.  READ MORE

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

The Ellipse
Free
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is lit every evening and open to the public from December 2, 2023 through January 1, 2024. Surrounding it are more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE

Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games

Nationals Park
Enchant Christmas includes a giant light maze, a magical ice skating trail, a kids' play place, live music, and a Christmas market and eatery. Kids can also have professional photos taken with Santa and enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Rhode Island Center
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a digital art exhibition that invites visitors to step into the universe of the Dutch genius and explore his life, work, and secrets as never before through cutting-edge, 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and a uniquely atmospheric light and sound show. The tour is traveling through cities around the world.  READ MORE

Light Yards

Yards Park
Free
Enjoy a free festive lighting installation in Yards Park. Light Yards 2023 features a community favorite, Swinging Bells. The five, 13-foot tall bells play a jingle as guests swing. READ MORE

Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience

Eckington
Dinos Alive is an immersive exhibition featuring over 80 life-sized animated dinosaurs. The experience offers a peek at the world as it was millions of years ago. Guests explore the dense jungles of the Jurassic era and see the dinos in their natural habitat with the help of the latest VR technology and a fully decorated venue. READ MORE
Be wowed by Cirque: Spirit of Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Be wowed by Cirque: Spirit of Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort

Things To Do on Christmas Day in Maryland

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro
Watkins Regional Park brings a little twinkle to the holidays with a drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays of more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park, culminating in a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. READ MORE

SPCA Lights on the Bay

Annapolis
Driving through this holiday light show at Sandy Point State Park is a tradition for many families. It boasts more than 60 spectacular animated and stationary displays along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Snag some 3D glasses for the full effects. READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. On November 26, December 5 (dogs welcome), and December 31 (fireworks), families can walk through the light display for an additional fee. READ MORE

Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt Featuring Rudolph and the Misfit Toys

Gaylord National Harbor
The Misfit Toys are lost, and they need you to find them. With Rudolph's help, follow the clues to find the Misfit Toys and send them on their way to their new homes. READ MORE

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas

Gaylord National Harbor
This Broadway-style Christmas show featuring dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts centers around Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, she is visited by spirits who bring back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters. READ MORE

Ice! featuring Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Gaylord National Harbor
Ice! is back at the Gaylord National. Visitors can experience the beloved holiday classic Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer through larger-than-life sculptures carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. Don't miss the chance to race down ice slides and travel through awe-inspiring tunnels. READ MORE

Mrs. Claus' Christmas Traditions

Gaylord National Harbor
Join Mrs. Claus for a retelling of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, sing along to favorite holiday songs, and enjoy a chocolate chip cookie and milk.  READ MORE

The Greatest Story Stage Show

Gaylord National Harbor
Free
Experience the birth of Jesus through the eyes of six international storytellers in a musical stage show and multicultural celebration of everlasting faith, hope, and love.  READ MORE

#Lit Light Show

Gaylord National Harbor
Free
Gaylord National's #Lit Light Show, presented by Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®️ Credit Card from Chase, brings the fun of decorating the tree to life through thousands of dancing lights, culminating in a memorable tree-lighting experience.  READ MORE

Wildlife Rescue - An Augmented Reality Experience

Gaylord National Harbor
Free
Search for tracking markers to find 12 hidden animals throughout Gaylord National Resort, learn facts about them, and see them come to life before your very eyes with the magic of augmented reality (AR). A smartphone and free app download are necessary to enjoy this AR experience. READ MORE

Snow Flow Mountain

Gaylord National Harbor
Hop on a tube and slide down real frozen ice lanes on Snow Flow Mountain. Race family and friends to reach the finish. READ MORE

Gingerbread Decorating Corner at Gaylord National

Gaylord National Harbor
Purchase a gingerbread cookie, house, or family kit and let your creativity run wild, then have a sweet meet-and-greet with Nutmeg the gingerbread man. READ MORE

Snowball Build and Blast

Gaylord National Harbor
Build and toss real snowballs to boost the power of the snowmaking machines and earn points in this experience at Snow Factory, the mechanized, snowy play space. READ MORE

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick
Free
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

Washington, DC Temple Festival of Lights

Kensington
Free
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 dusk through 9pm.  READ MORE
See more than 1,000 Chinese lanterns at the DC Winter Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of the event
See more than 1,000 Chinese lanterns at the DC Winter Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of the event

Things To Do on Christmas Day in Northern Virginia

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Centreville
Families can enjoy 2.5 miles of holiday light displays from the comfort of their own cars, then get out to visit the Holiday Village and carnival complete with rides, a visit with Santa, bonfires, and more. READ MORE

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) while walking, and enjoy s’mores to finish out the evening. READ MORE

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Alexandria
Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique holiday lights, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. The Village opens on November 17, 2023 and ice skating begins on December 1. READ MORE

DC Winter Lantern Festival

Tysons
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II transforms into a dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns portraying Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs; a world of ice including mammoths, polar bears, and penguins; and bounce houses and a  performance stage. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II