DC is the perfect place to spend winter and experience how whimsical the city is this season. Among the historical buildings and beautiful holiday lights, there are countless things to do that are guaranteed to give you joy. Whether you prefer a historical experience or supporting local artists and businesses, you’re sure to find something that will make your winter in the city this year a magical one.
Experience the Magic of Winter in Washington, DC
Ice Skating
Ice skating season is here! Make sure to check out the ice rinks opening up near you. Some notable locations to skate in DC include the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden and the Wharf. If you’re in DC this winter, ice skating at these beautiful locations is the perfect weekend activity. Take a spin on the ice surrounded by the grand architecture of national museums and monuments and enjoy splendid views of large-scale sculptures from artists in the National Sculpture Garden Gallery. Or glide around with the natural scenery of the water as your backdrop at the Wharf. It’s the perfect time and place for a skate!
National Christmas Tree
The National Park Service and National Park Foundation are celebrating over 100 Years of lighting the National Christmas Tree this year! Everyone is invited to visit the National Christmas Tree and enjoy this annual holiday tradition at the nation’s capital. This is the perfect place to get holiday photos with your family and friends and enjoy winter in DC. Read more about the Christmas tree lighting and about the location and what to expect here.
US Botanic Garden Holiday Displays
Escape the chaos of the city and find comfort in the U.S. Botanic Gardens. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms provide a serene backdrop for a leisurely winter stroll out of the cold weather. During this festive season, the Botanic Gardens transform into a winter wonderland with the “Season’s Greetings: America’s Gardens” holiday show. Marvel at all of the unique plant collections and themed gardens while enjoying the enchanting holiday decorations that add an extra layer of magic to the botanical oasis. Learn more about the US Botanic Gardens here.
Georgetown GLOW
Until January 7th, attend the free outdoor light art experience in Georgetown this year. This is the 9th edition of the GLOW show, and the experience features five installations including Rotifers, Follow the Light, Talking Heads, Darth Fisher, and Neighborhood. Learn more about the featured artwork and their locations here. In addition to the light art exhibits, GLOW programming includes various other events as well. Read more about the free light art experience set in the historic town of Georgetown here.
DC Holiday Lights
Throughout DC, various neighborhoods are decorating their main streets with festive lights until January 7th, 2024. Businesses in these neighborhoods also have special holiday promotions and deals this season to incentivize supporting local businesses. Check out the holiday lights in Mount Pleasant, U Street, Columbia Heights, Logan Circle, Woodley Park, Chevy Chase, and more! For more information about DC Holiday Lights, check out the website here.
DC's Monuments
One of the most beautiful times to visit the monuments is during the winter, especially when there is snow on the ground and holiday lights shining throughout the city. Bundle up and join us on one of our guided monument tours throughout the nation’s capital. The National Mall features various must-see monuments and memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. A great spot is the US Capitol where visitors can see beautiful holiday lights at night and the pathway lined with trees that beautifully contrasts with the white of the monuments, the Capitol’s architecture, and the winter snow. If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to explore the city’s iconic and historical sites, check out one of our narrated golf cart tours.
These tours are a fun and stress-free way to visit all of the popular sites in DC without needing to create a plan or research on your own. Capitol Express Tours is a local business that will take you to see the iconic monuments and memorials within the city on our narrated tour down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol and through the heart of the National Mall where you can see various monumental landmarks, memorials, and other sites that show the interesting details of the nation’s capital among the beautiful winter scenery. Book your tour now!
