20+ Dazzling Holiday Light Displays & Events in Washington, DC Get in the holiday spirit with these can't-miss holiday markets, Christmas light displays and seasonal events in the nation’s capital. Sure, the District might be part of the Mid-Atlantic region, but it feels more like the North Pole during the holidays thanks to the National Christmas Tree, countless holiday markets, one-of-a-kind seasonal light displays and lots more. Here are some of the best, can't-miss ways to experience the holidays in Washington, DC.

1 Cross visiting the National Christmas Tree off your bucket list The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. The display is free to visit and open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. while the National Christmas Tree is lit each day from 4:30-10 p.m. This year's lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 5.

2 ZooLights takes over the National Zoo all month long Smithsonian National Zoo Indulge your wild side with an after-hours visit to the National Zoo during ZooLights, which illuminates the zoo with more than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LEDs, animated light installations, live music and more. Bid good cheer to various animals on display. ZooLights runs Nov. 29 – Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24, 25 & 31). If heady craft brews would make your incandescent wonderland complete, mark your calendar for BrewLights on Dec. 12.

3 Experience the magic of Enchant at Nationals Park Enchant Christmas is a beloved light maze, billed as the biggest in the world, that will make its home in DC for the first time at the gorgeous Nationals Park from Nov. 22 – Dec. 29. Throughout the holiday season there will also be ice skating trails and a large holiday market offering products from more than 60 vendors, including local businesses and international brands. Expect plenty of Instagram-friendly settings and holiday spirit at this one-of-a-kind festival.

4 Get to the Downtown Holiday Market frequently Thanks to a rotating cast of crafters and vendors, hot coffee and sweets and holiday performances, this magical marketplace is worth multiple trips. Located at 8th and F Streets NW, the market holds down the area in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. At night, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. But don’t worry, you can shop during the day too: The holiday market is open daily 12-8 p.m. from Nov. 22 – Dec. 23.

5 Don't miss Georgetown GLOW, a jaw-dropping exhibition of light-art This stroll through DC’s most historic neighborhood will certainly make you light up as you pass by unique, illuminated artworks. Georgetown GLOW has proven to be such a hit that it’s now a month-long celebration (Dec. 6 – Jan. 5 from 5-10 p.m.). A group of artists, from locally renowned to internationally celebrated, will display works in outdoor spaces throughout the neighborhood. Afterwards, wander through a winter wonderland at The Washington Harbour, one of our favorite places to ice skate in the District.

6 Experience the conifers on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree This year’s tree, which will come from the Carson National Forest in New Mexico, will go aglow in DC in late November. You can visit the tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Follow the tree’s Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates, including a tracker of its tour across the U.S.

7 Enjoy a candlelit tour at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Your George Washington-inspired Christmas awaits at the Founding Father’s Mount Vernon estate, Nov. 29 – Dec. 31. Walk through Washington’s iconic mansion and visit Aladdin the camel, a nod to Washington’s 1787 Christmas in which he paid 18 shillings to entertain guests with a camel. For a truly unique experience, see Mount Vernon by candlelight (Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 22) between 5-8 p.m., when you can enjoy a character-guided tour, 18th century dancing and fireside caroling.

8 CityCenterDC is your one-stop shop for everything holidays Walk under Palmer Alley’s signature stringed lights, stop by Centrolina and carbo-load on pastas made in-house, gorge on a holiday feast and shop to your heart’s content, all at this luxury shopping and restaurant destination. Fashion-themed ice sculptures, live music and warm drinks can be found throughout CityCenterDC during the holiday season. Make sure to mark your calendar for the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30, which will also feature the unveiling of CityCenter's signature 25-foot reindeer.

9 Colossal Christmas wreaths and trees make Union Station extra cozy Union Station is like its own self-contained holiday oasis. The shops are no secret, and you’ll find plenty of gift ideas there – even for edibles (read: Shake Shack gift card). And don’t disappear without glimpsing the holiday model train display and the Norwegian Christmas tree.

10 Stroll through 'Season's Greenings' The U.S. Botanic Garden gets decked out for the holidays thanks to this annual exhibit. This year’s display focuses on gardens from Hawaii to Maine, including iconic spots like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Franklin Park Conservatory and Huntsville Botanical Garden. Inside the Conservatory you'll also find the garden's collection of DC's iconic landmarks and a showcase of poinsettias. Season's Greenings is open from Nov. 28 – Jan. 5 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), and will stay open until 8 p.m. with holiday concerts on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December.

11 Witness the District's Holiday Boat Parade Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the The Wharf. You can observe free of charge, and there are even holiday festivities on both sides of the river to enjoy beforehand for this year's parade on Dec. 7. Prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels, which begin their journey at 6 p.m., and fireworks will cap off the parade at 8 p.m.

12 Sip on afternoon tea at the Willard The Willard InterContinental Washington offers a holiday tradition throughout December. You can enjoy afternoon tea from 1-4 p.m. in the elegant Peacock Alley every day of the month (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31). There will be seasonal decor, sandwiches, pastries and the beautiful sounds of a harp to accompany you as you sip on festive teas from one of DC’s most historic hotels.

13 Savor the indoor tree at the Library of Congress Decking the Great Hall of the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building each December, the tree can be visited from the First Street SE entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (the Jefferson Building is closed Sundays and on Christmas). We suggest you also read up on our guide to visiting the largest library in the world so you can properly explore!

14 Be dazzled by the lighting of the National Menorah Attend the lighting ceremony of the National Menorah on Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. on the White House Ellipse and enjoy live tunes, latkes and hot donuts. The event is free but tickets are required. You can also visit the menorah for the duration of Chanukah.

15 Visit a German Christmas market in Dupont CIrcle Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden will host the Christkindlmarkt from Dec. 6-8. Tickets grant you access to the arts and crafts-laden market featuring goods from more than 40 vendors and the historic mansion, which will be decorated to the nines.

16 Catch Christmas spirit at National Harbor An action-packed holiday schedule is the norm at National Harbor, a shopping, dining and amusement park-like landmark located just 20 minutes south of DC. Step inside the Gaylord National Resort for ICE! (Nov. 15 – Dec. 30), an indoor winter wonderland featuring two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, ice slides, a live carving area and a retelling of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Since you’re at National Harbor, you’ll also want to view the tree from atop the Capital Wheel, shop for gifts at the Tanger Outlets and experience unique weekend events like holiday markets, performances and movie screenings.

17 Have a thrilling Holiday in the Park Beautiful lights, seasonal food and holiday-themed attractions and characters make up this annual Christmas event at Six Flags America. Running during weekends and select days from Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, make the drive to enjoy the thrills of Six Flags accompanied by plenty of holiday cheer.

18 Come see the spectacular decorations at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception No visit to the Brookland neighborhood during the holidays is complete without a stop at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The largest Roman Catholic church in North America dresses up with more than 50 Christmas trees, over 65,000 lights, halls decked with 500-plus poinsettias and two manger scenes. The Basilica is free and open to the public daily from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

19 Get to know Grandfather Frost at the Russian Winter Festival Celebrate like it’s the 19th century during the Russian Winter Festival at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, which brings holiday cheer and Russian traditions to Upper Northwest, Dec. 14-15 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet Grandfather Frost (the Russian Santa Claus) and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden. You can also make and wear your own traditional headwear and enjoy live performances as you explore the grounds of this historic estate. Admission ranges from free for children under six to $18 for adults; become a member and admission is only $12.

20 Make Tudor Place your home for the holidays This historic house and museum celebrates the season with a variety of holiday teas, candlelight tours and wreath workshops. You can also enjoy a holiday pajama party on Nov. 30 and holiday tea accompanied by a mansion tour on Dec. 7.