Holiday Happenings: Pop-Ups, Lights, Santa Sightings & More
Ready for all the twinkle lights and cocoa cravings? Holiday season is officially on. There’s dazzling light festivals and Santa sightings, all the pop-up bars, merry markets, winter wonderlands, and ice skating too! The DMV is packed with ways to feel festive (and work up an appetite). Dive into our round-up below, sort by what you’re in the mood for —> Light Shows, Santa Stops, Holiday Markets & Pop-Ups, Winter Wonderlands & Skating, or Tree Lightings <— and check back often; we’ll keep adding the sparkle as new info rolls in.
Looking for holiday afternoon teas? We've got you, here.
Let There be Lights
Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular: The 2nd Annual Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular features over a million spectacular lights, larger-than-life holiday scenes, including Mistletoe Marina, Jinglebell Junction Farm, the Symphony of Illumination, a Winter Wonderland Carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and other rides plus many more attractions. New this year, guests can enjoy new scenes on the ½ mile walking trail along with the Cosmic Heat Zone and Buddy’s Holiday Bar in VIP. Pathways will be safe and accessible, making them suitable for scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs. The charming Holiday Village will be bustling with boutiques, shops, and rotating food trucks, offering seasonal treats and unique gifts. Little ones will have plenty to enjoy with activities and other fun attractions, such as the Carnival rides and seesaws. And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa, who will be making nightly appearances through December 23rd. Enjoy special performances every night from ballerinas, entertainers, and Elves (from the North Pole, natch). For more excitement to the experience, add-ons are available for purchase, including an interactive snowflake wand element and the Winter Carnival area. The magical snowflake wand can be used throughout event – look for the illuminated snowflakes and with a wave of your wand, your Interactive Snowflake Wand will create amazing magical experiences. The Winter Carnival will host fun rides, like a Ferris Wheel, the Magical Carousel, the Santa Train and a slide. December 5 through 30, 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., with variations on select dates. Please refer to mdholidaylights.com for specific times and holiday closures. General admission, $10-25; VIP admission, $39, includes a souvenir hot chocolate mug with bottomless hot chocolate, access to VIP Lodge & Bar, VIP washrooms, and VIP entrance. For more information, visit mdholidaylights.com
Light Yards: The Yards is getting into the holiday spirit with the return of Light Yards for another season of daily holiday magic. Fan-favorite Swinging Bells will return, and to kick off the installation, The Yards is hosting the third annual Light Yards Express. The interactive light installation is free to the public every night throughout the holiday season. Swinging Bells offers a perfect holiday stop with friends and family with 13-foot-tall illuminated bells that jingle as you swing! The Bells will be open every day from 5:00-10:00 p.m., free for all. Light Yards Express promises a festive family-friendly event. Guests can enjoy holiday giveaways, like jingle bells, reindeer ears, and light-up necklaces, a DJ playing seasonal favorites and can even hop on a magical train ride through the captivating light show. Keep an eye out for a special appearance from Santa, who’ll be stopping by to add an extra dose of cheer. Light Yards Express will be Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light Yards installation runs from nightly through January 6, 2026, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. 355 Water Street SE; For more information and to register for Light Yards Express, please visit theyardsdc.com.
Enchant Light Experience: Returning this season, the Enchant Light Experience on PenFed Plaza will illuminate the holidays with 14 interactive light sculptures through February 2026, transforming the space into a magical, immersive environment. One of the nation’s top-performing shopping centers, the 2 million square-foot Tysons Corner Center is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and a 16-screen AMC Theatres. The shopping center offers more than 300 specialty stores, including popular digitally native brands, plus restaurants, and attracts more than 25 million visitors annually. To learn more, visit tysonscornercenter.com.
48th Annual Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center Festival of Lights: Celebrate the season at the beloved Festival of Lights, returning through January 1, 2026, at the Washington, DC Temple Visitors’ Center in Kensington, MD. Each night from 4:30 to 8:45 p.m., guests can stroll through more than 500,000 Christmas lights, explore an international crèche display, and enjoy beautifully decorated Christmas trees inside the Visitors’ Center, which is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. From December 4–24, the auditorium will also host festive holiday performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. Timed parking passes are required for every car, and visitors are encouraged to reserve theirs in advance. Info here.
Winter City Lights: Winter City Lights transforms 10 acres near Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia into a dazzling holiday wonderland with over 1 million twinkling lights and guaranteed snowfall every night. Guests can explore towering displays, wander through the Ice Palace and Candy Cane Lane, and experience one of the country’s most advanced light shows featuring a 52-foot programmable tree and a 200-foot dancing light canopy synced to classic holiday songs. The festival also offers an 8-lane Penguin Plunge snow-tubing ride, festive adult beverages, and plenty of seasonal treats, including s’mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, BBQ, pizza, and warm pretzels, making it a magical holiday outing for all ages. Info here.
Bull Run Festival of Lights & Holiday Village: The Bull Run Festival of Lights runs through January 4, offering a 2.5-mile drive-through of glowing holiday displays followed by the Holiday Village with a Christmas Carnival, ice skating, festive treats, and cozy firepits for s’mores. Tickets start at $30 per vehicle online ($40 at the door), with extended weekend hours and select weeknight discounts, making this Northern Virginia tradition a bright, family-friendly way to celebrate the season. Info here.
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights: Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights returns through January 4, offering a magical half-mile stroll through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens illuminated with nature-themed and animated displays along a fully accessible paved trail. Guests can enjoy hot drinks, s’mores by the fire pit, and even bring their pups on select pet-friendly nights. Tickets are $18 online ($22 at the door), with free admission for children under two, making this sparkling walk an ideal holiday outing for families, friends, and date nights alike. Info here.
DMV Winter Lantern Festival (Tysons): The DMV Winter Lantern Festival returns to Tysons through January 20, transforming the evenings into a glowing celebration of Chinese culture with larger-than-life lantern displays, award-winning acrobatic performances, and festive food and drink from local vendors. Running nightly from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., this outdoor experience offers a magical seasonal escape perfect for families, date nights, and anyone looking to brighten up the winter season. Tickets are available now. Info here.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon celebrates the season December 20–21 with its beloved Christmas Illuminations, a festive evening event featuring mansion tours, illuminated historic spaces, 18th-century holiday activities, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Potomac at 8:00 p.m. Running from 5:30–8:30 p.m., the experience includes holiday greetings from General Washington, artisan vendors, seasonal food and drinks, music, games, and even a visit with Aladdin the Camel. Tickets are $58 for adults, $36 for children, with members receiving a 20% discount and kids 5 and under admitted free. Info here.
Winter Wonderlands
Nightly Caroling at The Willard: A D.C. hallmark for over 20 years, Willard InterContinental’s annual Nightly Caroling Program returns, running through December 23. This complimentary holiday tradition invites a diverse lineup of talented local choral and vocal ensembles to fill the hotel’s grand lobby with the sounds of the season from 6–6:45 PM and 7:15–8 PM daily. Each evening offers something new, making it one of the most comprehensive caroling programs of its kind in D.C. Guests and Washingtonians alike can sip champagne and festive seasonal cocktails from the lobby’s pop-up Veuve Clicquot bar while enjoying melodies sure to lift the holiday spirit. To further enhance the festive cheer, Willard InterContinental will unveil a Gingerbread Display in partnership with neighboring restaurant, The Occidental. Spanning more than six feet wide and reaching 30 inches tall, the edible masterpiece features chocolate-cast marble columns finished with edible gold, over 100 glowing gelatin-sheet windows, fondant rooflines, and intricate royal icing details. More details here.
The Watergate Hotel Winter Igloos: The Watergate’s iconic heated igloos are back for the season on The Next Whisky Bar patio, offering a cozy, private winter escape for up to six guests. Each igloo features a personal heater, Bluetooth speaker, plush décor, and a festive menu of cocktails and chef-driven bites. Reservations are required, with 90-minute to 2-hour seatings daily and extended hours Thu–Sat. A $50 rental fee applies, plus food and beverage minimums starting at $350 and varying by day, with NYE minimums of $750–$1,000 (including party admission). Info here.
LEGO® Discovery Center Holiday Bricktacular: Through December 24, families are invited to step into a wintery world of creativity during the center’s seasonal celebration. Build festive creations—including ornaments, snowflakes, and gingerbread houses—add your masterpiece to the mini holiday village in MINILAND’s Winter Wonderland, and meet a LEGO holiday character on select dates. Guests can also take part in the global #BuildToGive initiative by building a LEGO heart that helps deliver LEGO sets to children in need. Additional highlights include giant holiday LEGO builds, quick build tutorials, and a behind-the-brick peek at how the magic comes together. Info here.
MGM National Harbor Holiday Conservatory Display: Now through January 24, 2026, MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave, National Harbor, MD 20745) invites guests to experience its enchanting winter Conservatory filled with larger-than-life holiday décor, including a 20-foot toy snowman, towering Christmas trees, a 25-foot toy train, and whimsical seasonal installations that capture the magic of the season. The festive celebration is enhanced by the Veuve Clicquot In the Snow pop-up bar, open Fridays and Saturdays from December 5–26, 5–10 PM in The District, offering champagne and charcuterie in a cozy après-ski setting, along with live entertainment highlights like Cirque Dreams Holidaze on December 19–20 for a full family-friendly holiday experience. Info here.
The Roost Gingerbread Village & Holiday Extravaganza: Through December 27, The Roost (1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003) transforms into a festive holiday destination with a 100-square-foot gingerbread village created by Guinness World Record–holding artist Jon Lovitch, free to view daily from 8 AM–10 PM. Guests can join hands-on gingerbread house–making classes with Chef Jon and enjoy a full lineup of seasonal programming throughout the month, including Santa visits, wreath workshops, a makers market, Nordic cocktails, hot cocoa bars, tastings, s’mores by the fire, and more, with special highlights like the Holiday Donation Drive on December 13 and a Gingerbread Giveaway on January 11. Info here.
Après Springs at Balian Springs: Running through January, Balian Springs — the 100,000-square-foot luxury spa destination just outside Washington, DC — debuts Après Springs, a ski lodge–inspired, spa-wide winter pop-up featuring holiday cocktails like winter sangria and spiked hot cocoa, charcuterie boards and s’mores packages, cozy poolside igloos, festive activations, and photo-worthy seasonal décor, creating the ultimate cold-weather retreat to relax, recharge, and indulge in wellness all winter long. Info here.
Snowglow at The Dome: Inspired by The Dome’s spherical space, the visuals will evoke a swirling snowglobe, “shaking up” snow and cascading down in magical patterns between scenes. Projected above and 360 degrees around the walls of The Dome, the awe-inspiring visual experience by artist Laura Alice will transport the viewer to a world of winter scenes. Holiday food and beverage menus take inspiration from fancy neighborhood holiday parties of decades past. Think: festive shindigs from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, a little bougie, a lot fun, and full of holiday spirit. Chefs Nathan Beauchamp and Sam George will serve an a la carte menu of festive, shareable, throwback eats such as fondue, ham boards, brie en croute, wagyu party meatballs, rum balls and more. Expect punchbowls of spiced eggnog and tropical Swedish punsch, walnut Manhattans and Snowgronis, and hot drinks such as torched marshmallow-topped cherry hot chocolates and soothing applejack toddies (also available N/A). The 60-seat heated dome will feature reservable dining areas where ticketed guests can eat, drink and take in the overhead projected experience. For those who aren’t able to secure tickets to the Dome, there will also be a heated and tented Snowglow bar open to non-ticket holders with additional seating for up to 75, a dedicated bar, and the same Snowglow food and drink menu as inside The Dome. Open through January 4, 2026. 1309 5th Street NE; hilawndc.com/thedomedc
Folger Frost Fair: The Folger Shakespeare Library welcomes visitors to step into a world of winter wonder during the holidays as the Folger Frost Fair returns for a second winter season. The Folger will be decked in seasonal splendor and offer an array of holiday programming and activities that bring Shakespeare, the arts, and poetry to life, including the annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute, Folger Consort’s Resplendent Joy series of holiday concerts, printing press demonstrations, building tours, craft stations, and special events, including a holiday sing-along, from November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026. Inspired by the historic Frost Fairs that took place when the river Thames in London froze solid during sporadic winters between the 1600s and the 1800s, the Folger Frost Fair brings a sense of Shakespearean merriment and discovery to Washington, DC.
Winter Wonderfest at Nat’s Park: Nats Park is already gearing up for winter and just announced the first-ever Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park, transforming the ballpark into a magical, multi-sensory winter playground on select days through December 24. Celebrate the season, racing down a snow tubing hill, roasting marshmallows with friends, and sipping seasonal cocktails in a hidden speakeasy—all on a Major League Baseball field. Expect sports-inspired thrills, art and play for all ages, Apres-ski vibes for 21+ (including a hidden speakeasy inside the Nationals’ batting cage), and festive eats and treats. More than a festival, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park highlights how the venue has become a true year-round community destination. For more information, visit mlb.com/nationals/tickets/winterfest
Jingle Bell Bars & Pop-Ups
Après Ski at a.kitchen+bar: Now through January 4, a.kitchen+bar transforms its outdoor space into a cozy winter hideaway every Friday and Saturday night, plus Saturday and Sunday brunch. Guests can warm up by the fire under faux fur throws while sipping winter cocktails served in thermoses and enjoying cold-weather comfort dishes from Chef Eli Collins, including raclette over crispy potatoes, Liège waffles, and hot chocolate. With great music and alpine vibes, it’s an inviting spot to embrace the season in style. Located at 1010 New Hampshire Avenue NW. Info here.
Lulu’s Wine(ter)garden at Lulu’s Winegarden: Now through January 11, the U Street winegarden returns with its third annual Southwest-inspired holiday pop-up, transforming the space into a desert winter wonderland complete with luminarias, cactus Christmas trees, tinsel, and glowing chimineas. Guests can sip festive seasonal cocktails (plus a zero-proof option), enjoy cozy comfort foods like soups, grilled cheese, and holiday enchiladas, and soak up the warm, wintry vibes under the heated patio and twinkling lights. Located at 1940 11th Street NW. Info here.
Chai-vy & Cohen-y: 5786 Reasons to Drink: Through the month of December, Ivy and Coney (1537 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001) brings back its beloved over-the-top Hanukkah celebration with flowing Manischewitz, house-made latkes, playful sufgani-shots, and the return of the legendary “Shotnorah,” serving group shots in true festive fashion. Guests are invited to nightly Hanukiyah lightings at approximately 7 PM from December 14–21, with proceeds from kosher wine benefiting Bread for the City—making this month-long party equal parts spirited, nostalgic, and charitable. Info here.
Holiday at Barca Pier & Wine Bar: Through January 17, nightly from 5:30–8:00 PM, Barca Pier & Wine Bar (2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314) transforms into a festive waterfront escape filled with seasonal décor, cozy ambiance, and cheerful holiday tunes, offering guests the perfect spot to sip, unwind, and celebrate the season dockside along the Potomac. Info here.
Après Ski at Casamara Rooftop: Casamara Rooftop, the glamorous rooftop atop the SIXTY DC hotel, is channeling Alpine ski-lodge vibes this winter. A new, limited series featuring seasonal warm drinks, an exclusive menu of elevated hygge favorites from fondue to mini croque monsieur, and curated DJs every Thursday-Saturday, Après Ski begins this season. Glowy lighting and fuzzy, warm textures have been added to set a slope-side scene for lively gatherings and groups to share gooey emmental-gruyere Fondue or dishes such as Sausage en Croute and Beef Tartare on toasted brioche. Cozy up over Casamara’s ginger-infused, signature Toddy, Mulled Wine, or Chamonix Old Fashioned with spiced banana rum, and vibe with DJs every Thursday through Saturday. In keeping with the theme, the menu features several seasonal, only-on-the-slopes favorites including a special selection of soul-warming schnapps, chilled Toffee Vodka and selection of beers including Stiegl and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, and a decadent Valrhona Hot Chocolate with Toasted Marshmallow, served with fresh chantilly whipped cream (and your favorite spirit, if you prefer it spiked). Après Ski at Casamara Rooftop culminates with a New Year’s Eve bash before the Rooftop closes for the season. 1320 18th St. NW. For reservations, visit casamaradc.com/rooftop
Holiday Coquito Bar: Serenata will transform into the Holiday Coquito Bar, a festive Puerto Rican and Latin American–inspired pop-up serving Coquitos and other seasonal cocktails. Guests can enjoy the warm, celebratory spirit of the holidays with creative drinks and lively ambiance before the space evolves into an all-new concept in early 2026. Led by Beverage Director and Managing Partner Andra “AJ” Johnson, the pop-up continues Serenata’s legacy of community and creativity, offering the perfect spot to toast the season in style. 1280 4th Street NE; available through January 20, 2026. For more information, click here.
Sippin’ Santa: Through December 31st, Sippin’ Santa at Hank’s Oyster Bar (Dupont Circle) will feature a holiday oasis with over the top kitschy, festive décor and a themed cocktail menu. At Sippin’ Santa, this year’s roster of cocktails features new creations like the Coco Ho Ho, Frost Bite, and Wreck The Halls. Beloved returning favorites include Jingle Bird, Sugar Plum Mai Tai, and the original Sippin' Santa. Sunday-Thursday: 4:00-10:00p.m., Friday-Saturday 4:00-11:00 p.m.; 1624 Q Street, NW; https://hanksoysterbar.com/dupont-circle/
Colada Shop Holiday Bar: Colada Shop’s Holiday Bar returns to its Clarendon location this season, transforming the space into a vibrant winter escape filled with twinkling lights, tropical flair, and the cozy warmth of Cuban hospitality. Enjoy a festive lineup of handcrafted holiday cocktails that blend nostalgic flavors with Colada Shop’s signature Caribbean twist — such as Candy Cane Colada, MoHoHojito, and Churro Manhattan, along with returning favorites like the Coquito Shooter and Rum Cider. Open daily during regular business hours, November 21 through January 1, 2026. 2920 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington, VA.
Miracle at Black Whiskey: The famed Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up Miracle is returning to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 holiday season, taking over Black Whiskey with its signature over-the-top décor, festive vibes, and beloved collectible glassware. Running through December, Miracle will once again transform the space into a holiday oasis complete with fan-favorite cocktails like the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned, plus new additions including Candy Cane Lane, Dancing Sugarplums, Blitzen Barrel, and Miracle Mouse. Guests can sip, celebrate, and shop the iconic mugs and glassware available for purchase throughout the season. Info here.
Chestnuts & Cheers: Step into the spirit of the season with a cozy, fireside tradition at Dovetail Bar & Restaurant. Every Wednesday evening from November through December, join in roasting chestnuts - a nostalgic and delicious nod to a classic holiday charm. As dinner service begins, Chef will be roasting chestnuts al fresco, creating a warm and festive atmosphere right at Dovetail. Whether before a hearty meal, sipping seasonal cocktails at the bar, or just stopping in for a quick bite, this midweek celebration is the perfect excuse to slow down and savor the moment. 1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW; More info here.
The Tinsel Tavern at TAP99: TAP99 in Navy Yard has launched The Tinsel Tavern, a festive holiday pop-up featuring nostalgic décor, wreath-covered ceilings, hanging ornaments, and a sleigh photo opportunity. Guests can sample seasonal beers and holiday cocktails from the bar’s 99 self-pour taps, including the Fa La La Latte-tini and Santa’s Night Cap. Thursdays feature Cheer Pong at 7 p.m. with Tröegs Brewing. Open through the holiday season, it’s a cheerful spot for festive nights out. Located on 1250 Half Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Info here.
The Lodge at CUT Above: Rosewood Washington, D.C. transforms its rooftop into The Lodge at CUT Above, a cozy ski-inspired holiday pop-up filled with alpine décor, festive cocktails, and seasonal bites. Guests can relax in the signature red ski-lift chair surrounded by twinkling lights and stunning views of Georgetown, the Washington Monument, and the Kennedy Center—an ideal holiday photo spot. Open November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026 at CUT Above (1050 31st St NW). Info here.
Caroled at The Commodore: Caroled returns to Dupont Circle’s “Five-Star Dive Bar” on December 2, taking over the entire space with a festive, A Christmas Carol–themed transformation. The main bar becomes Fezziwig’s, a cheerful Victorian tavern, while the upstairs features immersive rooms inspired by Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Expect nostalgic décor, atmospheric holiday scenes, and a full menu of Dickens-inspired cocktails. Find it at 1636 17th Street NW. Info here.
Home Alone Holiday Pop-Up at Francis Hall: Starting Friday, November 28, Francis Hall at Hotel Heron turns into a mischievously merry, Home Alone–inspired bar packed with ’90s nostalgia and cheeky themed cocktails like Filthy Animal!, Rockin’ Round Xmas, Kevin’s Wake Up Call, and The Wet Bandit. With over-the-top décor celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, it’s the perfect festive escape for grown-up kids who still love a little holiday chaos. Located at 699 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Info here.
Cheers from the Shelf at Morris American Bar: December 5–30, Morris American Bar becomes the nation’s first official The Elf on the Shelf® pop-up, transforming into a North Pole dreamland filled with Scout elves, glowing Northern Lights, and a playful “Shrinking Tunnel” photo moment. Enjoy “Naughty” and “Nice” holiday cocktails, festive snacks, and weekend family hours (noon–5:00 p.m.) with kid-friendly drinks before the bar switches to 21+ in the evenings. Info here.
Lace Up Your Skates
Ice & Lights: Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland at Cameron Run Regional Park. Ice & Lights offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience to explore new, stunning light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Open weekends starting November 15, and open daily December 1-30. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. Alexandria, VA; For more information, click here.
Color Burst Ice Rink: The Color Burst Ice Rink is back for the season from November 21 through January 31, inviting skaters of all ages to lace up and make winter memories. Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or returning for another year of festive fun, the rink offers the perfect cold-weather escape. Skip the line by purchasing tickets or a season pass online, and enjoy convenient hours all week long: Monday through Thursday from 4:00–9:00 PM, Friday from 4:00–10:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00–10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00–8:00 PM. Info here.
Winter Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum: Through February 8, the National Building Museum transforms its iconic Great Hall into a festive indoor skating destination, inviting guests of all ages to glide beneath soaring Corinthian columns on a one-of-a-kind synthetic ice rink. The experience features daytime skating for families, early hours for toddlers and members, and lively after-hours sessions with themed nights, festive snacks, and drinks. Located at 401 F Street NW, this winter wonderland keeps the holiday spirit alive well into the new year. Info here.
~More Rinks~
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Open through March 1, 2026
Washington Harbor Ice Rink: Open through March 1, 2026
The Wharf Ice Rink: Open November 26, 2025 through February 22, 2026
Metro Park at Capital One Center: Open through February 2026
