The holiday season is by far the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes spending 24/7 with family can be 24 hours a day too many. While staying in DC might not be as fun as traveling, it gives you an excuse to be a tourist and explore the city in new ways. If you are looking for something to do with friends or family, here are a few of the best activities to do in DC during the holiday season.
- Last-minute gift shopping at DC Downtown Holiday Market: While it may not be the holiday markets of Europe, the DC Downtown Holiday Market is a perfect way to experience a festive and authentic market without the 8-hour plane ride. Instead, it’s conveniently located right by the Gallery Place Metro outside the Portrait Gallery. The market, which features over 70 vendors, runs every day from 12 pm to 8 pm until the 23rd. So grab some warm donuts, original German food and listen to some live music, while scouring the market for the perfect gift you forgot to buy for that one person.
- Skating at one of DC’s many ice rinks: What is a better winter holiday activity than ice skating? The rink at the Sculpture Garden, surrounded by sculptures, lights, and the National Mall is by far the most picturesque scene in DC. Tickets are $12 for 45 minutes of skating (plus $4 to rent skates if you can manage to find your DC One Card!) If the Mall is too far, the Wharf Ice Rink is a perfect alternative with its beautiful views of the Potomac but, it’s a bit smaller. Another classic is the Georgetown Ice Rink, perfectly located for pre or post-skating shopping. Finally, the Canal Park Ice Rink has a cool figure eight-shaped skating path that is definitely worth checking out.
- Explore the Annual Holiday Exhibit at the Botanic Garden: Every year, the Botanic Garden puts on a beautiful display throughout the entire area with model trains, special plants, festive lights, and DC landmarks created from plants. It is completely free, but does end up getting filled with tourists. The gardens are huge with over 28,000 square feet of growing space for plants, making it the perfect place to get “lost” and hide from your family for a few hours.
- Tour the Library of Congress and National Tree: Did you know you can actually go inside the Library of Congress? As it turns out, it’s open to visitors and is absolutely gorgeous, especially during the holiday season! Tickets do run out fairly quickly, so make sure to register in advance. While you’re downtown, check out all the different Christmas trees, the National Menorah, and the lights displays, like the ones at the White House and outside Congress. There isn’t much to do except look at them, but they’re really pretty!
Although we are all grateful that school’s finally out, sometimes winter break can be boring or even worse, stressful. If your family is in town for the holidays, I feel for you, and these activities will protect your relaxing break by getting you through a long week with family or give you an excuse to hang out with friends. Happy Holidays and enjoy winter break!
