Georgetown Glow – Free Light Art Experience
Date: Friday, December 1 – Sunday, January 7, 2023. Nightly 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Throughout Georgetown Commercial Districts
Cost: FREE!
Set against the historic backdrop of DC’s oldest neighborhood, Georgetown GLOW is the region’s only free curated outdoor public light art experience. The popular holiday celebration will feature national and international artists and their commissioned works, on display at outdoor locations throughout Georgetown. In addition to the light art installations, GLOW programming will include more than 30 walking tours, a special shopping night, and much more!
District's Holiday Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023, 6:00-9:00 pm.
Location: District Wharf. 760 Maine Ave. SW.
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features over sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. This year’s parade will be supporting the Washington Area Fuel Fund. Get into the spirit with ornament decorating by the Recreation Pier. Roast s'mores at the Camp Wharf at the Firepit and visit the lighted 45ft Christmas tree. Skate at the Wharf Ice Rink on the Transit Pier, bring your camera for pictures with Santa, and more!
Winter Festival
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Rain date Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Location: National Arboretum. 2400 R Street NE.
Cost: FREE! Registration is encouraged but not required.
Shop from local vendors and enjoy free holiday-themed activities at the Winter Festival Holiday Market. There will be vendors who specialize in jewelry, home goods, gardening accessories, food, drink, and more including a Christmas tree sale. While at the event, explore the Gotelli Conifer Collection, Camellia Collection, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum which offer spectacular things to see during the winter months.
Downtown Holiday Market
Date: Thru December 23, 2023, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Daily (Closed Thanksgiving Day and 12/4)
Location: F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW.
Cost: FREE!
Kick off the holiday season at DC’s beloved outdoor shopping village. The market supports small businesses across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure, and enhanced shopping experience. This year’s retail lineup will feature more than 70 exhibitors including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, local food vendors, and live entertainment.
Yoga Under the Stars (GW)
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023. 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Location: City View Room. 1957 E Street NW, Top Floor
Cost: FREE! RSVP to the Event.
Join GW Campus Recreation and the Health Promotion & Education office for a yoga class in the City View Room! Often considered GW's best view of DC, the City View Room is an incredible place to prioritize yourself and your body during finals. All attendees will be entered to win a raffle prize. This class will be accessible to all levels.
In the Spirit of Kwanzaa: Every Girl Has a Story
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023. 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Sunday, December 17, 2023. 4:00 pm.
Location: Dance Place. 3225 8th Street NE.
Tickets: Students $20 (General Admission $30, Seniors $25)
Celebrate Kwanzaa and the Black experience through the eyes of the young women of Coyaba Dance Theater. Along with Coyaba’s signature live drumming and dance, various stories will be told that honor and highlight the Seven Principles of the Nquzo Saba: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. In the Spirit of Kwanzaa is a holiday festival of heritage and Black culture filled with love, excitement, and tradition.
2023 Annual Hanukkah Party
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023. 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
Location: National Museum of American Jewish Military History. 1811 R Street, NW.
Tickets: FREE! Tickets Required.
Join the Annual Hanukkah Party for latkes, jelly doughnuts, gelt and song! Explore the museum while you eat, play games and sing. Learn about the ways Jews in the American military have continued the tradition of the Maccabees. Tour the museum at 6:00 before the party begins at 6:30. Bring your own Hanukkah menorah for a group lighting. They will also be collecting winter clothing to benefit homeless veterans. This event is co-sponsored by Jewish Study Center
The Peace and Carol Ringers
Date: Saturday, December 30, 2023. 6:00 pm.
Location: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Cost: FREE! Seating is first come, first served. Limited number of advanced registrations available on a rolling basis.
Under the direction of Tamara Freeman, the Peace and Carol Ringers will perform Songs of the Season. The program will include a variety of sacred and secular music performed on seven octaves of handbells, chimes, and an assortment of other percussion instruments.
