Germantown Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Step into a winter wonderland at Jeff's Christmas Light Show Spectacular, a dazzling free event featuring over 100,000 lights. Experience a captivating 15-minute projection-mapped show on the house, and explore an expansive walk-through display with movie-themed scenes and a Ferris wheel. Local groups often sell treats, adding to the festive...

Embark on a magical journey through Seneca Creek State Park at the Winter Lights Festival. This beloved annual event transforms the park into a dazzling wonderland with over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees along a 3.5-mile drive. Explore themed areas that spark joy and wonder, making it a...

Experience the magic of Winterfest 2025, a vibrant three-night holiday celebration in Reston. Wander through a dazzling trail of thousands of festive lights, enjoy live music, and gather around cozy fire pits for s'mores. Meet Santa for a free photo, explore the enchanting Grinch's Village, and discover unique gifts and...

Experience the enchantment of 'Light Up the Holidays' at Glen Echo Park, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland under twinkling lights. Discover fine art and unique gifts from resident artists, enjoy festive performances, and immerse yourself in holiday magic. This event offers a delightful array of activities for...

Step into a world of enchantment at the Winter Lantern Festival, a dazzling outdoor event that transforms the night with hundreds of illuminated Chinese lanterns. This magical journey blends ancient tradition with modern technology, featuring handcrafted displays inspired by folklore and nature. Be captivated by live acrobatic performances and savor...

Embark on a magical journey through the Symphony of Lights, a breathtaking drive-through holiday spectacle. This immersive experience transforms the night into a wonderland of animated and synchronized light displays, all set to the enchanting sounds of holiday music. It's the perfect way to soak in the festive spirit from...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished national tradition features the beautifully decorated National Christmas Tree, illuminated with thousands of lights. Visitors can also admire unique ornaments representing every U.S. state and territory, creating a festive and inspiring atmosphere.

Get ready for a magical holiday evening as Dave Koz and Friends present their 28th annual Christmas Tour. This acclaimed jazz ensemble will fill The Music Center with the spirit of the season, performing beloved Christmas classics, a special Chanukah medley, and hits from their individual careers. Joining Koz are...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with The Reston Chorale's 'The Wonder of the Season' concert. This delightful musical treat promises festive favorites perfect for the entire family. For a truly immersive experience, join their 'Messiah' Sing-along, where you can lend your voice to Handel's masterpiece. Attendees can also...

Step into a world of rhythm and holiday cheer with Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show. This groundbreaking performance celebrates the African American tradition of stepping, blending it with captivating music, storytelling, and energetic dance. Join festive characters like Popper the Penguin and Polo the Polar Bear for an...

Get into the holiday spirit with the Columbia Orchestra's 'Holiday Pops' concert. This festive event features beloved seasonal music performed live, perfect for families looking to celebrate the season. Experience the joy and magic of holiday tunes brought to life by talented musicians.

Experience the joy of the season with the National Chamber Ensemble's 'Holiday Cheer!' concert. This beloved annual tradition is a heartwarming celebration for the entire family, featuring festive classics and beloved seasonal favorites. Enjoy performances by talented young artists, including winners of the 2025 Nancy Peery Marriott Young Artist Piano...

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays with The Washington Ballet's iconic production of The Nutcracker. This cherished DC tradition, running from November 29 to December 28, 2025, features over 380 dancers in a spectacular performance set in historic Georgetown. Experience the familiar story with unique local twists, including...

Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption in this enchanting production of 'A Christmas Carol.' This music-infused adaptation brings Dickens's Yuletide classic to life with beloved characters and a vibrant children's ensemble. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to embody Scrooge in Ford's cherished annual tradition, promising a 'rich visual...

Discover one-of-a-kind gifts that give back at Strathmore's Museums & Makers Holiday Market. This festive event brings together the area's top museum shops and local artisans for three days of spirited shopping. Every purchase supports nonprofit museums and independent artists, making your holiday gifts even more meaningful.

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at Lucketts Holiday House, a cherished tradition set within a 100-year-old farmhouse. Award-winning designers have transformed each room into a breathtaking display of festive decor, with every unique item available for purchase. Wander through enchanting murals and vignettes before settling in by the fire...

Experience the festive spirit at the Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show. This event brings together a curated selection of local artisans and vendors, offering a wide variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. Discover everything from intricate jewelry and artwork to delicious baked goods and...

Discover the charm of the Chevy Chase Winter Market, a festive gathering supporting local small businesses. Browse unique holiday gifts and artisanal products from a variety of vendors set up along Connecticut Avenue NW. Enjoy special promotions and events hosted by neighborhood businesses, including a potential visit from Elsa at...

Discover a treasure trove of unique gifts and delightful treats at the DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle. This festive market showcases over 35 local artists, crafters, and small businesses offering worldwide handicrafts and boutique brands. Find the perfect holiday presents amidst bright, festive decor in a vibrant neighborhood setting.

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Alexandria by exploring its charming outdoor winter markets. Discover unique handmade gifts, enjoy live music, and find Santa sightings scattered throughout the city's vibrant neighborhoods. It's the perfect way to experience local culture and find special treasures.

Experience the magic of the holidays with American Girl's Holiday Teatime Traditions. Guests can indulge in a festive spread of sweet treats and delightful tea sandwiches, perfect for creating cherished memories. Children can engage in a fun tableside craft activity, adding a creative touch to the experience. For a truly...

Experience a quintessential Washington, DC holiday tradition at The Nutcracker Tea Party. This festive event offers delightful treats and family fun, culminating in a choice of attending either the afternoon or evening performance of the beloved Nutcracker ballet at the Warner Theatre. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in...

Join the community at The Square for a magical Tree Lighting ceremony. This beloved tradition marks the start of the holiday season with dazzling lights, festive music, and joyful cheer, creating a memorable experience for the entire family.

Experience the magic of Christmas Eve at Christ Church with a special service featuring a heartwarming Nativity pageant presented by the children. This family-friendly event includes a communion service and festive Christmas music, creating a memorable holiday celebration for all.

Experience the magic of the season in Leesburg with a series of beloved holiday events. Kick off the festivities with the enchanting Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, featuring live music and festive characters. Discover unique treasures and gifts at the juried Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show, showcasing local artisans. Conclude...

Step back in time during Museums by Candlelight, a unique FREE holiday event across Frederick County. Explore over 20 historic sites and museums, each offering special programming, living history vignettes, and hands-on activities. Experience the magic of history illuminated by candlelight, with festive decorations, music, and refreshments creating a memorable...

Experience the joy of the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, a cherished annual tradition! This vibrant celebration features dazzling floats, lively marching bands, and whimsical 12-foot inflatable turkeys. The parade culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus, making it a perfect festive outing for the entire family to kick off...

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Candlelight House Tour in Historic Frederick. This beloved self-guided walking tour invites you to explore the interiors of several private homes, each uniquely adorned with exquisite holiday decorations. Discover architectural gems, historical details, and the heartwarming ambiance...

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished national tradition. Each year, a magnificent tree, sourced from a different national forest across the United States, is selected and transported to the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Visitors can witness the tree's grand arrival with a police...

Immerse yourself in 'The Gift of Art 2025,' an exhibition at The Artists' Gallery of Ellicott City. This event features a stunning array of original artwork from talented local artists, spanning mediums from ceramics and wood turning to paintings and photography. Discover unique pieces perfect for gifting or adding to...

Step into a festive wonderland at the Holiday Train Garden, hosted at the historic Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. This enchanting display features meticulously crafted model trains winding through charming holiday scenes. It's a perfect, family-friendly outing to experience the magic of the season in a unique historical...

First Night Alexandria returns for 2025, offering a vibrant, family-friendly, and alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration. This event transforms local venues into stages for diverse performing arts, providing a meaningful and budget-conscious alternative to traditional revelry. Discover a wide array of talent and community spirit as Alexandria rings in the...