Potomac Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

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...

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...

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.

Northern Virginia's beloved 'Nutcracker' ballet comes alive with nine enchanting performances. Follow Clara's magical Christmas Eve journey as she receives a special Nutcracker, leading to a dream adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of fantastical characters. Featuring breathtaking sets, stunning costumes, and the live Manassas Ballet Theatre...

Experience the magic of the season at the annual Celebration of Lights! This free community event features a petting zoo, pony rides, and live music from local school groups. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the Christmas tree. Children can...

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...

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 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.

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Gaylord National, featuring the enchanting ICE! attraction brought to life by The Polar Express™. Marvel at colossal ice sculptures, slide down thrilling ice slides, and enjoy festive activities for the whole family. From gingerbread decorating to meeting Santa, create unforgettable holiday memories.

Experience the enchanting Bull Run Festival of Lights, a spectacular drive-through holiday light display. Journey through 2.5 miles of dazzling illuminations, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. Turn off your headlights and follow the magical glow for an unforgettable festive experience.

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...

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.

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.

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...

Engage in the festive 'Shop, Dine, & Win!' contest in Occoquan, running from November 22 to December 7. This event encourages visitors to support local businesses by shopping and dining, with opportunities to win over $1,500 in gift cards. Explore unique offerings from boutiques and retailers, and enjoy extended shopping...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

Occoquan welcomes the holiday season with its Annual Town Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 22. Join residents and visitors at Town Hall for the official tree lighting at 6:00 p.m., officiated by Mayor Earnie Porta. Following the ceremony, enjoy late-night shopping until 8:00 p.m. or later, as local businesses...

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...

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...

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...