Let's Get Festive!



Wharf Tree

Luminous Celebrations: Illuminating the Holiday Spirit

Here are some upcoming holiday light displays and festive events in the DC metro area. These events offer a variety of experiences, from traditional light displays to interactive installations and festive markets, providing something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.

The Dance of Lights and Laughter


Georgetown Jingle: Jingle all day on December 7th from 1-4pm throughout Georgetown. First holiday music event featuring live music and special discounts. The Swedish Embassy is also hosting their annual Swedish Holiday Market from 10am – 5pm, featuring Nordic goods and treats.
US Capitol Christmas Tree: The US Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on December 3 at 5pm on the West Lawn, US Capitol, East end of the National Mall, First Street SE. This ceremony is one of the most cherished traditions in the nation’s capital. The tree will be available throughout the holiday season to view and admire.
City Center DC:Offers holiday window shopping with stunning decor and a Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Downtown Holiday Market:Open from mid-November through December 23, featuring lights and a range of vendors, located at Downtown Washington DC, 8th and F Streets NW.
Zoo Lights DC:Held at the National Zoo from late November to late December, featuring glowing animal lanterns and a laser light show.
Enchant Christmas:A light maze and festival at Nationals Park running from the week before Thanksgiving through December 31.
Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse at Artechouse D.C.:An event happening in December at 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC
Season’s Greenings at the US Botanic Garden:From Thanksgiving through January 1, featuring festive lights and model trains at 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC.
National Harbor:Features holiday lights and a Christmas tree light show from mid-November through December 31 at 153 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD.
ICE! at Gaylord National:Showcases colorful ice sculptures and hand-carved scenes from mid-November through December 31 at 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD.
Festival of Lights at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:Occurs in December at Washington DC Temple, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD, featuring over 400,000 lights and live musical acts.
Frederick Sailing Through the Winter Solstice Boat Display:Lasting from mid-November through March at Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, MD.

Royals

The Royals Perform at The Wharf Annual Holiday Boat Parade Event

2023 Holiday Boat Parade

Wreaths Across America at National Cemetary: A Symbol of Honor and Rememberance



Every year, as the holiday season approaches, a heartwarming and solemn ceremony unfolds across the United States. 'Wreaths Across America', a tradition that began modestly but has grown into a nationwide event, sees thousands of volunteers gather in national cemeteries to honor fallen soldiers. The ceremony is especially poignant at the National Cemetery, where the sea of wreaths against the backdrop of pristine white headstones creates a moving scene of national pride and remembrance.

The wreaths themselves, made of evergreen, symbolize eternal life, and the red bows represent the blood shed in battle. Together, they are a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit and bravery of the American soldier.



National Cemetary
Merry Go Round National Zoo

Zoo Lights!

A Magical Tradition Continues

Zoo Lights at The National Zoo is not just an opportunity for festive fun; it's also a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and education. The event serves as a platform to raise awareness about the critical need to protect and preserve the planet's diverse ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them.

As we step into the holiday season in 2023, the tradition of Zoo Lights at The National Zoo continues to shine brightly. It brings joy, wonder, and a sense of togetherness to the people of Washington DC and visitors from around the world. So, mark your calendars and be prepared to be enchanted by the dazzling displays and the spirit of the season at The National Zoo's Zoo Lights in 2023.

Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions vary greatly across different cultures and religions, reflecting the diverse ways people celebrate throughout the year. Here's a list of some notable holiday traditions from around the world:
Christmas (Christianity): Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with traditions like decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and attending church services.
Hanukkah (Judaism): Known as the Festival of Lights, it is celebrated by lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and eating foods fried in oil like latkes and sufganiyot.
Diwali (Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism): The Festival of Lights, celebrated with the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and the sharing of sweets and gifts.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (Islam): A month of fasting during daylight hours, followed by Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan with communal prayers and feasting.
Chinese New Year (China and other East Asian countries): Marking the start of the lunar new year with fireworks, dragon dances, red envelopes (hongbao), and family reunions.
Kwanzaa (African-American): A celebration of African heritage and culture, involving the lighting of the kinara, discussions of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles), and a feast (Karamu).




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