In addition to Holiday Light Tours in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, many of our area’s most breathtaking estates and historic properties open their doors to the public during the holidays, showcasing the spirit of the season with stunning decorations, Yuletide treats, and festive music. Many sites offer special candlelight tours, wreath-making workshops, and Christmastide celebrations.
Parades and tree-lighting ceremonies are the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Main streets transform into winter wonderlands while jingle bells and the smells of hot cider fill the air. These special events are a great place to shop local and support local artisans.
Looking for something a bit more active? Consider a holiday fun run … or lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the area at popular ice skating rinks at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, and The Wharf. Other fun places to take to the ice in the mid-Atlantic include:
- Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing, Pentagon Row, Arlington, VA
- Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, Alexandria, VA
- Stonebridge Ice Rink, Woodbridge, VA
- Wilderness Presidential Resort, Spotsylvania VA
- Reston Town Center, Reston, VA
- Harris Pavilion Ice Skating, Manassas, VA
- Kings Dominion Snow Flake Lake, Doswell, VA
- Massanutten Ice Rink, Massanutten, VA
- Silver Spring Ice Skating, Silver Spring, MD
- Inner Harbor Ice Rink, Baltimore, MD
- Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District, Merriweather District, Columbia, MD
If being outside in the frigid weather isn’t for you, consider staying warm indoors while catching a play or musical. Our area has numerous great productions to choose from, and it is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and many more options abound. Make the spirit of the season come alive — find a holiday performance to attend and make memories to last a lifetime.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the mid-Atlantic offers a wealth of holiday experiences that will create lasting memories. So bundle up, embrace the season, and discover all the festive magic waiting for you in this vibrant region.
