Things to Do

Holiday Lightings to Kick Off the Festivities in the DC Area

Brighten up your holidays with tree and menorah lightings.

Photograph courtesy of National Harbor.

Alexandria Tree Lighting

November 22

location_on 301 King St, Alexandria

language Website

Photograph courtesy of Alexandria Tree Lighting.

For a charming small-town feel (and none of the National Christmas Tree gridlock), head to Market Square across from Alexandria City Hall. Santa will make an appearance, leaving behind his reindeer in favor of the King Street Trolley.

 

National Menorah

December 14

location_on 1600 Constitution Ave NW

language Website

Photograph by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.

The Hanukkah celebration takes place on the Ellipse with a 30-foot-tall menorah. Speakers and musical performers take the stage before the big moment when the first candle begins to glow.

 

National Harbor Light Show

November 8–December 27

location_on 150 National Plaza, National Harbor

language Website

Photograph courtesy of National Harbor.

The LED tree is more tech than tinsel, putting on a flashing spectacle every night set to music by the US Air Force band. Saturdays at 5:30 pm, fireworks accompany the display.

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Daniella Byck
Lifestyle Editor

Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.