Go Tubing or Skiing
Nearby ski and tubing destinations tend to be quieter on Christmas Day, meaning less time waiting for lifts and more runs. Whitetail and Liberty Mountain resorts in Pennsylvania are both less than two hours away from DC, ideal for a day trip.
Bundle Up for a Peaceful Walk
While many National Park Service areas are closed for the day, Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria and Theodore Roosevelt Island in DC are open for adventurers. Peaceful trails meander by the water, and both locations are great for birdwatching.
Glide Across the Ice
You can skate along the Georgetown waterfront at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink, which stays open from 1 to 10:30 pm on Christmas. Lace up around sunset for extra scenic views under the snowflake lights.
Give Back to the Community
Holiday festivities may not be your thing, but it’s also a season for doing good. The Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center on 16th Street hosts an annual day of service on December 25 with a variety of volunteer opportunities, including meal prep, bingo with seniors, food delivery, and more.
Relax at the Movie Theater
For a luxe filmgoing experience, concessions are delivered to cushy, reclining seats at IPIC Theater in North Bethesda and Alamo Drafthouse in Brentwood and Crystal City. Pair it with dinner at a Chinese restaurant for the ultimate Christmas Day combo.
This article appears in the December 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
