The Ultimate List of Free Holiday Events in the DMV: DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia

If you’re looking for a frugal way to enjoy the season, check out our list of free holiday events in the DMV! As the holiday season arrives, so do the winter breaks from school. Families actively seek out new experiences so that they can enjoy every moment of free time together that they can. Unfortunately, the holiday season is naturally costly with feasts, gifts, photos, and decor all being bought left and right for a few months straight! So, we are thrilled that the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area has so many wonderful activities planned that do not cost anything!

So, gather the kids, bundle up and head out for a few hours of family fun! Make new memories or start new traditions with these free holiday events in the DMV!

Christmas by the Water

While it may be too cold to jump in and take a swim, there are still several Christmas activities happening near the rivers. Bundle up extra warmth or wear some layers because it’s usually chillier the closer you get to the water. This is a wonderful way to make memories because it’s a break from the norm.

Christmas Village in Baltimore

Baltimore Christmas Village is back at the Inner Harbor this year! It opens on November 23 and through Christmas Eve, December 24. The 30-foot-tall Christmas Pyramid returns along with a 65-foot tall, illuminated Ferris wheel and a Christmas Village Carousel that allows you to ride on a reindeer!

There are several new changes for this year:

• The largest footprint ever plus the most vendors in the market’s history.
• A brand-new winter Wunder holiday cocktail bar, new holiday slushies, and brand-new signature holiday cocktails.
• New vegan options and new Vegan Wurst Wednesdays.
• Five new varieties of sausages.
• Later evening hours to enjoy shopping and the holiday lights after work.
• 10th Anniversary celebration and cake cutting.

At this authentic German market, you’ll be able to find unique European gifts, Kathe Wohlfahrt ornaments, and handmade items from over fifty vendors in the heated tent and signature wooden huts. There are also delicious gifts for foodies including alcohol-infused desserts, bacon on a stick, and even sustainable pet treats!

In addition, enjoy traditional Gluhwein (mulled spiced wine), a selection of German food and beer, and live entertainment and festive events on the weekends. Families will also enjoy pictures with Santa and appearances by the Baltimore Christmas Village mascot, Gingy the Gingerbread man.

Admission to the outdoor area is always free. The heated festival tent is free on the Preview and Opening Weekends and free at all times for those under 18. For the remaining weekends, tickets are $5 for guests 18 and over and are good for the duration of the festival dates.

You can add to your day by people watching the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Or you can take a brisk stroll around the waterfront to view Baltimore’s Historic Ships.

 

 

 

 

 

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Holiday Events at National Harbor

National Harbor is located right outside of Washington D.C. and offers a ton of events and activities, most of which are free. Every Saturday night from mid-November through the end of December, enjoy fireworks on the Potomac. Fireworks start at 5:30 pm.

The National Harbor Christmas Tree Light Show will take place nightly this year from November 11th through December 30. The show at the epic 56-foot Christmas tree will occur every 30 minutes from sundown until 9 pm. On Saturdays, it starts at 5:30 pm and kicks off with the fireworks show!

On Sunday afternoon, enjoy Movies on the Potomac at 11:30 am. The family-friendly holiday movie line-up runs from November 10th through December 29th. Movies are held outdoors at National Harbor Plaza weather permitting, so bundle up and bring a blanket!

Shop at the National Harbor and enjoy some FREE hot chocolate! You can grab your free beverage from participating retailers on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 6 pm. You can also get a free snow globe while supplies last when you spend $50 or more at select stores.

Holiday Events at Gaylord National Harbor Resort

After your outdoor fun, warm up inside at the Gaylord National Harbor to see the resort decked out for the holidays with 2 million sparkling lights on November 15th to December 28th. Marvel at the gorgeous gingerbread display. Watch the free #LIT Light Show in the atrium. Enjoy The Greatest Story Stage Show which retells the story of Jesus. Note: Tickets are for guaranteed viewing areas, but you can still see it on a first come, first served basis.

There are dozens of other fun fee-based activities planned at Christmas at Gaylord National Harbor. We are really looking forward to the return of ICE!, which is a magical ice sculpture walk-through experience featuring scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™. You can also ride down a solid ice slide within the exhibit.

There are also fun rides including snow tubing, ice bumper cars, ice skating, and snowball build and blast. Younger kids will love the Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Photos with Santa, Sugary Sweet Storytime, and Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the Reindeer Games™ Scavenger Hunt featuring Rudolph and the Misfit Toys which will take you on a mad dash throughout the resort to win a souvenir prize!

Holiday Events in Annapolis

Downtown Annapolis Maryland is one of the top places to visit during the holiday season! The quaint downtown area is adorned with traditional holiday decorations and offers over ninety stores and eighty restaurants to choose from. Here is the rundown on top free holiday events in Annapolis.

Annapolis Lighted Boat Parade

A wonderful way to enjoy the Annapolis lighted boat parade is to grab some hot cocoa and snuggle up with your loved ones in a blanket along the downtown Annapolis docks on December 14, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm. The second week in December each year, yachts light up with beautifully colored Christmas lights and float around in the water. It costs nothing to come and watch the beautiful display of lights. For 2024, T2PTV will be doing a video of the 2024 Lights Parade and Shane Kilberg will be the official drone lighted boat parade photographer!

Annapolis Holiday Market

Bundle up and take a walk along the docks while checking out handmade gifts created by local artisans at the City of Annapolis Christmas Market. 

Midnight Madness in Downtown Annapolis

Stay up late with extended hours until midnight at stores during Downtown Annapolis Midnight Madness! As you wander, enjoy the cheery store window decorations, holiday lights, snowflake alley, Christmas tree and menorah. Free parking for midnight madness in Annapolis is available at the Calvert Street Parking Garage (19 St Johns Street).

 

 

 

 

 

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Waterskiing Santa

The Alexandria Waterskiing Santa is the longest-running water ski Christmas show that traditionally takes place on Christmas Eve. This unique holiday event takes place on the Potomac River between the waterfront of Washington, D.C., and the Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

The waterskiing Santa is popular for featuring the gliding Christmas patriarch alongside Frosty the snowman, a jet ski-riding Grinch, flying elves, and a lot of other Christmas-related characters. Every year they try to outshine the previous year and add new characters and more fun surprises!

If that all sounds great, there’s even more! Also featured with the event is a 30-minute window where Santa meets with children just before he takes off for his big night!

There are also food vendors and treats available on both sides of the Potomac River. With so much happening in just one day, you can bet that this will be an event worth attending!

If you cannot attend in person, check out 2020’s video of waterskiing Santa in action!

Holiday Parades

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade is an even larger lighted boat parade than the Annapolis event. It will be held on the first Saturday night in December. In this one, there is a competition for the biggest and best boat displays! Additionally, you can enjoy beer gardens, food, and festivities including pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus! While attending the parade is free, some of the activities may come at a cost, so be prepared, or pack your own refreshments to enjoy!

Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats

The Baltimore Holiday Lights Boat Parade also kicks off its annual lighted boat parade on the first Saturday in December at the Anchorage Marina on Boston Street and ends at the Inner Harbor. It benefits the Marines Toys for Tots program and features over fifty vessels! The parade is visible from all points where you can see the Chesapeake Bay around the city.

Annual Baltimore Mayor’s Christmas Parade

Join in the festive fun at the Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade in Hampden, Maryland.
‌Experience Baltimore’s holiday tradition that has been spreading cheer since 1973! Stroll through the charming neighborhoods of Hampden and Medfield as colorful floats, lively bands, the Boumi Shriners, and even Darth Vader march down the 2.5-mile parade route.

Santa himself will make a grand appearance, making this event a magical outing for the whole family. The parade is free, so grab your spot early to enjoy the holiday magic! The parade route starts on Falls Road, and travels through 36th Street (“The Avenue”) to its ending on Chestnut Avenue. This one is popular so arrive at least 30 minutes ahead and consider taking the Light Rail to Woodberry Station or take an MTA Bus to Falls Road.

The Lisbon Christmas Parade

Enjoy an old-fashioned country Christmas at the Lisbon Christmas Parade! This is one of our favorite free holiday events in Maryland! This annual parade started 20 years ago by local farmers in Carroll County. It features 250 horses, miniature ponies, and other animals in adorable holiday outfits! Plus, dozens of tractors and floats with happy parade participants that throw candy out to all the kids. The parade supports Farmers Feed the Hungry, and donations are requested to support the cause.

Before or after the parade, head to Day’s End Farm Horse Rescue to visit Santa’s Village. Santa’s Village at Day’s End Horse Farm will feature photos with Santa, “reindeer rides”, food trucks, holiday gift vendors, and free informative tours of the horse rescue.

 

 

 

 

 

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Free Holiday Lights Displays

Saling Through Winter Solstice in Frederick

Sailing Through Winter Solstice in Frederick is a stationary lighted boat display in Carroll Creek Park. The good news is that if you miss this during the holidays, you have until March to head out and see it! This year, there are twenty-four boats participating in the Frederick Winter Solstice installation.

The boats are fun to see during both daytime and at night when they are lit up. The Frederick boat lights turn on at sunset so you can plan to go right before that and see both views. Sailing Through Winter Solstice is also a fundraiser that allows you to vote for your favorite Winter Solstice boat and support local charities. Last year, they raised over $100,000!

Georgetown Glow in DC

Georgetown Glow is an exciting light and art installation that will be on view throughout downtown Georgetown. This free DC event will run from December 1st to January 7th. It will feature five works and artists and is sure to be an Instagram-worthy event!

Holiday Houses in Northern Virginia + Beyond

Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights is a fabulous list of the best holiday houses in the Northern Virginia area. You can use it to create your own driving tour. Click on the “outliers” tab to find additional private home Christmas lights displays in other areas of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC too! The list is constantly being updated.

Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore

If you’re in Baltimore this holiday season, you MUST try to see the Miracle on 34th Street. Catch the lights in the 700 block between Keswick Road and Chestnut Avenue from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through to New Year’s Day.

For over 70 years, residents in the historic Hampden neighborhood have gone all out with holiday lights and one-of-a-kind Christmas displays that will be sure to captivate your holiday spirit!

Jeff’s Christmas Light Show Spectacular

Located close to BWI Airport, Jeff’s Christmas Light Show Spectacular in Linthicum Maryland includes an elaborate light show projected onto a house. Plus, an elaborate walk-through display that includes a stuffed animal Ferris wheel, a 20-foot interactive gingerbread house, and more! There is a cute sled that the family can sit in and take pictures with as well. Jeff even has a Delorean and Ghostbusters vehicle on display in the backyard.

The festivities kick off the last week of November and run Fridays and Saturdays through Christmas Eve. Most evenings a local PTA or other charity will be present selling hot chocolate and cookies. Bring some small bills if you’d like to purchase treats or donate to Jeff’s fund so he can continue making this event bigger and better.

Free Holiday Events Featuring Trains

Trains are extra magical around Christmas! They remind us of the classic holiday movie The Polar Express. Something about riding on a train or simply being near a train during the Christmas season is magical for kids and adults filled with the holiday spirit.

The Smithsonian National Zoo

It is always free to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo, but entry passes are required. You can either reserve free walk-in tickets or pay for parking to guarantee entry. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

On weekends from November 29 until December 31, you can enjoy special events during Holly-Days at the National Zoo. This event replaces ZooLights and will feature a rotating theme each weekend during regular zoo hours.

Homestead Gardens Holiday Train Display

Homestead Gardens is the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit with its incredible model train displays! From November 1st to December 30th, kids will love watching the trains roll through festive scenes, while you can enjoy relaxed shopping for Christmas decor and unique gifts. It’s a fun, laid-back way to celebrate the season and soak in all the holiday magic with family.

It is located near Annapolis in Davidsonville, Maryland, with another location in Severna Park, Maryland, that also features a train garden. Don’t miss out on this charming holiday experience!

Season’s Greetings at the US Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanical Garden in Washington D.C. has amazing models of famous landmarks, buildings, and monuments that exist in the Capital Region. Featuring a new theme every year, the DC Botanic Gardens holiday model train display is very popular and can get crowded especially on weekends! It is now located outdoors.

The gardens are gated so it is open to view during regular U.S. Botanic Gardens hours which are 10 am to 5 pm daily. The U.S. Botanic Garden is closed on December 25, but open on New Years Day.

Also, the Conservatory and outdoor train display will be open until 8 pm on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December. The Conservatory and outdoor train display will have extended hours, staying open until 8:00 p.m. Learn more at www.USBG.gov/Holiday

Holiday parking in the city can be quite tricky! The SpotHero app is the best way to find the lowest cost, closest parking without hassle. Download the app, input your destination, choose and book your garage.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies

One popular event that takes place annually around Thanksgiving is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This ceremony is popular in lots of communities in the Capital Region. It used to set the ball rolling for the official start of the holiday season! There are quite a lot of tree lighting ceremonies in different venues. Let’s get to know some of them.

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Washington D.C. Christmas Tree Lighting is a free event in front of the White House. It features music from popular area bands and singers. This almost 100-year-old tradition is a popular event worth watching in person if you can get tickets or catch the National Christmas tree lighting on television!

Each year, the special tree is adorned by ornaments made by Americans representing every state in the United States. You can visit the tree and the ornaments throughout the month of December.

Free tickets to this coveted event are awarded through a lottery run by the National Parks Service. The National Christmas Tree lottery opens in mid-Fall each year.

Merri & Bright Columbia Tree Lighting

The Merriweather District Holiday Tree Lighting and Ice Rink opening will take place in mid-November at Color Burst Park in downtown Columbia. Enjoy live holiday performances, family activities, and more. Plus, browse vendors in heated tents, listen to carolers, and snap insta-worthy holiday pics at the Merri and Bright Holiday Market the first weekend of December. The events are free, but you can reserve your spot online here. Tickets are also available for the Color Burst Park Ice Rink.

Grand Illumination Annapolis Tree Lighting

The Grand Illumination tops the list of Annapolis Christmas events! This joyous seasonal celebration includes singing, dancing, an appearance from St. Nick, and the lighting of the downtown Annapolis Christmas tree. This is a fun event filled with festivities that the whole family can enjoy for free!

This event also includes a food drive, so consider bringing some canned foods and non-perishables as donations. It is a great way to make a small contribution that will go a long way for needy families.

Annual CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

Head to 10th and H St NW for the annual CityCenterDC holiday tree lighting in the park. This area is accessible by several metro stops plus tons of parking if you choose to drive. This tree lighting event is one of the most prominent events which take place at the beginning of the holiday period.

The tree lighting event will include a musical performance and fun holiday activities. It is also a great photo opp! Once lit, the 75-foot tree is magnificent! Plus, it is accompanied by two 25-foot reindeer.

Happening the last weekend in November, this tree lighting event can be enjoyed days or weeks before the other tree lighting events take place, meaning there is plenty of time to space them out and enjoy as many as possible. Be sure to check the CityCenterDC Facebook page for updates!

Don’t miss this one because there is so much to do! Activities at the CityCenterDC Tree Lighting will include a chorus performance, balloon artists, face painters, and fun holiday activities. There are even a 75-foot Christmas tree and two 25-foot-tall reindeer! Your kids will love it, and so will you!

Festival of Lights and Carols in Fairfax

Enjoy live holiday music at the Festival of Lights and Carols at Old Town Square in Fairfax. Purchase some s’mores and cider and await the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the first Saturday in December.

Village of Leesburg Tree Lighting Festival

The Village of Leesburg tree lighting festival features acapella music, horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and holiday performances. You can also wander around and check out the village merchants. Enjoy watching a five-story tall Christmas tree get lit with over 15,000 dazzling lights and a special snowflake topper. The Village of Leesburg will also be collecting unwrapped donations for Toys for Tots throughout the holiday season.

If you miss the Christmas tree lighting event, you can visit any day through January 1st to see the Spectacular Musical Tree Show. This daily light and music show happens on the hour every hour between 12 and 9 pm.

The Village of Leesburg has several other holiday-themed events including musical performances and holiday horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out their full event calendar and plan your visit for family fun!

Hanukkah Celebrations

National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony

The National Hanukkah Menorah is known to be the biggest public menorah in existence! The National Hanukkah Menorah is situated on the White House grounds. With fun activities and foods available, this is a fun event for the whole family!

Enjoy special performances, traditional Jewish food, free dreidels, and more. **While this event is free, you will need a ticket to attend, so make sure to register online beforehand!

Lighting of the Menorah at The District Wharf

In Southwest Washington D.C., the menorah is lit up in The Wharf’s District Square for each night of Hanukkah.

JCC of Greater Baltimore Hanukkah Festivities

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore has organized community events in Baltimore and the surrounding to help families celebrate this important holiday together.

Kwanzaa Celebrations

The Enoch Pratt Library is offering in-person Kwanzaa presentations featuring Baltimore educator Charles Dugger. The Baltimore Kwanzaa events will occur over several dates across several library branch locations in mid-December.

More DMV Holiday Events

Advent & Christmas at National Cathedral December 1-25

Washington National Cathedral, located on Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest Washington D.C., considers itself a house of prayer for all people. Every year, Washington National hosts a full schedule of mass services and concerts for Advent and Christmas. The most popular events including midnight mass require passes. You can sign up for free passes for National Cathedral holiday services starting on November 18th using the link above.

If you are in the area and cannot make it to mass or a performance, you can also book a sightseeing activity. It is a fantastic way to see the cathedral at your own pace (admission fee).

Santa’s Wonderland

Stop by Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop in either Gainesville, Virginia or Hanover, Maryland for a free photo with Santa! Santa arrives in early November and will be available daily for photos. Be sure to check the website and reserve a time slot in advance!

Savage Mill Yuletide Festival

Howard County Maryland’s historic indoor and dining shopping venue Savage Mill is planning several wonderful events between the end of November and leading up to Christmas. Enjoy Santa appearances, special shopping nights, the lighting of the Bollman Bridge, tree lighting, live music, and a maker’s market!

The Charmers Club

This Saturday (Nov 30th), come to 2601 N. Howard Street, Baltimore, for The Charmers Club shop’s big opening! From 11 AM to 7 PM, shop 40+ local makers and vintage finds, enjoy free treats like mimosas, cookies, and more, and score 10% off a drink at Doppio Pasticceria with your receipt. Don’t miss this fun day of shopping and supporting small businesses!

Giving Machine Maryland

From Dec 5–18, swing by The Mall in Columbia to check out Giving Machine Maryland! These cool vending machines let you donate items like meals or clothes to those in need—100% goes to charity, thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covering costs. It’s an easy, fun way to spread holiday cheer!

Christmas in St. Michaels

Join the Bay Hundred community December 13–15 for Christmas in St. Michaels, a cherished tradition that’s raised over $1.7 million for local nonprofits since 1987. What started as a way to fund a daycare has grown into a festive weekend of fun, all while enhancing the quality of life for residents of all ages. Don’t miss this heartwarming celebration of giving and community!

Himmel’s Holiday Village

Get festive at Himmel’s first Holiday Village in Pasadena, MD! From Nov 21 to Dec 24, enjoy five weeks of artisanal shopping, tasty food trucks, live music, and free hot chocolate. Don’t miss Santa every weekend and fun for all ages at 4374 Mountain Rd. Make this holiday season magical!

Free Ticket Tuesday

Free Ticket Tuesday is your chance to snag free tickets to amazing events! Whether it’s concerts, family outings, or local attractions, who doesn’t love a freebie? Keep an eye out every week—you never know what fun opportunity might pop up!
Mark your calendar! Free Ticket Tuesday is happening on November 26! Don’t miss out on the chance to score free tickets to awesome events. Set a reminder and be ready to grab yours!

Fee-Based Holiday Events

Holiday Bricktacular

Join the Holiday Bricktacular from Nov 30–Dec 30 at LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.! Enjoy festive fun like building LEGO hearts to give back, decorating ornaments, meeting a LEGO Gingerbread character, and exploring a MINI WORLD Winter Wonderland. Don’t miss the holiday magic and LEGO gifts for everyone!

Free Virtual Holiday Events

If the weather outside is frightful or you don’t live in the DC area, here are some ideas that can allow you to experience holiday fun no matter where you are! If you have a way to jump on the internet, then these free virtual holiday events are a great option!

Virtual National Christmas Tree Lighting December 20

The 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on November Tune in to CBS on December 15th so you can watch the re-broadcast from your warm and cozy home!

Virtual Christmas Mass at National Cathedral December 1-25

Attend virtual holiday mass services direct from the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The National Cathedral is planning a schedule of mass services and concerts for Advent and Christmas. Check their schedule for details on how to sign up for the livestream holiday events!

Why the Nativity? December 14

Why the Nativity? can be watched on-demand right now on Facebook. Including data from both the Old and New Testaments, join pastor, author, and theologian Dr. David Jeremiah narrates the first Christmas drawing from both the Old and New Testaments. Watch the recreation of the birth of Jesus and learn what the spirit of Christmas is all about in this free full-length docudrama.

Holiday YouTube Playlists On-Going

Head over to our FunFitnessFamily.com YouTube Channel for access to our FREE holiday playlists:

Holiday Workouts: 50+ workouts from as little as UNDER FIVE MINUTES to mega sweat sessions to burn off holiday calories!

Holiday Stuff: A curated playlist of recent and classic kids Christmas television specials, family Hanukkah specials, children’s Kwanzaa shows, holiday trivia and more!

Family Holiday Experiences: Watch highlights and find out more about the most popular holiday activities across the Washington D.C. area.

Winter City Lights

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘆 is a brand-new holiday lights display in the DMV area. It has already made number two on Country Living Magazine’s list of ‘Most Magical Christmas Displays’ in the United States! And it’s also our top pick for holiday lights in the DMV area!
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Even though it is not a free event, you get a lot of holiday bang for your buck! Your entry ticket includes an 18-acre walk-through trail that features one million lights, lots of insta-worthy holiday displays, a 52-foot Christmas tree with light projections set to music, access to bonfire areas to warm up, and GUARANTEED snow!

They also have optional snow tubing and axe throwing experiences available. Snow tubing does sell out so it is best to buy Winter City attraction tickets online. Head to our instagram video to find out more about Winter City Lights and what you should know before you go!

If you’re interested in finding free holiday events in the DMV area, you should be more than covered with the above list of great events! While all the events we listed are free to attend, a few may require that you register in advance to get a ticket. Make sure you check the schedule for changes. The links often include other valuable info such as directions, parking instructions, and other instructions you don’t want to miss.

We hope that you can use this DMV holiday events list to make wonderful holiday memories and that you have a fantastic New Year!