Christmas Events In Washington DC 2024
Annual Customs and Traditions Define Christmas in Washington D.C.
In the heart of the nation's capital, Washington D.C. the holiday season unfolds with beloved traditions and enchanting performances. From iconic concert halls to intimate theaters, the city welcomes locals and visitors alike to revel in the magic of Christmas.
Christmas hits just a bit differently in the capital – historic streets and buildings are illuminated with colorful lights and decoration. The nation’s most iconic landmarks also transform, creating a captivating stroll-worthy city that puts you in the Christmas spirit.
One of the city's enduring traditions is the convergence of music and merriment. This holiday season, the Kennedy Center Concert Hall echoes with the symphonic brilliance of the National Symphony Orchestra's rendition of Handel's Messiah. The majesty of the performance, coupled with the historic grandeur of the venue, encapsulates the sublime essence of Christmas in the capital.
Amidst the holiday hustle, locals cherish the timeless tradition of visiting the Lincoln Theater for Preservation Jazz Hall Band's Creole Christmas. This jazz-filled soirée not only warms the soul but also pays homage to the city's rich musical heritage.
Washington D.C. seamlessly blends its political gravitas with festive cheer, creating a unique lineup of holiday traditions. The annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse and the festive decor at the Smithsonian museums add a touch of seasonal magic. The blend of cultural richness, musical diversity, and historical significance makes spending Christmas in Washington D.C. a truly enchanting experience.
Here's a chronological and curated guide to the most anticipated holiday events in 2023:
Celtic Woman - Christmas Symphony
Immerse yourself in the ethereal sounds of Celtic melodies intertwining with classical grandeur.
- Kennedy Center Concert Hall
- November 24 - 25, 2023
Preservation Jazz Hall Band - Creole Christmas
Lincoln Theater transforms into a jazz-filled winter wonderland as spirited notes of jazz narrate tales of Christmas joy and New Orleans charm.
- Lincoln Theater
- November 25, 2023
Embark on a magical journey at the Kennedy Center Opera House with exquisite choreography transporting audiences to the Land of Sweets.
- Kennedy Center Opera House
- November 22 - 26, 2023
Federal Way Performing Arts Center welcomes the magic of the season where classical music meets awe-inspiring circus performances in a holiday spectacle for all ages.
- Federal Way Performing Arts Center
- November 27, 2023
Dorrance Dance - The Nutcracker Suite
Eisenhower Theater becomes a rhythmic wonderland as tap-infused dreamscape reimagines Tchaikovsky's classic through exhilarating dance.
- Eisenhower Theater
- November 30 - December 2, 2023
Ford’s Theater becomes a stage for timeless redemption with Dickensian London unfolding against a backdrop of Christmas magic.
- Ford's Theater
- November 17 - December 31, 2023
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way … to the Capital One Arena to mark an evening of high-energy performances and chart-topping artists, transforming the arena into a dazzling holiday spectacle.
- Capital One Arena
- December 11, 2023
Experience the magic of the season with a holiday symphony, where the artistry of circus performers meets the grace of classical music.
- Capital One Hall
- December 14, 2023
Wolf Trap hosts the charismatic Darren Criss in an intimate holiday concert, creating an acoustic haven under the starry night.
- Wolf Trap
- December 2 - 3, 2023
Girl Named Tom - One More Christmas
Birchmere Music Hall becomes an acoustic haven where the trio's harmonies resonate with the spirit of the season.
- Birchmere Music Hall
- December 11, 2023
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Relive the timeless annual classic of the beloved tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince unfolding in a mesmerizing display of balletic artistry.
- Capital One Hall
- December 3, 2023
National Symphony Orchestra - Holiday Pops
The Kennedy Center Concert Hall resounds with holiday cheer as the symphony takes center stage, creating a symphonic celebration where classical and contemporary melodies unite.
- Kennedy Center Concert Hall
- December 9, 2023
Partake the sublime choral melodies and festive cheer as they fill one of our nation’s most famous concert halls.
- Kennedy Center Concert Hall
- December 16 - 22, 2023
Relive the timeless tale of friendship and joy, when the Peanuts gang rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas.
- Lincoln Theater
- December 18, 2023
Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith
Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will take their popular Christmas tour on the road this holiday season, joined by very special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys. This highly-anticipated seasonal show will feature selections spanning the artists’ expansive repertoire of critically-acclaimed holiday albums.
- Capital One Hall
- December 4, 2023
- December 14 - 17, 2023, becomes a stage of majesty as the National Symphony Orchestra performs Hand
December 15 - 17, 2023, becomes a dreamscape where acrobatics, music, and holiday magic converge in a visual feast for the senses.
- The Theater at MGM National Harbor
- December 15 - 17, 2023
O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy
Federal Way transforms into a British comedy haven, where humor and holiday charm blend seamlessly for an evening of laughter and merriment.
- Federal Way Performing Arts Center
- December 17, 2023
Join the legendary filmmaker as he shares his unconventional and unique take on the holiday season.
- Birchmere Music Hall
- December 20, 2023
