The holidays in Washington are made for families. The lights come on, the markets open, and a lot of the best things to do cost little or nothing. This guide pulls together a few of the favorites for the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year, with dates and details taken from the official sites. Dates can change, so please check the linked page before you go.
Thanksgiving week
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. That gives families a long weekend in town. A good place to start is right below.
U.S. Botanic Garden: Season’s Greenings
The Botanic Garden’s annual holiday show runs from November 26, 2026 through January 3, 2027. This year’s theme is national parks and historic places. Model trains travel through displays made from plant parts, and inside the Conservatory you will find poinsettias and more than 20 DC landmarks made from plants. (U.S. Botanic Garden)
- Cost: Free. No tickets are needed, including for the trains.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed December 25. On select Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December (8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29), it stays open until 8 p.m. with live music.
- Good to know: Strollers are welcome. The outdoor trains may not run in bad weather. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Sensory-friendly mornings: The Garden offers a sensory-friendly morning on December 5, 2026, and an evening on January 2, 2027.
Mid-November through Christmas
DowntownDC Holiday Market
The market fills F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets with market stalls and twinkling lights from November 13 through December 23, 2026. There are 121 vendors this year, and entry is free. (DowntownDC Holiday Market)
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
- For kids: There is a children’s play area called Rudolph Reindeer Games, next to the performance stage.
- Getting there: The nearest Metro station is Gallery Place-Chinatown. Most vendors take cards, but a little cash helps.
ZooLights at the National Zoo
ZooLights returns on select evenings from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Visitors stroll through a million LED lights and more than 100 animal lanterns. (Smithsonian press release)
- Cost: Tickets are required and cost $10 per person. Special event parking passes are sold separately.
- Dates: Nov. 20 to 22, Nov. 27 to 29, Dec. 4 to 6, Dec. 11 to 13, Dec. 16, Dec. 18 to 23, Dec. 26 to 30, and Jan. 2 to 3.
- Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Check the Zoo’s page for Sunday hours and the last entry time.
- Good to know: On general-admission nights, the indoor animal exhibits are closed so the animals can rest. Extras like a winter maze, a train ride for children, and festive glasses are sold on site. The Adults-Only Night on December 16 is not a family night.
The National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree stands on the Ellipse in President’s Park, near the White House. The lighting ceremony has been a tradition since 1923. When I checked, the 2026 ceremony date had not been announced, so watch the National Park Service page for this year’s details before you plan a visit.
A simple plan for a long weekend
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Enjoy your holiday meal, then visit the Botanic Garden’s opening day if your family likes trains and plants.
- Friday or Saturday: Go to the Holiday Market in the afternoon and Metro to ZooLights in the evening (Nov. 27 to 29 are ZooLights nights).
- A weekday in December: Pick one of the Botanic Garden’s late evenings for holiday music.
Tips for holiday outings with kids
- Go early, or on a weekday, to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Dress in layers and bring snacks. Lines and walks can be long.
- Take the Metro when you can. Parking near the Zoo, the Mall and downtown fills up fast.
- Check the official page the day you go, since weather and schedules can change.
Keep exploring with our other guides
- Where DC Moms Go to Breathe: The Ultimate Guide to DC’s Best Parks
- Stop Googling Everything: The All-In-One DC Mom Resource Guide
- 4 Historic Capitol Hill Parks to Visit with Kids
Which holiday tradition does your family love most? Tell us in the comments, and we may add it to this guide.
Sources: U.S. Botanic Garden, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and the National Park Service. Details were checked on October 17, 2026. Please confirm hours and tickets on the official pages before you go.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
