As winter’s chill takes hold, the Washington D.C. area comes alive with the spirit of the holiday season, transforming into a festive wonderland. Here are some of the best holiday festivals and villages to visit:

Georgetown GLOW – Experience the charm of historic Georgetown while enjoying this unique exhibition of outdoor public light art installations. Georgetown GLOW invites visitors to stroll through this quaint district for an enchanting evening.

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace – Situated on the Ellipse near the White House, this iconic D.C. event features a stunning National Christmas Tree surrounded by smaller trees representing U.S. states and territories. The annual lighting ceremony is a can’t-miss event.

ZooLights at the National Zoo – With more than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland, this free event includes live music performances and winter-themed attractions.

Downtown Holiday Market – Centered in Penn Quarter and celebrating its 16th year, this bustling marketplace is packed with seasonal crafts, jewelry, art, and textiles from more than 150 regional artisans.

Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord National Resort – Featuring an ICE! exhibit with sculptures carved from two million pounds of ice, this festival includes activities like ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and a nightly indoor snowfall.

Swedish Christmas Bazaar – Hosted by the Swedish Women’s Educational Association and the Embassy of Sweden, this bazaar features Swedish crafts, traditional food, and a St. Lucia procession.

Old Town Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade — This annual tradition celebrates Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with a parade featuring clans in tartans, bagpipers, dancers, and dogs dressed in holiday attire.

Each festival or village offers its unique blend of holiday cheer with lights, music, and cultural traditions that make for an unforgettable seasonal experience in the nation’s capital. Whether you are looking for family fun or a romantic evening stroll, these events promise to make your holidays memorable.