I have learned to love the holidays in the DC area. For many years, all I wanted to do was get home to Cleveland and celebrate the entirety of the season there. Now I not only embrace Christmastime in DC but I *almost* prefer it to a Cleveland Christmastime.. There’s so much to do! Obviously there are stereotypical things like the National Christmas Tree, the Christmas tree near the Capitol, the Christmas tree in the Library of Congress… But there’s SO much more and I’ll show you!
Today I thought I’d share some of my favorite things that I’ve done in years past and will likely happen again this year!
Luckett’s Holiday Market
How much do I love Luckett’s? So much. Luckett’s is a “vintage chic” market up near Leesburg, VA that goes ALL out at Christmastime. The merchandise that’s available for purchase is always so unique and special. I find myself buying something new every year! Their Holiday House experience is sold out this year, but it’s still worth going to the Luckett’s grounds even if you can’t go into the Holiday House.
Vanish Brewery
Right across from Luckett’s is Vanish Brewery and I love making a day of it by starting with Luckett’s and ending the day at Vanish with a beer and big soft pretzel. Added touch? They even have a beer called “Luckett’s Store Light.” Perfection. Also they deck the halls at Christmastime AND often have some local vendors selling handmade merchandise.
Annapolis
I used to work in Annapolis and still absolutely adore it. It’s the prettiest, preppy seaside town with so much character. Walk around and enjoy the decorations. Shop downtown (I love The Lucky Knot). Walk by the decked-out governor’s mansion. Enjoy Christmas Tea at Reynold’s Tavern. See the Christmas lights on the boats in the marina. Enjoy a Painkiller at Pusser’s. There are SO many things to do and going to Annapolis is a simply lovely way to spend an afternoon.
The Guinness Brewery in Baltimore
I know, I know, you’re seeing a theme here. What can I say? I just so happen to love day drinking, especially when it’s mixed with some Christmas cheer. Guinness actually does a very good job at Christmastime. Outside vendors are there on the weekend days in December, and you can often find some fun things like the hot chocolate in the photo below…. Also the Guinness gift shop is LEGIT and always a go-to for Christmas presents for the men in my life.
Seasons Greenings
… is FINALLY back this year. The Botanical Gardens (right by the Capitol Building) does a very fun Christmas train display (everything is made from plant materials) and I’m certainly excited that Covid didn’t ruin it this year.
Holiday Jazz and Caroling at the Willard
Every night from December 1-23, there are live performances at the historic and gorgeous Willard hotel. Grab a drink at the Round Robin bar and enjoy the music while surrounded by some GORGEOUS Christmas decorations. Tip: Grab dinner at nearby Old Ebbitt Grill beforehand–it’s also decked out for Christmas!
Wreaths Across America
This actually isn’t unique to DC (it happens at all national cemeteries) but there’s something particularly meaningful about putting a wreath on a veteran’s grave and remembering him/her at Christmas. It usually takes place the weekend before Christmas. Obviously, Arlington Cemetery is the most notable, but there are plenty of other national cemeteries in the area too that actually really do need volunteers to help lay the wreaths!
Go Ice Skating in Pentagon City
When the world was boring, we got very creative with things to do outside. That’s how we discovered the ice skating at Pentagon City. Let’s be real, Pentagon City is nothing but another fancy, generic, concrete shopping mall but.. I kind of loved the ice skating there anyway. There was Christmas music playing AND they have those little scooter things to prevent novice skaters like myself from breaking legs.
Take a Day Trip to Fredericksburg
It’s seriously the cutest town ever and I hear amazing things about their Christmas parade (we’ll be there this year!). It’s an easy (usually very inexpensive) Amtrack ride from Old Town Alexandria and it drops you right downtown. Must do’s:
Rebellion Bourbon (AMAZING food); Hyperion Espresso; Popcorn at the Virginia Shop; Antiquing; regular shopping.. It’s incredible.
Attend Rappahannock Cellar’s Christmas Market
In the spirit of full disclosure, I went to college with some of Rappahannock Cellar’s owner’s kids so *maybe* I’m a bit biased but their new Christmas Market event (started in 2021) is SO fun and totally reminded me of those lovely little German and Austrian markets during my semester abroad. Also, the terrain of Hume, VA is absolutely stunning and their wine is the best of the best (they’re legit medal winners many times over). Don’t forget to stop at Apple House on your way home!
As you can see, DC isn’t half bad during late November and December! I certainly am a fan and hope this post inspires you to branch out a bit. Happy Holiday planning!
