It’s that wonderful time of the year in DC! The streets light up, the cocoa warms up, and the whole district feels just a little bit magical. Yes, winter in DC is here and in full force. If you haven’t quite gotten into the seasonal spirit yet (or if you can’t get enough of it), then we have some spots for you! DC doesn’t have a lot of snow or reindeer, but these amazing spots will make you feel like you’re at the North Pole:

1. The United States Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Facebook/US Botanic Garden
It might not feel like the North Pole in the warm Botanic Garden but it will certainly look like it! The garden dresses up for the holiday in true North Pole fashion with plenty of lights and holiday decor. Learn more about the garden on its official website.
2. CityCenter
CityCenterDC, 825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20268, USA
Facebook/CityCenter DC
If the North Pole had a downtown area, we like to think that it would look like CityCenter. Palmer's Alley lights up with a glistening display of snowflakes! It's a magical time of year to pass through. Read more about CityCenter and its winter events on the official website!
3. Gaylord National Harbor ICE!
Yelp/Kimberly B.
Enter a ice enchanted world at the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor. There are ice slides, colorful sculptures and much more at this chilly but beautiful event. Learn more on the official website.
4. ZooLights
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Yelp/ZooLights
There's no reindeer but there are many north pole inspired scenes at the beloved holiday light fest every year! Learn more about this wintery favorite on the official website.
5. Wundergarten Winterfest
Facebook/Wunder Garten at NoMa
Surrounded by pine trees, twinkle lights, cozy fires and holiday cheer, you probably wouldn't be surprised if one of Santa's elves wandered by at this winter wonderland! Take a look at the official website for the most up-to-date details about this year/next year!
6. North Pole Lights Walk
Facebook/Willow Oak Flower and Her Farm
Keep an eye out for Santa on this magical lights walk. This gorgeous garden is decked out as the North Pole every year, complete with Santa's Cabin and Prancer the reindeer around for each and every season. Learn more about the event on its official website, which is updated yearly.
7. 1789 Restaurant
1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Facebook/1789 Restaurant
This restaurant goes all-out in their decorations for holidays. The cozy restaurant explodes with festive decor, wreaths, lights, bows and a warm fireplace. Visit the official 1789 Restaurant website for the most up-to-date hours and specials.
8. Georgetown Glow
Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Yelp/Georgetown, DC
The shops in Georgetown are not run by elves or Santa but you might think they are when you stroll through Georgetown Glow. This annual holiday event lights up one of DC's oldest neighborhoods. Visit the official website, updated each year, for the most up-to-date schedule!
9. The National Christmas Tree
15th Street Northwest & E Street Northwest, 15th St NW & E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Flickr/Anthony Quintano
President's Park becomes a festive display of light, color and evergreen trees every December. Learn about this year's festivitites on the website!

If you prefer more natural-feeling beauty in the winter, then try these 9 best winter hikes near DC!

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Winter Hikes in DC

Tori Jane | January 03, 2022

Where can I go cold weather hiking in DC?  

Washington, DC is an amazing little place whose natural beauty is vastly underrated. Many of them are open even when there’s snow on the ground, and honestly, some trails are at their best under a blanket of snow. There are lots to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sky Meadow State Park, which offers up a variety of winter hike options that are truly memorable. Should you find yourself near Rocks State Park, take Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls, which are truly amazing during winter (amazing year-round, really, but especially when partially to totally frozen in winter). Other state parks offer up other options, too, like Mason Neck State Park and Great Falls Park. For more information on each of these hikes and then some, check out this list of some of our favorite cold weather hiking in DC!  

What are some fun things to do in the winter in DC?  

Washington DC is a veritable winter wonderland – just ask the locals! During the winter, everything becomes just a little bit more magical, and there are plenty of winter-themed activities and events to enjoy. For example, there’s the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace, held in early December. It’s a delightful tradition that goes back as far as 1923! The National Zoo lights up year after year for some of the best ZooLights display in the nation, and we also really love shopping around the downtown holiday markets, which are typically located in front of the Smithsonian Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Head to Union Station for some shopping that will make you feel like you’ve landed in a Hallmark holiday movie. You should also check out the holiday boat parade on the Potomac River!  

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