Christmas wishes for in-laws USA families love to send at the holidays carry warmth, gratitude, and a little American cheer. Whether you are writing to your mother-in-law in Texas, your father-in-law in Ohio, or your brother-in-law and sister-in-law across the country, the right words can make the family dinner feel even closer. This list brings together heartfelt, funny, and short messages made for American homes, snowy mornings, and long drives home for Christmas. In-laws become family in the truest sense at Christmas. They welcome you to the table, share treasured recipes, cheer for the same football team, and help trim the tree. A thoughtful wish thanks them for that welcome and tells them how much their love means through the year. Use these 45 wishes in a card, a text, a holiday letter, or a toast at the table. Pick one that fits your family, add a personal line about a shared memory, and send it early so it arrives before the turkey is carved and the eggnog is poured. Last up...
Christmas in Washington DC is one of the most magical holiday experiences in America. Every December, the nation's capital glows with thousands of lights, the National Christmas Tree shines on the White House lawn, and museums, theaters, and markets fill the season with festive cheer.
What makes Christmas in Washington DC special is the variety: the tree lighting one evening, skating by the National Gallery the next morning, a European-style market by afternoon. Many of the best experiences are free, making the capital a surprisingly budget-friendly destination.
This guide rounds up the 15 best things to do at Christmas in Washington DC in 2026: iconic traditions, light displays, family adventures, shows, and free picks.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Jump to: DC Christmas Classics | Lights & Markets | Family Fun | Shows & Traditions | Planning Tips | FAQ
Must-See DC Christmas Classics
The signature experiences that define Christmas in Washington DC.
1. See the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse. Lit every year since 1923, the National Christmas Tree anchors the holiday season, with 58 smaller trees honoring every state and territory forming the Pathway of Peace. Visit after dark for nightly musical performances.
2. Attend the National Menorah lighting ceremony. One of the world's largest menorahs stands on the Ellipse across from the tree, and its Hanukkah lighting ceremony with live music is a uniquely Washington moment.
3. Visit the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Donated by a different national forest each year, the tree is decorated with handmade ornaments from the donating state's schoolchildren. Its early-December lighting on the West Lawn pairs well with an evening monuments walk.
4. Admire the Norwegian Christmas tree at Union Station. Norway's annual gift tree towers in the station's grand Main Hall beneath 96-foot ceilings, near shops and cafes for gifts and warm drinks.
Christmas Lights, Markets & Nighttime Fun
When the sun sets, the city turns electric. The best places to shop, stroll, and soak up the sparkle.
5. Shop the DowntownDC Holiday Market. In Penn Quarter in front of the National Portrait Gallery, the city's flagship market hosts dozens of local vendors, live musicians, and food stalls serving hot cocoa. Admission is free.
6. Wander Georgetown GLOW. This free outdoor exhibition of light-art installations spreads through the city's oldest neighborhood each December: perfect for a romantic evening walk.
7. Explore Enchant at Nationals Park. Enchant turns the stadium into a Christmas light maze with an artisan market, ice rink, and photo spots everywhere. Book early, since peak December weekends sell out.
8. Ice skate at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Skating among monumental sculptures with the National Mall as your backdrop is one of America's most scenic rinks, with the Pavilion Cafe steps away.
9. Watch the Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf. Dozens of boats strung with lights parade along the Washington Channel every December, past waterfront fire pits and restaurants. A festive free event.
Family-Friendly Christmas Adventures
Made for young holiday fans, though adults will love these just as much.
10. Experience ICE! at Gaylord National. At National Harbor, this walk-through attraction is carved from over two million pounds of ice, with provided parkas to keep you warm. Reserve timed tickets in advance.
11. Visit Mount Vernon by Candlelight. George Washington's estate glows with candlelight and colonial greenery on select December evenings, with costumed interpreters and period music. It sells out fast.
12. Stroll ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo. ZooLights turns the park into a glowing wonderland of LED animal displays and live music. The event is free, though passes are required on busy nights.
Festive Shows & Seasonal Traditions
Cap off your trip with a classic performance or a meaningful tradition.
13. See A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theatre. Dickens' tale in this historic theater is a DC institution running late November through December, and the intimate space has no bad seats.
14. Enjoy The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre. The Washington Ballet's Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky's masterpiece to the gorgeous Warner Theatre each December. A wonderful first ballet for kids and a classic date night.
15. Attend a Christmas concert at Washington National Cathedral. The Gothic cathedral hosts candlelit concerts, choir performances, and an annual nativity scene all season, many of them free.
Planning Your Christmas in Washington DC
Christmas in Washington DC with Kids
Plan one big experience per day, such as Enchant or ICE!, and fill gaps with free sights like the National Christmas Tree and Smithsonian museums.
Romantic Christmas in DC for Couples
Georgetown GLOW and The Wharf at night are made for hand-in-hand strolls. Add the Willard Hotel's legendary lobby decorations and a drink at its historic Round Robin Bar.
Free Things to Do at Christmas in DC
The National Christmas Tree, National Menorah, Georgetown GLOW, the DowntownDC Holiday Market, the Capitol tree, ZooLights, and the Boat Parade all cost nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington DC a good place to spend Christmas?
Yes. Iconic traditions, free museums, festive markets, and shows for every taste, with smaller December crowds than summer.
Do I need tickets for the National Christmas Tree lighting?
The televised ceremony needs free lottery tickets from the National Park Service. The tree itself is free to visit every evening through early January.
Does it snow in Washington DC at Christmas?
Possible but not guaranteed. December highs average in the low 40s Fahrenheit, so pack layers without counting on a white Christmas.
Are museums open on Christmas Day?
Most Smithsonian museums close on December 25. Plan indoor sightseeing for surrounding days; outdoor sights stay open.
How many days do I need?
Three days is ideal: one for the Mall and the tree, one for markets and Georgetown, and one for ICE! or Mount Vernon.
What is the best way to get around?
Take the Metro and walk. Downtown parking is stressful in December, while the Metro reaches all the key sights easily.
More Christmas Inspiration
Planning the rest of your holiday season? These guides will help:
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