Other than New York City, the only other city that I’ve spent more Christmases in is Washington D.C. While New York City is a magical place when it comes to the holidays, D.C. actually has a ton to offer. Throughout the years, we’ve spent a good amount of time during the holidays exploring the nation’s capital. While the famous landmarks like the monuments, the numerous Smithsonian museums, and the White House are always a draw, here are three distinctly holiday activities that’s fun for the entire family.

Every year, the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) has a Season’s Greetings Holiday display. It typically runs from late November to the first of January. The Holiday Display features model trains and the Conservatory is filled with poinsettias as well as D.C. landmarks made from plants. Admission to the USBG is free and this is a great mostly-indoors activity for the entire family. We came as a full group of adults and absolutely loved it. Here are some photos from the 2020 display.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute runs Zoo Lights from late November through the end of the year. When we spent Christmas in DC in 2020, they weren’t doing the event. But in 2022, they were so I quickly booked us tickets. Entrance to Zoo Lights is completely free, but you do have to get a pass on their website. Passes typically drop 2 weeks in advance and it does get pretty crowded so make sure you book as soon as you can! Zoo Lights features live music performances and environmentally friendly LED lights and glowing animal lanterns.

The Downtown DC Holiday Market, located just outside the National Portrait Gallery, is open all December long. You can find stalls filled with local made art, jewelry, ornaments, winter scarves, and gloves. They also have a delicious churro stand as well as hot cider and coffee to keep you warm. When you’re done with the Holiday Market, head over to the National Gallery to take in all the amazing paintings and portraits.