The December Events in DC You Won’t Want to Miss
December means one thing: the holiday season is in full force. The December events in DC will have you feeling festive in no time – holiday light festivals, acrobatics on ice, and chic New Years celebrations are just a few things we are most excited for. Despite the cold temps, a lot of the December events that take place are outdoors. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and get ready for a month full of holiday festivities!
Cirque de Soleil: Crystal
Cirque de Soleil is coming to DC with a breakthrough ice experience you do not want to miss: Crystal. This will be the first acrobatic performance on ice, featuring world-class ice skaters and acrobats. Crystal will take you down her path of self-discovery through incredible choreography, visual projections, and a unique soundtrack. There are several performances throughout the course of the weekend, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience this incredible show. The Cirque de Soleil never disappoints, and we have a feeling Crystal will be next-level great.
When: December 5th – 9th
Where: Capitol One Arena
Cost: Tickets begin at $49
International Spy Gala – New Year’s Eve Party
Put on your best secret agent outfit and ring in the new year at the International Spy Gala. This black-tie optional, open-bar event will be one of the most lavish and entertaining New Year’s Eve parties in the District. Enjoy the dance floor with a live band, six DJ’s, gold SPY girls, and male SPY dancers. The venue will be decked out with ice sculptures, two balloon drops, party favors, and more. There are various ticket levels, all of which include access to the premium open bar as well as a champagne toast at midnight. A buffet dinner or a seated dinner is available as well, depending on which ticket you purchase. Dance the night away with friends or a loved one to start 2019 off right.
When: December 31st | SPY Party Admission: 9 PM | Late SPY Party Admission: 10:30 PM | VIP Admission: 6:30 PM
Where: Washington Plaza Hotel
Cost: Tickets begin at $110
Downtown Holiday Market
Nothing will get you into festive spirits more than enjoying the Downtown Holiday Market (DHM). Wander through this pop-up shopping village to take care of all your holiday shopping needs while enjoying seasonal entertainment, snacks, and festive treats. This year’s DHM will feature over 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods. Exhibitors rotate over the course of the month, bringing a different selection of goods to the market every day. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more are just a few of the diverse products you will find here.
When: Daily through December 23rd | 12 – 8 PM
Where: 8th and F Street NW
Cost: Free Entry | Prices Vary by Vendor
ZooLights
Wander through DC this time of year and you will be blown away by all of the holiday lights and decor throughout the city. While every decorated street corner helps keep us in the holiday spirit, nothing beats the ZooLights. The Smithsonian National Zoo does not hold back. They transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland with more than 500,000 lights, two laser light shows, and live music performances. Snack on winter treats while wandering through the various attractions – gingerbread village, grump holiday market, reindeer games fun zone, and more. ZooLights is the perfect family-friendly outing this holiday season.
When: Daily through January 1st | 5 – 9 PM
Where: National’s Park
Cost: Free
Georgetown GLOW
Wandering through the historic streets of Georgetown is always enjoyable. Wandering through Georgetown GLOW is even better. Georgetown GLOW is an outdoor public light art experience. There are 11 different exhibits, all of which are worth checking out. There are a variety of walking tours available over the next month to help create the most memorable GLOW experience. GLOW-inspired history, holiday food and beverage, and photo safari tours are all offered. The tours vary in cost, but all of the exhibits can be viewed separately from the tours at any point during the month of GLOW.
When: Daily Through January 6th | 5 – 10 PM
Where: Locations Vary Throughout Georgetown | See Map
Cost: Free | Various Paid Tours Offered