Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C., December 19, 2025
This holiday season, Washington D.C. and Baltimore are bustling with festive events aimed at fostering community spirit and engagement. From the National Christmas Tree Lighting to the iconic Miracle on 34th Street, residents and visitors can partake in activities that celebrate local traditions and support businesses. With vibrant markets, light displays, and family-friendly experiences, these events create lasting memories and showcase the resilience of local communities during the winter break.
Winter Break Fun: Holiday Events in Baltimore MD and D.C.
A Festive Season of Civic Engagement and Community Spirit
This holiday season, the areas of Washington D.C. and Baltimore are alive with a myriad of festive events designed to bring joy and community togetherness. These celebrations showcase the resilience of local organizers and present opportunities for residents to come together, share in the holiday spirit, and support local businesses.
From dazzling light displays to cultural performances, the winter break is packed with activities that highlight the importance of community involvement and personal initiative. As fewer bureaucratic hurdles are faced by event organizers, the region continuously thrives on innovative celebrations that keep local traditions alive.
Washington D.C. Highlights
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The National Christmas Tree, located near the White House, stands as a central symbol of the holiday season in Washington D.C. The lighting ceremony took place on December 4, 2025, with the tree remaining illuminated each night through January 1, 2026. Visitors can enjoy the stunning display from sunset until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Downtown Holiday Market
From November 21 to December 23, 2025, the Downtown Holiday Market features over 115 local vendors showcasing unique gifts, delicious holiday treats, and live music. Located between 7th and 9th Streets NW, this market is ideal for those looking to enjoy a festive atmosphere while supporting local artisans.
ZooLights at the National Zoo
Transforming the National Zoo into a winter wonderland, ZooLights features stunning holiday lights, including life-sized animal lanterns. Running from the end of November through early January, this enchanting event is a wonderful experience for families and highlights local creativity.
Baltimore Highlights
Christmas Village in Baltimore
This year, the Inner Harbor is host to the Christmas Village, a traditional German-style market open until December 24, 2025. With over 65 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats, visitors can savor mulled wine or hot chocolate while browsing the festive wares.
Miracle on 34th Street
The iconic 700 block of 34th Street in Baltimore’s Hampden community continues its beloved tradition of elaborate holiday light displays. This impressive spectacle, which has been delighting families since 1947, attracts visitors from late November through late December, further emphasizing community spirit.
Washington Monument Lighting
On December 4, 2025, Baltimore’s Washington Monument shone brightly during its annual lighting ceremony, officially marking the beginning of the holiday season in the city. The event featured a holiday village and a fireworks display, drawing large crowds to Mount Vernon Place.
Additional Festive Activities
Hanukkah Celebrations
D.C. also offers a range of Hanukkah events, including the National Menorah Lighting on the White House Ellipse and various themed pop-up bars, known for their festive décor and holiday treats, fostering a sense of community celebration.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Embracing the festive spirit, D.C. hosts themed holiday pop-up bars offering unique seasonal experiences and creative cocktails through the end of 2025 and into early January. These venues serve as gathering spots for friends and families to rejoice in the season.
Winter City Lights
Located in nearby Olney, Maryland, Winter City Lights is another must-see. Featuring one million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres, the event runs from November 28 to December 29, 2025. It includes an enchanted 1.5-mile light trail, offering a delightful experience for all ages.
Conclusion
The D.C. and Baltimore areas are vibrant with holiday festivities, spotlighting the collective efforts of local community members who work diligently to create memorable seasonal events. As we dive deeper into winter break, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to engage with these enriching experiences. Supporting local events not only helps foster community spirit but also bolsters economic growth.
Get out there this holiday season and celebrate the joys of community, creativity, and togetherness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the National Christmas Tree remain lit?
The National Christmas Tree remains lit each night through January 1, 2026, with viewing hours from sunset until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
What is the Downtown Holiday Market?
The Downtown Holiday Market is a festive event running from November 21 to December 23, 2025, featuring over 115 local vendors offering unique gifts, holiday treats, and live music. Located between 7th and 9th Streets NW in Washington D.C., it provides a festive atmosphere for holiday shopping.
What is ZooLights at the National Zoo?
ZooLights transforms the National Zoo into a winter wonderland with stunning holiday lights, including life-sized animal lanterns. The event runs from the end of November through early January, offering a magical experience for families.
What is the Christmas Village in Baltimore?
The Christmas Village in Baltimore is a traditional German-style market running through December 24, 2025, at the Inner Harbor. It features over 65 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats, along with mulled wine and hot chocolate.
What is Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore?
Miracle on 34th Street is an annual holiday light display on the 700 block of 34th Street in Baltimore’s Hampden community. The display, which started in 1947, features elaborate holiday lights and decorations, attracting visitors from late November through late December.
Key Features of Holiday Events in the D.C. and Baltimore Area
| Event | Location | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Washington D.C. | December 4, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree near the White House, with viewing hours from sunset until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. |
| Downtown Holiday Market | Washington D.C. | November 21 – December 23, 2025 | Market featuring over 115 local vendors offering unique gifts, holiday treats, and live music, located between 7th and 9th Streets NW. |
| ZooLights at the National Zoo | Washington D.C. | End of November – Early January | Event transforming the National Zoo into a winter wonderland with stunning holiday lights, including life-sized animal lanterns. |
| Christmas Village in Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Through December 24, 2025 | Traditional German-style market at the Inner Harbor featuring over 65 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. |
| Miracle on 34th Street | Baltimore, MD | Late November – Late December | Annual holiday light display on the 700 block of 34th Street in Baltimore’s Hampden community, featuring elaborate holiday lights and decorations. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Baltimore County Police Launches Winter Clothing Drive
Governor Wes Moore Launches Maryland Community Business Compass
Festive Tours and Cruises Light Up Annapolis Harbor
Energizing Community Engagement Through Weekly Runs
7 Festive Activities to Embrace the Holiday Spirit in Baltimore County
Celebrate the Holidays with MPT’s Special Concert
Ellicott City Unites for Holiday Toy Drives to Support Local Children
UMB Holiday Craft Fair Celebrates Community and Local Artisans
Baltimore’s Shrimp and Gifts Unite Community in Holiday Cheer
Baltimore’s City Cruises Features Festive Holiday Events
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
