Best Things to Do in December in Washington

Old Town Alexandria's history is rich with Scottish heritage. As a way to pay tribute, the town hosts an annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend filled with activities everyone can enjoy. Take the kids to the George Washington Masonic Memorial Temple in the morning for Deck the Halls, an event featuring arts and crafts, music and a visit from Santa. Come back in the evening for a Scottish tasting menu featuring beer, wine and light fare. The biggest draw is the parade which features more than 100 marching units filled with tartans of Scottish clans, the haunting cries of the bagpipes, and re-enactment groups. METRO: King St.- Old Town

Washington, D.C. no longer has an official New Year's firework celebration. (We are still scratching our head over this one.) Fear not because a nearby Virginia town has answered the call to see those bright colors burst in the sky. First Night Alexandria is one of the best family-friendly celebrations around. Local venues turn their buildings into performance venues to showcase local and regional talent. More than 100 performances including musicians to artists will take place before the spectacular fireworks display on the Potomac River at the foot of King Street. METRO: King St.- Old Town

With Neo-Gothic design harking back to centuries long ago, the Washington National Cathedral is a beautiful structure to behold especially during the holidays. The church offers several programs to celebrate the birth of Christ. In the past, they have hosted performances of G. F. Handel's 'Messiah' performed by the Cathedral Choir and resident Baroque orchestra joined by renowned soloists from around the world. They have also hosted an annual live simulcast worship service with the cathedral congregation and the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, Palestine. Christmas Eve and Day offer beautiful services to attend featuring readings from Holy Scripture and instrumental music. METRO: Tenleytown/AU

All of these joyful holiday events are enough to drive Ebenezer Scrooge mad so come see him transform from his mean, old ways thanks to visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' presented at Ford's Theatre. The musically-infused play, a theatre tradition for more than 35 years, would surely bring a smile to even Scrooge's harsh face. While taking in the annual holiday show, make sure to explore the history of the venue which was the site of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. Metro: Gallery Place, Metro Center or Archives/Navy Memorial.

In 1787, George Washington brought a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain his guests. During the Christmas season, patrons will be able to meet a camel at Old Hickory's home. How many other places offer that during holiday time? Their Christmas Illuminations show, set for Dec. 17 and 18, is not to be missed as wintry lights and sparkling fireworks bath the home in a beautiful array of colors. For an event closer to what George and Martha experienced, see the home by candlelight where tours are offered discussing holiday traditions during the 18th century. METRO: Huntington Station

There will be no need to cruise around your neighborhood to see holiday lights after a visit to this event because all others will pale in comparison. Enchant Christmas, running from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2, features thousands of dazzling light displays geared around the story of a little elf who is looking for eight toys he lost and needs to return to Santa in time for the big night. Folks can ice skate along an illuminated trail, stock up on gourmet holiday treats in their village and meet the Big Man himself to convey your wishes for the holiday season in person. METRO: Navy Yard

Once you see poinsettias, you know the holiday season is upon us so why not head to a place that knows how to make beautiful plant displays? The U.S. Botanic Garden remains closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but they have decided to host an outdoor holiday display similar to their beloved annual Season's Greenings event. Running from Nov. 24 to Jan. 2, the outdoor gardens will feature G-gauge trains, festive decorations, lights and evergreens. If you have a Thomas the Train fan in your house, you can usually find him or one of his friends huffing and chuffing down the tracks. Patrons will also see smaller versions of familiar landmarks like The White House, Capitol and Lincoln Memorial but be sure to look close because they are made out of plants. METRO: Federal Center

As a way to celebrate Jewish heritage and religious freedom, The White House welcomes thousands of people to the Ellipse on the first day of Chanukah to witness the lighting of the world's largest menorah. The Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a celebration honoring the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. A candle is lit on the menorah each night for eight days. The event, this year set for Nov. 28, features musical performances as well as activities for the entire family to enjoy. METRO: Federal Triangle/Metro Center

The lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse dates back nearly 100 years. In 1923, First Lady Grace Coolidge allowed the District of Columbia Public Schools to erect a tree on the White House lawn. On Christmas Eve, a crowd watched as President Calvin Coolidge pressed a button and lit the 48-foot Balsam fir. Today, the event, set for Dec. 2, has evolved into a huge event complete with big-name performers on hand to sing holiday favorites and a countdown used to light the live tree which is maintained by the National Park Service. If you can't make it to the show, don't worry. You can still see the tree on President's Park throughout the holiday season. METRO: Federal Triangle/Metro Center

The hotel and convention center annually presents this festive event featuring a bevy of activities that will get you in the holiday spirit. The 2021 theme is 'I Love Christmas Movies' which puts guests right in the middle of beloved scenes from five cherished films. Stand on the front porch of The Griswolds' festively lit home. Say hi to Mr. Narwhal from 'Elf' or see hot chocolate time aboard 'The Polar Express.' Be sure to check out the bevy of additional activities including 'The Greatest Story' stage show, a light show in the atrium, ice skating and bumper cars. Once you come, you will understand why participants are made up of both hotel guests and locals. METRO: Branch Avenue