The best things to do, see, and eat in Washington, D.C., for a festive getaway
See the nation's capital dressed up during the holidays, when neighborhood markets, historic landmarks, and waterfront restaurants take on a festive glow.
By Shayla Martin | September 10, 2026
The capital city of the United States takes on a special glow during the holidays, when neighborhood streets sparkle with lights, historic landmarks become part of the seasonal scenery, and restaurants roll out festive menus. Whether your ideal getaway involves shopping for handmade gifts, dressing up for a classic ballet, or lingering over dinner along the Potomac River, this guide rounds up some of the best seasonal experiences in Washington, with hotels conveniently located near each one.
In this article: Your guide to a festive weekend in Washington
To do: Shop, sip, and celebrate in downtown
To do: Shop, sip, and celebrate in downtown
Downtown Washington buzzes with excitement and festive energy during the holidays, when historic buildings get decked out in lush pine garlands, and the area around F Street fills with shoppers and twinkling lights. Start your winter experience at the DowntownDC Holiday Market, where local artists and makers offer everything from jewelry and artwork to tasty treats and pottery, making it easy to find something more unique than a typical souvenir. From there, walk to CityCenterDC to see its towering holiday tree, snowflake art installations, and 25-foot-tall (7.6-meter-tall) reindeer, all while shopping at high-end boutiques. Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown is an especially convenient home base just steps away from the holiday market and Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station. After a day of sightseeing and gift shopping, unwind with cocktails and light bites at Crimson View, the hotel’s rooftop lounge.
To see: Classic holiday magic near the National Mall
Few places are as emblematic of the holiday season in Washington as the National Mall, where monuments and museums take on a festive backdrop. Snap a photo of the nearby National Christmas Tree with the White House in the background, then find the smaller decorated tree that represents your home state. For something a little less expected, head to the U.S. Botanic Garden, where the space transforms with thousands of poinsettias, model trains, and holiday lights, or get dressed up for The Washington Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is the ideal base for exploring this sightseeing circuit, with a dedicated concierge ready to plan every detail of your stay and connect you to the hotel’s exclusive experiences. The Waldorf Astoria Spa, with its Himalayan salt therapy room, is also a welcome reset, while the atrium in Peacock Alley is made for lingering over afternoon tea.
To eat: Make The Wharf your holiday dining destination
At The Wharf, you can easily build an entire itinerary around food as you move from restaurant to restaurant, with the Washington Channel providing a calming backdrop along the way. For a special occasion, Del Mar brings Spanish coastal cooking to a nautically inspired setting, while Pink Tiger offers a more playful take on Southeast Asian flavors with dishes like crab curry bisque and gochujang short ribs. Keep an eye out for restaurants announcing special holiday menus; The Wharf has offered seasonal prix fixe meals, holiday cocktails, and New Year’s celebrations in previous years. A stay at Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf puts you about a seven-minute walk from the waterfront and also offers its own delectable dining options at L'Enfant Grill, where you’ll find locally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
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Shayla Martin
Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine, and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design, and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.
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