This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

2012 DC Area Holiday Events Guide

Check out these great holiday events in and around DC.

  • Where/When: National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., Washington, DC). Nov. 23-25, 30; Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-23, 26-30; and Jan. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. (The zoo is still open during the day, but the lights won't necessarily be on.)
  • Why Go: See the zoo in a whole new light, with fun, colorful light displays throughout the zoo, holiday music, zoo tubing, hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps and other seasonal drinks and snacks (for purchase), and more.
  • Price: Free to see the lights. (Parking is $9 for members and $16 for non-members.)

"Season's Greenings" at the United States Botanic Garden

  • Where/When: United States Botanic Garden (100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC). Seasonal displays Nov. 22 through Jan. 1 during regular opening hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week).
  • Why Go: See a beautiful, seasonal display of model trains and miniature Washington, DC, buildings made out of natural materials (i.e., wood and resin) throughout the garden. Enjoy a display of poinsettias in colors ranging from classic reds to pink, speckled and white. 
  • Price: Free.

Cathedral Creche Exhibition at Washington National Cathedral

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Where/When: Washington National Cathedral (3100 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC). The creche exhibit is open daily, Nov. 19 through Jan. 21. The cathedral is open for touring Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays, from 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Why Go: See dozens of miniature creches from around the world, each one unique. Allocate plenty of time to see the creches—they are small, but there are many!
  • Price: Free.

Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord National Resort

  • Where/When: Gaylord National Resort (201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD). Nov. 16 through Jan. 6.
  • Why go: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls features life-sized ice sculptures in the shape of all your favorite DreamWorks characters and five tall slides made from ice.
  • Nightly Tree Lighting Show: The hotel atrium comes to life each night at 6:30 p.m. with festive holiday music, dancing fountains, indoor snowfall and the lighting of a 60-foot tall Tree of Light.
  • Northern Lights: Each evening, from 6 p.m. to midnight, visitors may gaze up at 150-foot light curtains that recreate the Northern Lights.
  • Price: Some events are free, but tickets for Shrek the Halls range from $15.99 to $29.99 and should be purchased in advance. Visit the Gaylord National website to purchase tickets and learn more about the events.

Mormon Temple Festival of Lights

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?