Holiday Events in Washington D.C., Northern Virginia & Baltimore

For those of you celebrating Christmas in the capital this year, we’ve compiled a collection of attractions you won’t want to miss.

Christmas Events in DC and Shows to See

Handel’s Messiah as performed by the National Symphony Orchestra can be heard through December 18th at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The NSO updates their take on the classic every year. This year’s version includes four gifted singers and the University of Maryland concert choir. Come back to The Kennedy Center from December 20th through the 22nd for the Washington Chorus’s A Candlelight Christmas. With beautiful instrumentals, singalongs and special guests, you’ll enjoy this celebration of classics and grand arrangements.

Another traditional favorite, The Nutcracker, is being performed through early Christmas Eve at the Warner Theatre. Featuring The Washington Ballet, Clara’s dreamy Christmas adventure is brought to life with tremendous displays of skill and grace.

The National Theatre hosts Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical through the end of the year. This live-action performance of the animated classic features narration from Max the Dog as the too-small-hearted Grinch gets a lesson on the spirit of Christmas.

Places to Be for Christmas Events in DC

Visiting the National Christmas Tree located at The Ellipse near the White House is a great way to celebrate the holiday. Live entertainment including choirs, bands and dancers is on site throughout the season. You’ll also see trees from every state and territory, a large-scale model train, a Christmas manger and much more.

Speaking of model trains, check out the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Season’s Greenings. Their unique exhibits include trains and detailed replicas of Washington DC’s most famous areas, monuments and buildings. With updated models and new themes every year, there’s always something new to see.

Gaylord National Resort’s ICE returns in 2016 with the new theme Christmas Around the World. It showcases holiday traditions from a variety of nations and offers attractions including a Christmas town square, Santa’s sleigh, a carousel ride and more.

Through January 1st, The National Zoo’s ZooLights offers an impressive experience with thousands of sparkling animated lights, indoor animal exhibits, a model train display and live entertainment featuring musical performances and other festive treats. Admission for this event is free.

Christmas Events in DC For a Shopping Spree

Shopping itself can be quite the holiday adventure. Union Station’s gorgeously decked halls and variety of shops would be enough to recommend the experience, but they also feature a variety of events and entertainment throughout the season.

The Downtown Holiday Market on F Street is another venue that should be on your Christmas shopping list. With a variety of clothing, jewelry, fine arts and crafts, you’ll find plenty of unique gifts handcrafted with care.

Baltimore Christmas Music Events

Jingle Bell Rock the night away with live music performances. On December 18th, you can take in The LOU RAWLS Experience Holiday Concert at Forest Park Senior Center. That same night, contemporary Christian singers Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant bring their Christmas concert tour to Royal Farms Arena. Then, Baltimore-based singer-songwriter Cris Jacobs and friends invite you (if you’re 21 or older) to celebrate A Very Jerry Christmas December 22nd and 23rd at The 8×10 in Federal Hill.

Christmas 2016 Baltimore Attractions

Through December 31st, the B&O Railroad Museum is transporting visitors on the Magical Holiday Express. Discover a fun-filled festival for the family with train rides, model trains, holiday activities and colorful characters. The museum–located in Baltimore City’s historic southwest neighborhood–is where American railroading was born. Fridays through Sundays and December 26th through 29th, the museum’s Ellicott City Station located on Maryland Avenue has its own celebration with the Holiday Festival of Trains.

If you prefer your entertainment on rails to have a few more thrills, Six Flags America’s Holiday in the Park has you covered (but you will have to travel outside of the Baltimore area). Every weekend and select days through January 2nd, holiday festivities including millions of lights, colorful Christmas characters, seasonal treats and much more are in store for visitors to the park in Upper Marlboro.

Other Christmas in Baltimore Events

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company shifts the Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” to 19th-century Baltimore. The move places Scrooge and Marley’s business in the same landmark building where the theater troupe performs at 7 S. Calvert Street. Catch the classic tale Charm City-style now through December 23rd.

Maybe a two-hour trolley tour is more your speed? You’re in luck! The Holly Jolly Trolley Tour lets you sit back, relax and enjoy the seasonal sights in Canton, Fells Point and Harbor East before wrapping things up with the dazzling displays at the Miracle on 34th Street in Hampden. Rides are available through January 1st.

This is just a sampling of Christmas events happening around Baltimore in 2016. As always, if you (or Santa) need somewhere to stash presents leading up to the big day, ezStorage can help! We have facilities located throughout Baltimore and a team of self-storage professionals who are ready to assist you. Happy Holidays, Baltimore!

Christmas Storage Needs

If you’ve run out of room in the closets and under the beds, ezStorage can help you find a place for your new items this holiday season. We have self-storage locations throughout the Washington D.C. area, and our self-storage professionals are standing by to answer your self-storage storage questions about unit size, features like climate-controlled storage and more. Happy Holidays from your neighbors at ezStorage!