Your Guide to DC in December 2025

The lights are up, the air is crisp, and even the Grinches among us (me) can admit: December brings its own kind of glow. This month, I'm embracing hygge (hy-guh? he-gee?) and romanticizing D.C. like I'm in a cringey holiday rom-com. Because how else do you avoid the winter blues?

Here are our top picks for what to do in D.C. this December — and check out our podcast tomorrow, too!

Find a Niche Holiday Market

The Downtown and Dupont Holiday markets are great if you want an AI cutout of the Lincoln Memorial or a $12 mulled cider, but they can be lacking when it comes to unique goods or a neighborhood vibe. Instead, try the Congressional Cemetery Holiday Market (Dec. 7) or the Mt. Pleasant one (Dec. 14), which are smaller and more community focused.

Get In At Least One Good Laugh

The DMV is getting some big names in comedy this month including Roy Wood Jr., John Mulaney, and David Koechner. Think of the tickets like an investment against big winter sad.

Get a Strong Drink (Or Five)

D.C. Cocktail Week is from Dec. 1 - 7 and over a hundred D.C. bars and restaurants are serving discounted cocktails and featured pairings. I'm most excited about Tapori’s pineapple daiquiri and pani puri pairing.

Pretend You’re On Vacay at the US Botanical Gardens

A holiday in the Bahamas? Expensive, far, overdone. Visiting the Botanical Gardens Season's Greetings Exhibit? Original, free, freaking fantastic. Bask in the tropical room, watch the ornate model train exhibit, and check out dinosaurs made from plants.

Judge Other People's Holiday Lights

The best holiday lights are ones you didn’t put up yourself. Head to the famous bishop’s house on North Portal Drive, or walk the docks at The Wharf during the annual holiday boat parade. Or just stop by The Roost to see their Gingerbread Lane.

Intentionally Walk Every Day

A walk a day keeps the voices at bay. I’ve recently started going for a walk before work while it's still light out (I know, very mature of me) and it has (somewhat annoyingly) been life-changing. Daily walks have been proven to improve sleep, decrease stress, and have a plethora of other great benefits. Sigh.