Guide to the Holidays in Georgetown: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

Written by
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions.
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Rachel Cooper

Updated 02/26/20

Washington, D.C.’s historic Georgetown neighborhood is a premier destination for holiday shopping, dining, decorations, and festive events.

Georgetown is located in Washington, D.C. north of the Potomac River just across the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and is accessible by the DC Circulator bus.

During the months of November and December, visitors can stroll along the quiet sidewalks of Georgetown, take a self-guided tour of the festively decorated merchant windows, or attend one of the holiday events attract so many to visit this D.C. suburb at this time of year.

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Walk Through the Georgetown GLOW Installations

Georgetown will be aglow this holiday season with an innovative exhibition of light-art installations and lighting of major structures. The neighborhood-wide public art exhibition will take place from Dec. 6, 2019, to Jan. 5, 2020, and feature the work of local, regional, and international light artists in public and privately-owned spaces.

The site-specific works will use light in unique ways, transforming spaces along M Street, Book Hill, Wisconsin Avenue, Washington Harbour, and in-office building plazas south of M Street. Businesses in the area will also be open late so you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment all throughout your visit.

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Try the Daily Holiday Cocktail at The Living Room

Celebrating the holidays with 25 Days of Cocktails, The Living Room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is switching up their bar menu. Like an advent calendar for cocktail-lovers, each day will feature a new holiday-themed recipe from Dec. 1 until Christmas. Keep an eye out for drinks that embrace the holiday flavors like the Spiked Hot Chocolate or the Christmas Negroni.

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Skate Around a Fountain

Every winter the fountain in Washington Harbour is frozen into D.C.'s largest outdoor skating rink. The 11,800-square-foot rink is open every day from mid-November to mid-March and has various theme nights like Rock the Rink or Cartoon Skate. On top of all that, you'll be able to skate with views of the Potomac.

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Celebrate the Holidays Like a Swede

To see how the Swedish celebrate the winter holidays, head to the SWEA Bazaar at the House of Sweden. The bazaar will showcase items like books, textiles, glassware, bread, delicacies, and more from Sweden. The event will be held on Dec. 8 and ends with carols performed by the Swedish St. Lucia Procession.

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