Skate at the National Sculpture Garden
Whether you’re a first-time skater or a veteran of the ice, the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden is an amazing and scenic place to learn for the first time or refresh your skating prowess. In the backdrop, take a walk in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden which features famous and inspirational sculptures, or go inside the National Gallery of Art to see works by Raphael, Leonardo DaVinci, Monet, VanGogh and Picasso. Other options for ice skating in the area include the year-round indoor Cabin John Ice Rink and Rockville Town Center Outdoor Ice Skating.
Important Info:
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
The rink may close for rain or extreme temperatures
Closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Closes for the season in early March.
Admission: Adults (13+) $12, skate rental $6. Admission covers two 45-minute skate sessions, which start at the beginning of each hour.
Tickets are sold only at the rink
See the lights at Brookside Garden
The Brookside Gardens Garden of Lights returns as an outdoor experience of holiday lights. Visitors can walk through the one-half-mile exhibit, taking in the light show of over one million LED lights that form pictures of flowers, animals and other natural wonders. This year, a new curtain of lights shines overhead in the Azalea Garden, set to shine in time to holiday music. Personal photos are allowed and encouraged.
Important Info:
Hours: Daily 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Entry times are spaced apart every 30 minutes.
Open rain or shine.
Closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Closes for the season on Dec. 31.
Admission: $10 per person. All tickets must be purchased in advance online through the Eventbrite website.
Visit the “Season’s Greenings”
The United States Botanic Gardens, located adjacent to the Capitol building, features a festive display of plants and model trains in their annual holiday exhibit: “Season’s Greenings.” The exhibit includes DC landmarks like the US Capitol, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial made from plants. In addition to their normal hours, the gardens will be open for extended hours with holiday music until 8 pm on Dec. 21 and 28.
Important Info:
Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed on Dec. 25. Closes for season on Jan. 1.
Admission: Free. No tickets or advance registration required.
Experience a winter performance
Classics like Handel’s “Messiah” and Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” bring audiences winter cheer with their awe-inspiring soloists, ensembles, sights and sound. Handel’s Messiah tells the story of Jesus Christ through the form of an oratorio, similar to opera, while The Nutcracker tells the classical tale of a Nutcracker toy who comes to life. The two winter classics showcase classic winter-themed stories in an intimate setting that brings to life the feeling of the holidays.
Important Info:
Messiah showtimes: at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra and University of Maryland Choir
Friday, Dec. 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1:00 p.m.
Approximately 2hr 30min
Admission purchased online at the Kennedy Center website
Nutcracker showtimes: at the Warner Theatre with The Washington Ballet
Dec. 15 through Dec. 30, varying times
Approximately 2hr
Admission purchased online at the Washington Ballet website
