The days are getting shorter and the sun is setting earlier, but holiday lights are brightening the D.C. area as winter settles in. Between the beginning of Hannukah, ZooLights, the Holiday Boat Parade and endless markets, it's a good weekend to feel the spirit of the holidays.
— Holiday markets where you can pick up that special, locally made gift:
Downtown Holiday Market
Downtown Holiday Market
When: Through Dec. 23, noon to 8 p.m. daily Where: Downtown D.C., 8th and F Streets NWn What:The Downtown Holiday Market continues a 14-year wintertime tradition outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Over 150 exhibitors will help you fufill everyone's wishlist while you enjoy entertainment, snacks and treats.
Courtesy Theresa Cameron
When: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 to 9n Where: 4340 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DCn What:Van Ness Holiday Pop-Up Shop and Olde City Christmas Tree Farm is a one-stop shop for handmade gifts and your Christmas tree! Activities include gingerbread making, Santa photo ops and carolers.
NikdaPooh Designs
When: Dec. 7 to 9, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.n Where: The National Zoon What:GRUMP Holiday Market brings a slew of locally made goods to Zoolights. This is the only time a year when you can see a yeti at the zoo!
Courtesy Christmas in St. Michaels
When: Dec. 7 to 9n Where: St. Michaels, MDn What:Christmas in St. Michaels is a festive affair, with parties, parades and, of course, chances to buy locally made gifts. The market is at Granite Lodge on St. Mary's Square on Friday, noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Courtesy Unique Markets
When: Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.n Where: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DCn What:Unique Markets Holiday Pop-Up aims to give holiday shopping a festival-like atmosphere. Tickets start at $5 and include free drinks, DIY projects, photo booths, music and a tote bag."
Courtesy Adams Morgan Holiday Market
nWhen: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 to 9n Where: 18th Street at Columbia Road NW, Washington, DCn What:The Adams Morgan Day 2018 Holiday Market features more than 50 loval vendors. You can enjoy live carolers and entertainment, help decorate the Festivus kiosk or watch a 20-minute holiday program by the District Music Project on the steps on The Line hotel at 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Holiday Boat Parades: DC: Saturday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Wharf Alexandria: Activities start at 2 p.m.; Boat Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 p.m.
The waterfront holiday tradition is back! Whether you're on The Wharf or the Alexandria waterfront, enjoy a parade of decked-out boats floating through the Potomac.
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In Alexandria, you can view the boat parade from Founders Park, Alexandria City Marina, Waterfront Park, Shipyard/Harborside Park and Ford's Landing Park. Festivities and fun activities begin earlier in the day. Stop by Torpedo Factory Art Center between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. to meet Santa and catch live music. Dolci Gelati is rolling out a hot chocolate bar from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. If you fancy a drink, Vola's Dockside Grill and Port City Brewing will both have pop-ups from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On The Wharf, activities including a waterfront beer garden, s'mores and music start at 6 p.m. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. and fireworks go off at 8 p.m.
Miracle on Seventh Street, aka the Christmas bar, has reopened for the season. This year, the Shaw pop-up bar celebrates D.C.'s famous pandas and has a room designed to look like the inside of a New Year's Eve ball. It's free to enter. Specialty cocktails cost about $12.
Miracle on Seventh Street, aka the Christmas bar, has reopened for the season. This year, the Shaw pop-up bar celebrates D.C.'s famous pandas and has a room designed to look like the inside of a New Year's Eve ball.
Cooking demos, holiday movies, crafts and a crash course on the history of chocolate are sure to please anyone in the holiday mood this weekend. The event is free, except for film screenings.
National Harbor's wintertime wonderland is taking inspiration from Charlie Brown this year. Bundle up and check out colorful ice sculptures, ice slides, walk-through attractions and a full Nativity scene. Tickets are discounted when you buy in advance online. On Value Days, tickets start at $32 for adults. On General Admission days, including most Saturdays and Sundays, tickets are $38 for those over 12 and $31 for kids over 4 years old.
Stunning ice sculptures will transform into Charlie Brown and the gang at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, this holiday season. This year's theme, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," will feature scenes from the iconic Christmas special. ICE! will be open Nov. 16 through Jan. 1, 2019.
The One Loudon Center went all-out this year, bringing in more than a million lights building a Chinese-style pagoda, replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, and more. You'll find 77 different installations, as well as performances each night from acrobats, dancers and musicians, food available for purchase, and hands-on activities including calligraphy, portrait sketching and rice carving for all ages.
Lights of the World, Phoenix 2017
Lights of the World, Phoenix 2017
LightUP Fest is now illuminating the One Loudoun town center in Ashburn, Virginia, bringing brilliant displays comprised of from more than a million lights across 20 acres of land. Organizers say the exhibition is one of the largest on the East Coast and combines traditional Chinese lanterns with modern lighting technology. (Note: This image was taken in Phoenix in 2017 but features the same lights at One Loudoun.)
Tommy McFly
LightUp Fest features four major themes: Tour of Fantasy, Freedom America, Mysterious East and Magical World. The fest is open nightly through Jan. 2 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., but is dependent on weather. Organizers recommend you check LightUp Fest's Facebook page or website before heading out if you're unsure about the weather; any updates will be be posted by 3 p.m.
Tommy McFly
You'll find 77 different installations, as well as performances each night from acrobats, dancers and musicians, food available for purchase and hands-on activities including calligraphy, portrait sketching and rice carving for all ages.
Tommy McFly
Admission is $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids ages 3-12; kids younger than three get in free. Discounted family packages and special rates for students and seniors, and admission is free on Tuesdays for all first responders and active-duty military with proper ID. Parking is free.
Tommy McFly
The exhibition is outside, so dress warmly and wear proper footwear to walk on a field. Note that LightUp will open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 for a tree lighting.
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
The “Freedom America” light structures present various American landmarks such as the Capital Building, Mount Rushmore and the Stature of Liberty.
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Tommy McFly
Lights of the World, Phoenix 2017
(Note: This image was taken in Phoenix in 2017 but features the same lights at One Loudoun.)
Lights of the World, Phoenix 2017
(Note: This image was taken in Phoenix in 2017 but features the same lights at One Loudoun.)
Lights of the World, Phoenix 2017
(Note: This image was taken in Phoenix in 2017 but features the same lights at One Loudoun.)
Lights of the World, Phoenix 2017
(Note: This image was taken in Phoenix in 2017 but features the same lights at One Loudoun.)
Reserve a cozy igloo on the rooftop of the hotel to hang outside with your friends over food and drink.
Shomari Stone, NBCWashington
Each of the Watergate's four igloos is a 12-foot, heated dome.
The Watergate Hotel
Want to go all-out for a very special date? Rent the igloo and indulge in a menu of igloo bites including a cheese board, crab fritters and a ribeye to share. For more friendly nights, you could order drinks and snacks from The Next Whisky Bar, or try some of the hookah or cigar options.
The Watergate Hotel
Cute touches like stockings and faux-fur rugs complete the igloos' looks.
The Watergate Hotel
Of course, you can sip hot cocoa.
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
During their inaugural season, the igloos came in two varieties: winter, with a white color scheme, and romantic, with red hues.
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
The igloos will likely be open into March, a spokesperson from The Watergate said.
The Watergate Hotel
Roses and champagne? Looks like Valentine's Day already! Last season, the Watergate offered "Seduction" packages start at $375 for Canard Duchene Rosé and go up to $1000 if you like to drink Dom Pérignon Rosé for Cupid's holiday.
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel
When you're done with chocolate-covered strawberries, you can brave the cold to see The Watergate's view of D.C. and the Potomac.
The Watergate Hotel
Nearby, you could also take a spin on The Watergate's rooftop ice skating rink.
Ticketed daily through Jan. 13, 1238 Maryland Ave. SW
The interactive art space's newest exhibit takes you outside. Timed tickets cost $15 for adults.
Brittany Johnson
Brittany Johnson
A new take on nature has made its way to D.C.
Artechouse
New Nature, which is on display at Artechouse through Jan. 13, lets visitors interact with unique creatures using real-time movement and interactive technology.
Brittany Johnson
The creatures, plants and insects react to your movement and gestures through the Artechouse app, incorporating computer learning, responsive technology and music.
Brittany Johnson
Marpi, the Polish born, San Francisco artist behind the exhibit, was inspired to create the work of art through his own experience and love for gaming technology such as Super Mario Brothers.
Brittany Johnson
This is his first large-scale solo exhibition.
Brittany Johnson
There are four rooms to explore, including an LED kelp forest and 13 interactive terrarium stations.
Brittany Johnson
People of all ages are able to interact with the forever-morphing creatures.
Brittany Johnson
"I try to make things that are inclusive — and I think they should be. Interaction should be as natural as possible, the digital experience as real as any other. You’re being transported to a new environment, and you’re free. There’s no wrong move," digital artist Marpi said in a statement.
Brittany Johnson
The shapes of the creatures and colors also are forever-changing.
Brittany Johnson
This snake-like creature slithers along with you as you make your way into the next room.
Artechouse
Visitors will be able to get up close and personal at each of the stations in the terrarium room.
Brittany Johnson
The creatures are calm and cool until "disrupted" by your hand movements.
Brittany Johnson
Here's a close-up view.
Brittany Johnson
“You have to be playful to find something creative," Marpi said in a statement.
Brittany Johnson
Here's another view of the snake-inspired creature following a walking visitor.
Artechouse
During evening hours, visitors are able to bring their cocktails to life through augmented reality.
Brittany Johnson
Each photo you snap while visiting is certain to be unique.
Artechouse
What would you name this creature?
Artechouse
What about this monster-looking one?
Artechouse
Be prepared. As soon as you walk in the LED kelp room, the creatures will light up and react to you.
Brittany Johnson
Artechouse is located at 1238 Maryland Ave. SW. Go here for exhibit hours and ticket details. Don't forget to tag NBCWashington in your photos when you visit.
