12 Holiday Things to Do in Georgetown

Georgetown GLOW, the region’s only free outdoor light art experience, is back this winter for some mega-watt merriment. Five works will be lit from 5 pm – 10 pm nightly, Saturday, November 26, 2022 – Sunday, January 22, 2023. The signature winter event is organized by the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID), and features artists with a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. Walking tours, GLOW-themed yoga and Pilates, a silent disco, late-night shopping and more will be featured throughout the two-month event.

Bust out your best dance moves alongside the GLOW light art installation, Butterfly Effect, at a free silent disco on Friday, December 9 from 6 pm – 10 pm on the lawn of Grace Episcopal Church (1041 Wisconsin Ave NW). DC Circulator’s Winter Wonder Bus will be parked out front from 6 pm – 8 pm, offering an interactive, festive experience inside the bus, plus giveaways and a photo contest. Across the street, Georgetown Park is also transforming Grace Street Plaza into a holiday wonderland of 15,000+ multicolored lights and décor. At the Pinstripes entrance of the Plaza, don’t miss the perfect photo op under an oversized holiday ornament. Get a free photo taken under the ornament on Dec. 9 from 5 pm – 7 pm, and enjoy free Mama’s Donut Bites until 10 pm.

That same night, more than 20 of Georgetown’s restaurants, retail shops, and hotels are staying open late and offering promotions and events as part of a special Georgetown GLOW Shopping Night.

This year, we’ve got five new holiday gift guides, curated with some of Georgetown’s most unique finds. Whether you’re buying on a budget (’cause, you know, inflation), splurging, or looking for something unexpected, we have you – and your shopping lists – covered.

Join the Georgetown BID for a fun-filled evening of glow-in-the-dark fitness on Thursdays from 6 pm – 7 pm, Dec. 8 – Jan. 19. The weekly Pilates and yoga classes will taught by local studio instructors at 2904 M St NW. Neon tape will be provided; please bring a yoga mat. Classes are $8 and all proceeds will benefit Georgetown Ministry Center’s mission to find lasting solutions to homelessness. RSVP below for the class(es) you’d like to attend.

Georgetown Main Street is joining a city-wide holiday promotion called DC Holiday Lights, Nov. 18 – Jan. 8. Dozens of businesses along Wisconsin Avenue will be decorating their storefronts for the holidays, competing for awards for Most Creative Use of Lights, Most Colorful Display, Best Window Display, Most Georgetown, Best Use of Merchandise, Best of Show, and Best Corporate Display. The public will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award!

Kick off your holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday – a day dedicated to supporting local small businesses and strengthening and celebrating communities across the country. Support local on November 26 with more than 25 special promotions, from discounts, to raffles and gifts with purchase.

Every winter, Washington Harbour’s fountain (3050 K Street NW) transforms into DC’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. General admission and private rentals are both available. Whether you’re there with the little ones, on a holiday date night, or entertaining relatives visiting from out of town, it’s arguably the most picturesque rink in the district.

On Saturday, December 10 from 12 pm – 3 pm, Georgetown Main Street is hosting the Georgetown Cookie Tour. Shop our local businesses and build your own holiday cookie box as you go, with treats from our local bakeries. Get your tour tickets in advance!

Save yourself a plane ticket and head to Georgetown to shop the Holiday Market in the Four Seasons Hotel courtyard, Friday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 18. The European-inspired outdoor stalls will feature gifts and culinary offerings created by local artisans, benefiting Children’s National Hospital – with musical entertainment, light and snow displays, and a hot chocolate bar on Fridays – Sundays.

Why yes, we will have that third Poinsettia cocktail! Make a night (or weekend) of it in Georgetown with one of our hotel’s holiday packages.

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown’s Family Holiday Traditions package features overnight premier suite accommodations, breakfast credit, a gingerbread decorating kit, complimentary in-house movie with snacks, and complimentary valet parking. Relax at the spa with a Holiday Time Resist Facial, or enjoy cocktails and gourmet s’mores by the fire in the cozy Living Room.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC’s Staycation package includes a room upgrade, a festive welcome amenity, overnight valet parking, guaranteed late check-out and a special offer on spa services. A complimentary dog package will ensure your furry friends feel at home, too.

We’re ready for you, Candace Cameron Bure. Throughout the entire season, holiday wreaths on every lamp post and lights along every rooftop make Georgetown one of the city’s most festive neighborhoods.

Pipers piping, drummers drumming, you know the drill. Whether you’re planning an end-of-year happy hour with co-workers, holiday date night, or entertaining out-of-town guests, Georgetown has live music and nightlife to carry you into the next morning – and new year.

Blues Alley, America’s oldest continuing jazz supper club, has a full calendar of world-class musicians every month, including several seasonally inspired holiday shows.

For a straight-up sing-along, head to Georgetown Piano Bar and watch two of the area’s best pianists duel it out and get the place on its feet. Sweet Caroline followed by Last Christmas, anyone?

If music isn’t moving you, but you don’t want to go home just yet, Pizzeria Paradiso offers a slew of old-school arcade games that feel like the best blast from the past – paired with a craft beer or glass of wine, as a bonus.