Merriment in Georgetown
Celebrate the holiday season with Merriment in Georgetown! We’re bringing ALL the cheer, from our annual Georgetown GLOW light art experience, to gift guides, holiday markets, outdoor ice skating, a community bonfire, cookie tour, a holiday lights competition, seasonal hotel and spa packages, and more. It’s a flurry of festive fun for the rest of the year.
Good Things Come in Small (Business) Packages
Georgetown is participating in Small Business Saturday – a day dedicated to supporting local small businesses and strengthening and celebrating communities across the country. More than 300 small businesses call Georgetown home, comprising 60% of the commercial district’s restaurants and retailers. They are the heart of this community, and they need your support more than ever. Take advantage of more than 25 great promotions and support local on November 26 (the first day of Georgetown GLOW!).
Light This Way
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, a GLOW-themed silent disco, late-night shopping and more will be featured throughout the two-month event.
The Opposite of Scrooge
We’re one ice carving competition away from a Hallmark Holiday movie come to life. 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. Take a stroll and enjoy the sights.
This year, Georgetown Main Street is once again 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!
Things that Aren't Coal
It’s the thought that counts – but sometimes you need help with your thoughts. This year, we have four 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 a unique experience that will get you out of the house, we have you and your shopping lists covered.
Sugar Plums, Etc.
When you want to trade in those candy canes for great cuisine, our holiday streateries and decked-out restaurants – featuring everything from heated patios, to fire pits, festive dining chalets, and 25 Days of Holiday Cocktails – are just what the tastebuds ordered.
On Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12 pm – 3 pm, you can also join 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!
Dash Around
Georgetown is full of unexpected cheer. On Friday evening, Dec. 9, more than 20 of Georgetown’s restaurants and retail shops are offering promotions, events, and/or extended hours as part of a special GLOW Shopping Night. After you’ve hit the stores, stop by the Grace Episcopal Church lawn (1041 Wisconsin Ave NW) from 6 pm – 10 pm and dance your heart out at a free silent disco. DC Circulator’s Winter Wonder Bus will be parked out front from 6 pm – 8 pm, offering an interactive experience inside the bus, plus giveaways.
Across the street, Georgetown Park is 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 from 6 pm – 8 pm.
Friday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 18, shop the Holiday Market in the Four Seasons Hotel courtyard. The European-inspired outdoor stalls feature gifts created by local artisans, benefiting Children’s National Hospital – with music, light and snow displays, and a hot chocolate bar on Fridays – Sundays.
Stay for the Season
Why yes, we will have that third glass of eggnog! Make a night (or weekend) of it with one of our hotel’s holiday packages. The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown’s Family Holiday Traditions package features overnight premier suite accommodations, breakfast credit, gingerbread decorating activity, complimentary in-house movie with snacks, and complimentary valet parking. 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.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Come experience DC’s largest outdoor skating rink at The Washington Harbour – now open for skating every day, including the holidays. Time to tee up those triple axels along the Potomac.
