The annual National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place Friday, Dec. 6, but the decorated tree will be on display in front of the White House at 17th and D Streets, NW throughout the season. There is music by the tree most evenings throughout the month, and Santa's Workshop will be open, as well. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
What's a holiday season without Clara, Fritz, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince? This year's performance of "The Nutcracker," from The Washington Ballet, will run Dec. 5 through Dec. 29 at The Warner Theatre on 13th Street, NW. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images
Zoo Lights is free and fun for the whole family. The National Zoo illuminates its grounds with twinkly lights and animal displays every night Nov. 29 to Jan. 1. The annual event also includes holiday entertainment and seasonal attractions, such as the GIN-GRR-BREAD contest and tubing down Lion/Tiger Hill. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)
WTOP/Megan Cloherty
Drive through Bull Run Park Nov. 20 through Jan. 5 for the Festival of Lights: almost 2.5 miles of light displays set to music. When you're done with the lights, head on over to the park's Holiday Village for seasonal food, a bonfire, carnival rides and more. (Courtesy Bull Run Festival of Lights)
Courtesy Bull Run Festival of Lights
If you're looking to show off your triple axle, there is no shortage of outdoor ice rinks popping up throughout the D.C. area. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is home to an ice rink, as is the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood with its Canal Park Ice Rink. National Harbor and the Washington Harbour in Georgetown also have rinks up this season. (WTOP/Brennan Haselton)
WTOP/Brennan Haselton
The National Harbor is chock-full of special events for the holiday season -- from the Harbor Light Show to holiday fireworks, carousel rides with Santa, ice skating, and yes, a water skiing Santa. Dates and times of the events vary, so check the website for details. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
The D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' annual Festival of Lights is one of the region's biggest holiday traditions. The temple's grounds are decorated with 600,000 lights. There are also live performances each night throughout the season. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
WTOP/Michelle Basch
Hear the "Hallelujah" chorus performed by a Baroque-period orchestra and the Cathedral's combined boy, girl, and men's choirs at the National Cathedral's production of Handel's "Messiah," Dec. 7-9. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Middleburg is known as one of the area's most beautiful historic towns, and its Christmas celebration reflects its beauty and tradition. Christmas in Middleburg includes a craft fair, hayrides, a Christmas parade, a wine crawl and other activities for kids and families, Dec. 6-7. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
