An icicle walkway in Franklin Park, a 78-foot tree at CityCenter, and the zoo lit up after dark.
Fri Nov 13 – Sat Jan 9Frosted at Franklin ParkThousands of lights, an icicle walkway and giant snowflakes turn Downtown DC's largest park into a free winter walk.
Sat Nov 14CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting CelebrationA 78-foot tree goes dark to bright at CityCenter, with music, balloon artists and a countdown.
Fri Nov 20 – Sun Jan 3ZooLightsAnimal lanterns glow through the zoo's habitats, with hot cocoa and a winter maze along the way.Nothing in this guide matches that right now. Clear the filter to see every spot.
Sat Nov 14Open tonight
CityCenterDC Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
The 13th annual lighting of CityCenterDC’s 78-foot tree, with music, balloon artists, face painters and a countdown hosted by NBC4’s Eun Yang.
WHO Everyone
WhenSat Nov 14, 2026 · 5–7 PM (tree lighting 6 PM; rain date Nov 15)
WhereThe Park at CityCenter, 1098 New York Avenue NW, Washington
CostFree
Photo: CityCenterDC via citycenterdc.com
Fri Nov 13 – Sat Jan 9Open tonight
Frosted at Franklin Park
Thousands of lights, an icicle walkway, giant snowflakes and a glowing star turn Downtown DC’s largest park into a winter walk.
WHO Everyone
WhenNov 13, 2026 – Jan 9, 2027 · After dark (organizer lists 4:30 PM start)
WhereFranklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington
CostFree
Fri Nov 20 – Sun Jan 3Open tonight
ZooLights
Animal lanterns light up the zoo's paths habitat by habitat, with hot cocoa, a winter maze and live music on select December nights. Buy tickets ahead; capacity is limited.
WHO Family
WhenFri Nov 20, 2026 – Sun Jan 3, 2027 · Mon–Sat 5:00–9:00 PM; Sun 5:00–8:00 PM (last entry 30 min before close)
WhereSmithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
Cost$10; ages 2 and under free; parking $30 advance / $40 day-of
This guide is done for the season. See you next November.
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