The holidays are a magical time for festivities, Christmas lights galore, and the enjoyment of fun holiday treats. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find more holiday cheer than in Washington, DC. We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the very best towns around the DC area to explore during the holiday season, all resplendent with Christmas cheer, festive holiday events, and glorious Christmas light displays. So go ahead and hop in the car, buckle up, and explore the 13 best Christmas towns near Washington, DC!

1. Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, VA, USA
Visit Alexandria VA/Facebook
Alexandria comes alive with the holiday spirit at Christmastime. The main street, King Street, lights up under hundreds of sparkling Christmas lights that are draped lovingly over the trees and shops. The town also hosts many festive holiday events like the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
2. Berlin, MD
Berlin, MD 21811, USA
The Berlin Farmers Market/Facebook
Recently voted America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Maryland goes all out for Christmas. They celebrate the start of the holiday season with their annual tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving. Then, Santa makes an appearance a few weeks later in their annual Christmas Parade.
3. Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Bob Mical/Flickr
Charming Charlottesville is an ideal destination for holiday festivities. You can take a historic Christmas tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, stroll through the Downtown Mall shopping while enjoying the Christmas décor, or take part in one of their holiday parades!
4. Bethesda, MD
Bethesda, MD, USA
Bethesda Urban Partnership/Facebook
Bethesda hosts its annual Winter Wonderland celebration to commemorate the holiday season. This event typically takes place in early December and features performances from local school groups, holiday treats, an ice sculpting competition, and a visit from Santa.
5. Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA
City of Fredericksburg, Virginia Government/Facebook
Every holiday season, the quaint downtown area of Fredericksburg transforms into a winter wonderland (or as they call it, "Window Wonderland"!) complete with light displays and Christmas displays in every shop window. The city also hosts an annual Christmas parade and a pre-Kwanza celebration. Fredericksburg truly is the quintessential Washington DC Christmas village.
6. Cambridge, MD
Cambridge, MD 21613, USA
Downtown Cambridge/Facebook
Cambridge stays true to its Maryland roots with a unique Bushel Basket tree every year, but that’s not the only way they deck the halls. Cambridge offers an impressive variety of holiday events, including a Christmas Parade, a holiday song karaoke competition, and a holiday decorating party. You'll soon see why Cambridge is one of the most magical Christmas towns near Washington, DC!

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7. Front Royal, VA
Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
Town of Front Royal, Virginia/Facebook
If you find yourself in Virginia during the holiday season, you may find yourself asking, "what are the best Christmas towns near me?" And we think Front Royal is one of the most stunning of all of them. Front Royal is a historic town just outside of Washington, DC. Every year at Christmastime, their beautiful downtown area is decked out in holly and lights and becomes the heart of holiday activities. It is a sight to behold.
8. Hagerstown, MD
Hagerstown, MD, USA
The City of Hagerstown - Municipal/Facebook
Historic Hagerstown offers numerous opportunities for holiday fun this season. Come downtown to see their beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the surrounding holiday decor. Local theatre groups also put on exciting Christmas performances, and several historic sites host holiday-themed events.
9. Manassas, VA
Manassas, VA, USA
Historic Manassas, Inc./Facebook
The holiday season kicks off with a variety of seasonal celebrations and vibrant decor in the town of Manassas, located just an hour away from DC in Virginia. Enjoy the tree lighting at the "Merry Old Town", typically in early December, followed by the annual Christmas parade the next day.
10. Frederick, MD
Frederick, MD, USA
Visit Frederick - Maryland/Facebook
In the charming and historic town of Frederick, you can celebrate the season with carriage rides, carol singers, candlelight tours, a boat parade, and of course, an appearance from Santa! These are just a selection of many other amazing Christmas-themed events all December long!
11. Middleburg, VA
Middleburg, VA 20117, USA
Visit Middleburg/Facebook
Christmas in Middleburg is a beautiful community celebration that is unlike any other. Middleburg brings out the spirit of the season with tree lighting, a Christmas parade, shopping, caroling, and much more. Come experience the holiday magic in Middleburg and explore the many exciting Christmas happenings in this magical town.
12. National Harbor, MD
National Harbor, MD 20745, USA
National Harbor/Facebook
DC’s waterfront, National Harbor, is an adorable coastal town that lights its beautiful tree early in the holiday season. National Harbor wastes no time going into the full swing of its Christmas festivities. Enjoy the magic of ice sculptures at their annual ICE! event, along with weekly holiday performances and movie screenings.
13. Annapolis, MD
Annapolis, MD, USA
Ferd Brundick/Flickr
Last but not least, Annapolis glows every holiday season, and we’d easily rank it among the best Christmas towns near Washington DC. Garland shines and Christmas lights sparkle across the town, and there are plenty of events to get you in the holiday spirit. These one-of-a-kind events include the delicious Chocolate Binge Festival, the magnificent Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, Midnight Madness Shopping, and much more!

What are your favorite Christmas towns in the Washington DC area? Let us know in the comments below!

While you’re in the area, check out these delicious dining options nearby.

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More to Explore

Christmas In Washington DC

Jessica Moore | November 01, 2022

What are the best holiday events in the Washington DC area?

If you've never experienced Christmastime in Washington DC, you are in for a real treat. There are so many exciting and memorable holiday events to choose from in the area, but we think you should start out with these nine incredible light displays. You'll feel like you've been transported to the North Pole itself, and loved ones of all ages are sure to be swept up in the holiday spirit. And there are six DC neighborhoods that you won't want to miss out on exploring during Christmastime. Lastly, here are 14 of the best Christmas light displays you can find in and around Washington DC.

Can I ride the Polar Express in Washington DC?

And the answer is: yes you can! There are a couple of Polar Express train rides within a short car ride of the DC area that are worth making the trek to experience. First, kids can stay cozy in their pajamas when they board this Polar Express train ride in Baltimore, Maryland. Kids and adults alike can delight themselves with cookies and hot chocolate, and then watch the chef and other train staff members sing and perform Christmas carols on the train. And in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Santa Train is a local favorite.

Where can I go snow tubing in Washington DC?

The great news for those who fancy snow tubing in the wintertime is that there are several fantastic snow tubing hills in the DC area. This incredible snow tubing hill is located at the Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and it will offer the thrill of a lifetime for the whole family. Alternatively, the Wisp Resort in Maryland offers another incredible tubing hill, and the best part is that you can catch a conveyer belt back to the top of the hill, rather than wear yourself walking back up every time. And last but not least, check out this incredible 10-story-high snow tubing hill in Virginia!

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