Festive events in and around DC to get you in the holiday spirit

By Jennifer Ortiz
December 12, 2019 | 3:00 PM

(WTOP/Michelle Murillo) — <h2>Stroll through the Downtown Holiday Market</h2> If you're lacking some holiday cheer, D.C.'s <a href="http://downtownholidaymarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Downtown Holiday Market</a> on F and 8th Streets Northwest is the perfect place to get some. Shop for unique gifts from more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique business owners while enjoying some live entertainment and plenty of snacks and treats. The market will be open from noon to 8 p.m. every day until Monday, Dec. 23.

(WTOP/Kate Ryan) — <h2>Check out 'America's gardens'</h2> If you're looking for free family fun, the U.S. Botanic Garden's annual holiday display is open to the public through Jan. 5. This year's theme is "America's gardens," which means you'll see mini-scenes of notable gardens around the U.S. See a short video of this year's display <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usbotanicgarden/videos/sunshine-trains-poinsettias-and-a-new-plant-based-model-of-our-own-bartholdi-fou/545872099582985/?__so__=permalink&__rv__=related_videos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. There's also a free concert series on select Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check that schedule <a href="https://www.usbg.gov/live-seasonal-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. And learn all about the U.S. Botanic Garden's holiday programming<a href="https://www.usbg.gov/plan-your-holiday-visit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> on its website</a>.

(WTOP/Liz Anderson) — <h2>ZooLights return</h2> <a href="https://wtop.com/gallery/dc/zoolights-returns-at-the-national-zoo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZooLights</a> returns to the National Zoo until Jan. 1. The annual tradition is free and features performances, treats and plenty of LED lights.

(AP/Susan Walsh) — <h2>Marvel at the National Christmas Tree</h2> You just missed the <a href="https://wtop.com/holidays/2019/12/trump-lights-national-christmas-tree-in-holiday-tradition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Christmas Tree lighting earlier this month</a>, but you can still plan a trip to see the 30-foot tree. It's lit every day from around 4:30 p.m. to midnight as part of the America Celebrates display at the President's Park. If you visit from Dec. 11 to 15 and Dec. 17 and 22, you can even catch a live performance. See <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/national_christmas_tree_music_program.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">when there are performances</a> online.

Getty Images/iStockphoto/Akiromaru) — <h2>Lace up your skates</h2> Looking to recreate your favorite Olympic ice skating moves? Or, maybe just learning how to stand without falling on your face? Ice rinks are easy to find around the D.C. area. In D.C., there's Fort Dupont Ice Arena; in Maryland, there's an outdoor one in Rockville; and in Virginia, you can skate like a Caps player at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. See WTOP's "<a href="https://wtop.com/lifestyle/2019/11/best-places-to-ice-skate-in-the-dc-area/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Best places to skate in the DC area</a>."

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It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. The D.C. area boasts plenty of holiday-themed events to turn even the grouchiest Grinch into one of Santa’s favorite elves.

Here are a few ways to get in the holiday spirit in and around D.C.

100 Thanksgiving food recipes: Turkey, side dishes, desserts and more

By WTOP Staff
November 12, 2020 | 12:20 AM

It's almost time to give thanks, and that means ramping up your holiday kitchen for some heavy-duty cooking. WTOP has curated 100 select recipes that could become a new tradition at your dinner table. Check out the links below and get that shopping list started. (And don't forget to check out the WTOP Holiday & Celebration Cookbook filled with recipes from our own staffers.) Click here for Thanksgiving turkey recipes.

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