
- "Did you Know?" about the Festivals of Lights
- Where to See the Lights
- Winter Fun, Games and Events in D.C.
- Last but not Least: End of Year Donations
We have made a LONG list of the many events you can enjoy this Holiday Season !
You can stay warm in your car to see the holiday lights, get more adventurous and go ice skating, shop at outdoor holiday markets, listen to Christmas concerts or head out to the museums and visit the latest exhibits.

Festivals of Lights
From Sea to Shining Sea
From the shores of Hawaii in the U.S. to the city of Lyon in France and beyond, festivals of lights illuminate this holiday season.
This year, our streets and front doors will shine brightly as we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah on the same day.
Both holidays fall near the Winter Solstice, a time that symbolizes the return of light, as the days gradually grow longer and triumph over darkness.
From Hawaii
From the first Friday in December through the New Year, the lights in the Historic County Building Park on Kauai, Hawaii, illuminate the night. This enchanting Festival of Lights tradition began in 1954 when Josie Chansky opened her home, fondly called “The Christmas House,” adorned with ornaments and decorations crafted from recycled materials. In 1996, Elizabeth Freeman revived the tradition, showcasing Josie’s folk art while also designing and curating works by local artists. The event has since become a cherished Kauai tradition, attracting over 4,000 visitors annually, with numbers continuing to grow.
To Lyon
The origins of the Fête des Lumières date back to 1643, when the city of Lyon was struck by a plague. On September 8 of that year, the municipality vowed to pay tribute to the Virgin Mary if the city was spared. Since then, a solemn procession to the Basilica has taken place every December 8, during which candles are lit, and offerings are made in Mary’s name.
Over the past 25 years, the Fête des Lumières has evolved into a renowned festival organized by the city of Lyon, with light art specialists creating spectacular shows over four evenings around December 8. The event now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.
Click here to see a video of one of the amazing animations.
And around the World
Hanukkah
The lighting of the Menorah is central to Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Each night, one candle is lit, and by the eighth day, all the branches of the menorah are aglow.
The tradition dates back to 165 BCE in Jerusalem when, after reclaiming the Temple, Mattathias and his sons lit the holy lamp but had only enough oil for one night. Miraculously, the lamp burned for eight days.
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the ninth month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. This year, it will be observed from December 25 to January 2.
Hanukkah is a family event, families say prayers and because Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil, it is traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes, donuts and blintzes. Families also partake in games, especially the dreidel, a classic game of chance.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Although not a festival of lights strictly speaking, the lighting of candles is central to Kwanzaa’s ritual. Kwanzaa is also a recent celebration: it was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, to bring African Americans together and celebrate their roots and history. Each night, a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara; it represents a value whose significance is discussed.
St. Lucia’s Day, Scandinavia
St. Lucia’s Day is the Scandinavian Festival of Lights, celebrated before Christmas in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Traditionally associated with the winter solstice, the festival symbolizes hope and light during the darkest time of the year.
Girls dress in white gowns and wear wreaths of lit candles on their heads to honor St. Lucia. An essential part of the celebration is lussekatter—saffron-flavored buns—which are prepared in time for St. Lucia’s Day and remain a cherished treat throughout the Swedish Christmas season.
Diwali in India
Diwali, the festival of lights, takes place in autumn aligning with the new moon according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and lasts for five days. During this time, homes are beautifully decorated with oil lamps, lanterns, and garlands, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. A variety of sweets and unique treats are prepared and shared among family and friends.
The Lantern Festival in China
The Chinese Lantern Festival marks the first full moon of the new lunar year. Red lanterns, symbolizing good fortune and "illuminating the future," are displayed everywhere as a way for people to pray for blessings and prosperity. On the night of the celebration, people enjoy fireworks, sweet rice balls, and play guessing riddles written on lanterns.
The festival traces its origins to Emperor Ming of Han in the first century AD, a supporter of Buddhism. Learning that, to honor Buddha monks lit lanterns in temples on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, he initiated the festival tradition.
Where to See the Lights
ZooLights
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomes visitors to walk down festive pathways and see glowing lantern animals, watch live nightly musical performances, take a ride on the train or the Conservation Carousel, and eat sweet seasonal treats.
From December 13th to January 4th on specific dates.
Click here for more information.
On the White House Ellipse
- The National Christmas Tree is lit from 4:30-10 p.m. each day.
- The National Menorah
You can get tickets here for the National Menorah lighting ceremony on Wednesday December 25th from 04:00 PM to 05:30 PM.
Winter Glow at Mount Vernon – December 15th to 19th, December 23rd 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Stroll through the festively lit estate, hear about 18th-century holiday traditions. Meet the special holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel, continuing the tradition of George Washington bringing a camel to Mount Vernon in 1787. Hear Scottish Farm Manager "James Anderson" talk about Aladdin the Christmas Camel (5:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) on the 12-acre field.
Tickets are required
Bull Run Festival of Lights holiday drive: The Bull Run Festival of Lights will be open until January 5th, 2025. Stay warm and cozy as you slowly drive the 2.5 mile route of fun, with lights and animated displays.
Admission is available online and at the door.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, until January 5th- Open nightly, including holidays, 5:30 – 10:00 PM The outdoor path is lined with over 500,000 lights and displays.
Timed entry tickets are available online.
Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg is open every night through December 31st, except on December 25th. Drive through the City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival, featuring 3.5 miles of enchanted woodland with more than 450 illuminated displays and trees.
Festival of Lights at the Washington, DC Mormon Temple in Kensington: every night through January 1st 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM with more than 500,000 beautiful lights. The Visitors’ Center exhibits Nativity créches and Christmas tree decorations from around the world, and daily holiday performances. Entrance and parking are free.
Frosted at Franklin Park – Until December 20th wander the evenings through a breathtaking display of thousands of tiny festive bright lights, bringing a shimmery cool front to Franklin Park every day from 4:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
Click here for more information.
Winter Fun, Games and Music
Holiday Markets
Downtown Holiday Market – Through December 23rd - F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC with dozens of tents and holiday music performed live in the background, along with coffee and doughnuts.
For tickets click here.
Concerts
Amicale des Musiciens Francophones de Washington D.C: Opera Christmas Concert
December 20th from 7 to 9 PM
The United Church, 1920 G Street Northwest Washington, DC 20006
L’Opéra Comique de Washington presents Soprano Mizuho Takeshita, mezzo-soprano Melanie Ashkar, tenor Jesus Daniel Hernandez, baritone Raymond Ghattas, and Simon Charette at the piano singing timeless opera masterpieces and beloved Christmas carols from around the world.
For more information and tickets, click here to see our Agenda page
At the Eglise Protestante Francophone de Washington DC: Veillée, Chants et récits de Noël
December 24th at 6:30 PM
4500 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
At the Kennedy Center
- December 14, 15, 21 & 22 The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas With more than 130 voices the Kennedy Center presents a wonderful renditions of Christmas classics, and a traditional candlelight processional
- December 16th The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents O Night Divine!, an evening of Christmas carols.
- December 19-22 Handel’s Messiah with the National Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Masaaki Suzuki.
Click here for more information
At The Dance Institute of Washington: The Spirit of Kwanzaa
December 20th to 22nd
The Spirit of Kwanzaa is a cultural arts celebration that focuses on the agricultural ceremonies of Africa and highlights the holiday’s principles through dance, songs, live drumming and spoken word performances.
For more information and tickets click here
The National Cathedral: Christmas Day Organ Recital
December 25th
On Christmas afternoon the National Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren will perform a program of festive music. The free performance does not require tickets to attend.
Museums
Tingle Bells at the ARTECHOUSE
Through January 5th you can immerse yourself in the ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special – Tingle Bells: a holiday celebration where tradition meets innovation. The warmth of the holidays is reimagined through cutting-edge digital artistry.
ARTECHOUSE is a new age art destination dedicated to showcasing works by artists who work with new technology and new forms of creative expression.
An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama at the National Museum of Asian Art
Through January 5th, 2025
One of the most celebrated medieval Persian manuscripts – considered the national epic of Iran as it covers the beginning of time through the 7th century. The exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view 25 folios from the manuscript alongside contemporaneous works from China and the Mediterranean.
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment at the National Gallery of Art
Through January 19th, 2025
The museum is replicating a legendary exhibit from Paris in 1874 that helped bring about the dawn of Impressionism with paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissaro and many more.
The Holiday Exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden
Through January 5th , 2025. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This year’s “Season’s Greenings” features thousands of poinsettias, D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory, model trains in the outdoor gardens, and festive lights and decor throughout the Garden.
Ice Skating
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
Ice skate amid magnificent works of art and towering sculptures in a lush garden on the National Mall. Until March 2, 2025 Tickets are sold in 45-minute sessions beginning on the hour.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Until February 23rd, 2025
When it gets cold enough the fountain transforms into an ice skating rink. After dark is when it’s most magical, with dozens of twinkling white snowflakes lighting up the rink.
The Wharf Ice Rink
This riverfront ice rink is amid 20-plus restaurants, bars and shops from local artisans as well as three music venues!
Canal Park Ice Rink
The figure eight rink sits in the middle of the three-acre neighborhood park, with two-hour sessions and a 30-minute break in between. The rink also offers skating lessons and season passes.
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion. You can purchase Admission and Skate Rental online but limited tickets are available per session, so book in advance!
Downtown DC Holiday Skate Spectacular at the National Building Museum
Through January 4th, 2025
A free indoor synthetic ice rink set in the museum’s Great Hall. Skating is free and skates can be rented for just $5. Note that the rink will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
End of Year Donations
Last but not Least
Our mission is to support the French-American community to the best of our ability.
We focus on two key objectives:
The first is to strengthen the connections among all French-American associations.
The second is to assist those referred to us who are in dire situations and in urgent need of help.
While we strive to fulfill our first mission as efficiently as possible, we need your help to achieve the second one.
We need funds to provide the necessary assistance to those who rely on us.
As the year comes to a close, many take this time to give to their favorite charities. Please consider making us one of yours.
Your donation is tax deductible as the Comité Tricolore (Tricolore Committee) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Comité Tricolore is run by volunteers.
Your generosity can make a meaningful difference!