Christmas Day
About
December 25 is a federal holiday and the one day the Smithsonian museums and most everything in DC close. The city is quiet, with the National Christmas Tree glowing in President's Park near the White House.
Highlights
- Federal holiday; the one day Smithsonian museums close
- National Christmas Tree lit in President's Park by the White House
- Quiet streets and a near-total shutdown of services
Practical tips
- Almost everything closes — plan meals and groceries ahead
- Metro runs a minimal holiday schedule
- See the National Christmas Tree and the monuments lit at night
Sources
Other upcoming events
Jazz in the Garden 2026
On summer Friday evenings the National Gallery of Art turns its Sculpture Garden into a free open-air jazz venue. The 2026 'American Sounds' season nods to the nation's 250th, with passes given out by weekly lottery.
Wawa Welcome America 2026 (Philadelphia Semiquincentennial)
Philadelphia's free Wawa Welcome America festival expands for the US 250th, running from Juneteenth through July 4 with concerts, museum days and a grand finale concert and fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Art Museum.
Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026
A centerpiece of the US 250th, the Great American State Fair lines the National Mall for over two weeks with pavilions representing all 50 states, territories and federal entities — food, culture and exhibits ahead of the July 4 capstone.