- Holiday events: December is a festive time to visit Washington, D.C., with many holiday events and activities taking place throughout the city. Some of the most popular events include:
- The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- The White House Christmas Tour
- The Smithsonian Institution’s Festival of Trees
- The Washington Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker”
- The Kennedy Center’s annual “Messiah” sing-along
- Cultural attractions: Washington, D.C., is home to many world-class cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. Some of the most popular attractions include:
- The Smithsonian Institution’s museums, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History
- The National Gallery of Art
- The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- The Shakespeare Theatre Company
- The Studio Theatre
- Historical sites: Washington, D.C., is also home to many important historical sites, including:
- The White House
- The Capitol Building
- The Supreme Court Building
- The Lincoln Memorial
- The Washington Monument
- The Jefferson Memorial
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Shopping: Washington, D.C., has a variety of shopping options, from high-end stores to local boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas include:
- Georgetown
- CityCenterDC
- Union Market
- The Pentagon City Mall
- Tysons Galleria
Weather In Washington During December
The weather in Washington, United States during December is typically cold and rainy. Average temperatures range from 36°F (2°C) to 47°F (8°C), with lows dropping below freezing at night. Snowfall is common in December, with an average of 5.1 inches (13 cm) falling throughout the month. The days are typically short, with an average of 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the weather in Washington, United States during December:
- Temperature: Average temperatures range from 36°F (2°C) to 47°F (8°C).
- Precipitation: Average precipitation is 4.9 inches (12.4 cm), with 5.1 inches (13 cm) of snowfall.
- Humidity: Average humidity is 85%.
- Wind: Average wind speed is 9 mph (14 km/h).
- Cloud cover: Average cloud cover is 69%.
- Sunshine: Average sunshine is 8 hours per day.
Overall, the weather in Washington, United States during December is cold and rainy, with occasional snowfall. It is important to dress warmly and be prepared for wet weather when visiting during this time of year.
Things To Do In Washington In December
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Snowflake Lane: This is an annual holiday festival held in downtown Spokane. The festival features over 1 million lights, holiday decorations, and over 30 vendors selling food, drinks, and gifts. It runs from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve.
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Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival: This festival takes place in the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. The festival features holiday lights, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus. It runs from the end of November to the end of December.
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Seattle Christmas Ship Festival: This festival features a flotilla of decorated boats that sail around the Puget Sound. The festival also includes concerts, a parade, and a tree lighting ceremony. It runs from the first week of December to the end of December.
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Wildlights at Woodland Park Zoo: This is a holiday light display at the Woodland Park Zoo. The display features over a million lights, holiday decorations, and animals. It runs from the end of November to the beginning of January.
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Gingerbread Village at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel: This is a gingerbread village display at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. The display features over 100 gingerbread houses, all made by local chefs and artists. It runs from the beginning of December to the end of December.
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Georgetown Art Attack: This is an annual holiday art festival held in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. The festival features over 200 artists selling their work, as well as live music, food, and drinks. It runs from the first weekend of December to the second weekend of December.
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Christmas by the Lake: This is a holiday celebration held at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. The celebration features a tree lighting ceremony, a parade, and a visit from Santa Claus. It runs from the first week of December to the end of December.
Tourism In Washington, United States During December
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Whale Watching: December is a prime time for whale watching in the Pacific Northwest, with orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales migrating through the waters off Washington state. Visitors can take guided boat tours from towns like Anacortes, Friday Harbor, and Port Townsend to see these magnificent creatures up close.
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Holiday Festivals and Events: Washington state hosts a variety of holiday festivals and events in December, including the Winterfest celebration in Leavenworth, the Lighted Forest at Spanaway Park, and the Enchanted Forest in Enumclaw. These events feature festive decorations, live music, and family-friendly activities.
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Outdoor Activities: Despite the winter weather, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Washington in December. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular options in the Cascade Mountains, while Mount Rainier National Park offers snowshoeing and winter camping. The Olympic Mountains also offer opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing, with Olympic National Park featuring the iconic Hurricane Ridge Road, which is open year-round.
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Museums and Cultural Attractions: Washington state has a wealth of museums and cultural attractions that are open year-round, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. These attractions offer a variety of exhibits and programs that appeal to visitors of all ages.
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Shopping: Washington state is home to a variety of shopping destinations, from major malls to charming boutiques. Seattle is a popular shopping destination, with upscale stores along Fifth Avenue and Pike Place Market. Other shopping destinations include the outlet malls in Tulalip and Centralia, and the charming shops in towns like Leavenworth and Port Townsend.
