Winter Lights on Capitol Hill Events
Celebrate the magic of the season with Winter Lights on Capitol Hill, a month-long series of festive events that transforms Eastern Market Metro Park and 8th Street SE into a dazzling winter wonderland. From our annual Christmas Tree Lighting on November 22nd to nightly light shows, music, and community celebrations, this neighborhood tradition brings families, friends, and visitors together to share in the warmth and wonder of the holidays. Stroll under glowing trees, enjoy local dining and shopping, and experience the joy of Capitol Hill shining bright all season long.
The Capitol Hill
Christmas Tree Lighting Event at Eastern Market Metro Park
Brought to you by the
Capitol Hill Business Improvement District
Christmas Tree Lighting at Eastern Market Metro Park - 5:30 pm
Join us on Friday, November 22 at 5:30 PM for Barracks Row Main Street’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on 8th Street SE! Enjoy festive music, hot cocoa vibes, and community cheer as we count down together to light the tree and kick off the holiday season on Capitol Hill.
Winter Lights' Nightly
Christmas Light Show
Winter Lights’ Nightly Christmas Light Show - Nightly from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Every 30 Minutes
Experience the magic of Winter Lights’ Nightly Christmas Light Show—sparkling every evening on the hour from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Gather with family and friends to watch dazzling light sequences and festive visuals brighten the night in a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere. Come for one show or stay for a few—each hourly performance is a perfect moment for photos, hot cocoa, and a stroll to support nearby shops and restaurants as the holiday spirit shines all around.
Barracks Row Winter Lights Contest
Barracks Row Main Street’s Third Annual Holiday Lights & Decoration Competition
December 1–31, 2025
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The holidays are shining bright on 8th Street SE! Barracks Row Main Street invites you to celebrate the season with our Third Annual Holiday Lights & Decoration Competition, where local businesses transform their storefronts and interiors into dazzling displays of creativity and cheer. From twinkling lights to festive window scenes, the corridor comes alive with holiday magic all month long.
Stroll down Barracks Row, explore the beautifully decorated shops and restaurants, and vote online for your favorite displays in categories like Best Exterior, Best Interior, Best Overall, and Most Holiday Spirit. QR codes posted at participating locations make voting easy for everyone!
Join us in supporting local businesses, spreading community cheer, and making Capitol Hill sparkle brighter than ever this holiday season. Stay tuned to @BarracksRowMainStreet for updates, photos, and voting
Participating Locations
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Additional Events
On Barracks Row
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About the 2025 Better Together Gift Card Campaign
This holiday season, Capitol Hill small businesses have come together to help spread holiday cheer and support one another. During the Better Together promotion – November 22nd to December 7th – shop at one of the participating small businesses, and get a gift card to another local spot. If you make a qualifying purchase at all the participating locations, you could collect multiple gifts from a ton of unique local vendors! They all hope you’ll discover something delightful!
This year brings an exciting surprise! Thanks to the office of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, two lucky winners will find an extra special prize in their envelope... two free tickets to a Washington Capitals game this January!
You Make a Difference
By shopping at these Capitol Hill businesses, your holiday dollars go right back into the community. They are the unsung heroes supporting Little League teams, veterans’ groups, school bands, game nights, DC teachers, and so many more important community events.
Where to Find Your Gifts
Join in the fun and spend a weekend on Capitol Hill. This map will lead you to all the Better Together participating shops.
