Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, no doubt about it. I am definitely one of those people who can’t get enough of any and everything Christmas! No shame. As I have mentioned multiple times (like here), I adore making seasonal to-do lists filled to the brim with adventures and activities in and around Washington, DC. This will be my sixth Christmastime in the city, and I like to think I know a thing or two about festive happenings and what to do during December to get you in the holiday spirit!

• pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with friends
• volunteer at my church’s clothing shop Christmas extravaganza + Angel Tree sorting
• visit gorgeous Middleburg for the Christmas parade
• visit the White House Christmas tree
• go to the DAR Christmas open house
• Tour & Tasting at the Dumbarton House in Georgetown
• Kennedy Center for a Christmas performance (hopefully The Nutcracker)
• Old Town Alexandria for the Christmas boat parade & holiday market
• Georgetown at Christmas (including a Georgetown Cupcake) + our annual evening at the Ritz
• host a Christmas movie + Christmas cookie decorating party
• host a tacky Christmas sweater party
• enjoy a quiet night at home with the Christmas tree lit + egg nog
• visit the National Cathedral for Advent
• Botanic Gardens + Capitol Christmas tree + Eastern Market
• Holiday Market in Chinatown
• Zoo Lights
• mail handmade Christmas cards
• spend 16 glorious days at home in North Carolina with my family & friends!

What’s on your Christmas to-do list?! Do you have any favorite traditions or activities that you must do each and every year?