The holidays are a magical time for festivities, Christmas lights galore, and the enjoyment of fun holiday treats. And you'll be hard-pressed to find more holiday cheer than in Washington, DC. We've compiled a list of what we think are the very best towns around the DC area to explore during the holiday season, all resplendent with Christmas cheer, festive holiday events, and glorious Christmas light displays. So go ahead and hop in the car, buckle up, and explore the 13 best Christmas towns near Washington, DC!

1. Alexandria, VA

Alexandria comes alive with the holiday spirit at Christmastime. The main street, King Street, lights up under hundreds of sparkling Christmas lights that are draped lovingly over the trees and shops. The town also hosts many festive holiday events like the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.

2. Berlin, MD

Recently voted America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Maryland goes all out for Christmas. They celebrate the start of the holiday season with their annual tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving. Then, Santa makes an appearance a few weeks later in their annual Christmas Parade.

3. Charlottesville, VA

Charming Charlottesville is an ideal destination for holiday festivities. You can take a historic Christmas tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, stroll through the Downtown Mall shopping while enjoying the Christmas décor, or take part in one of their holiday parades!

4. Bethesda, MD

Bethesda hosts its annual Winter Wonderland celebration to commemorate the holiday season. This event typically takes place in early December and features performances from local school groups, holiday treats, an ice sculpting competition, and a visit from Santa.

5. Fredericksburg, VA

Every holiday season, the quaint downtown area of Fredericksburg transforms into a winter wonderland (or as they call it, "Window Wonderland"!) complete with light displays and Christmas displays in every shop window. The city also hosts an annual Christmas parade and a pre-Kwanza celebration. Fredericksburg truly is the quintessential Washington DC Christmas village.

6. Cambridge, MD

Cambridge stays true to its Maryland roots with a unique Bushel Basket tree every year, but that’s not the only way they deck the halls. Cambridge offers an impressive variety of holiday events, including a Christmas Parade, a holiday song karaoke competition, and a holiday decorating party. You'll soon see why Cambridge is one of the most magical Christmas towns near Washington, DC!

7. Front Royal, VA

If you find yourself in Virginia during the holiday season, you may find yourself asking, "what are the best Christmas towns near me?" And we think Front Royal is one of the most stunning of all of them. Front Royal is a historic town just outside of Washington, DC. Every year at Christmastime, their beautiful downtown area is decked out in holly and lights and becomes the heart of holiday activities. It is a sight to behold.

8. Hagerstown, MD

Historic Hagerstown offers numerous opportunities for holiday fun this season. Come downtown to see their beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the surrounding holiday decor. Local theatre groups also put on exciting Christmas performances, and several historic sites host holiday-themed events.

9. Manassas, VA

The holiday season kicks off with a variety of seasonal celebrations and vibrant decor in the town of Manassas, located just an hour away from DC in Virginia. Enjoy the tree lighting at the "Merry Old Town", typically in early December, followed by the annual Christmas parade the next day.

10. Frederick, MD

In the charming and historic town of Frederick, you can celebrate the season with carriage rides, carol singers, candlelight tours, a boat parade, and of course, an appearance from Santa! These are just a selection of many other amazing Christmas-themed events all December long!

11. Middleburg, VA

Christmas in Middleburg is a beautiful community celebration that is unlike any other. Middleburg brings out the spirit of the season with tree lighting, a Christmas parade, shopping, caroling, and much more. Come experience the holiday magic in Middleburg and explore the many exciting Christmas happenings in this magical town.

12. National Harbor, MD

DC’s waterfront, National Harbor, is an adorable coastal town that lights its beautiful tree early in the holiday season. National Harbor wastes no time going into the full swing of its Christmas festivities. Enjoy the magic of ice sculptures at their annual ICE! event, along with weekly holiday performances and movie screenings.

13. Annapolis, MD

Last but not least, Annapolis glows every holiday season, and we’d easily rank it among the best Christmas towns near Washington DC. Garland shines and Christmas lights sparkle across the town, and there are plenty of events to get you in the holiday spirit. These one-of-a-kind events include the delicious Chocolate Binge Festival, the magnificent Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, Midnight Madness Shopping, and much more!

What are your favorite Christmas towns in the Washington DC area? Let us know in the comments below!

While you’re in the area, check out these delicious dining options nearby.