December 2: Opening of the Capitol Visitor Center
Decades in the making—and after years of disappointing delays—the sleek new Capitol Visitor Center is set to open to the public on December 2. The three-level, underground structure will feature an exhibition gallery, theaters, a 550-seat cafeteria, gift shops, and more. It will add more than 500,000 square feet of space to the Capitol complex—the largest expansion in the building’s history.

December 4: National Christmas Tree Lighting
A holiday tradition dating back to 1923, the National Christmas Tree lighting begins a nearly monthlong tradition in which the 40-foot Colorado blue spruce on the Ellipse is illuminated every evening through January 1. The kickoff event features musical performances and other entertainment, and the president traditionally offers a speech to the nation. Free tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by the National Park Service.

December 4-6: Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
For three days, celebrate Scottish holiday traditions with music, food, shopping, and more. The main event is the annual parade (11 to 1 on Saturday), in which more than 100 Scottish clans, pipe-and-drum bands, Scottish dancers, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, and Santa Claus will march through Old Town. Virginia senator John Warner and his wife will serve as grand marshals. The parade begins at Wilkes and South Pitt streets in Alexandria and ends at Wolfe and South Saint Asaph streets. Most other events take place at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

December 4-14: Washington Jewish Film Festival
This annual festival, now in its 19th year, will screen more than 40 films focusing on Jewish culture and experience. Organizers expect more than 7,000 viewers to attend. Tickets go on sale in mid-November. Films are shown at theaters throughout the Washington area.

December 5-6: Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
Join the Bethesda community for holiday concerts, ice sculptures, and Santa Claus during this two-day celebration. All events are free.

December 5-7: George Frideric Handel’s Messiah at the Washington National Cathedral
Under the direction of Michael McCarthy, the Catheral Choir performs The Messiah at 7:30 PM on Friday and 4 on Saturday.

December 6: Parade of Lights Holiday Boat Parade
Boat owners decorate their sails and power boats for this annual light parade and competition. Starting at 5:30 PM, boats line up on Old Town’s waterfront and cruise along the Potomac. The event is free.

December 13: Civil War Christmas in Camp
Ever wonder what Christmas was like for Civil War soldiers? Here’s your chance to find out. Head to the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site for a patriotic Santa Claus, living-history interpreters, a Victorian tree and decorations, period music, and readings of “The Night Before Christmas.” There are also guided tours of the fort if weather permits. The event runs from 12 to 4; suggested donation of $2 adults, $1 for kids.

December 13-14: “The Joy of Christmas” Concert at the Washington National Cathedral
The Cathedral Choral Society performs seasonal favorites under the direction of J. Reilly Lewis. Musical accompaniment will be provided by an organist, a carilloneur, and the Washington Symphonic Brass. There will be a family-oriented matinee at noon on Saturday and 4 PM performances both days.

December 21: Lighting of the National Hanukkah Menorah on the Ellipse
This event on the White House grounds includes musical performances and traditional Jewish food. Free tickets are required and will be available in advance later this year.

December 24: Water-Skiing Santa
Don’t miss this quirky annual event on the Potomac River, which brings Santa to town on water skis along with knee-boarding reindeer, flying elves, a jet-skiing Grinch, and a seafaring Frosty the Snowman. The event, which starts at 1 PM in any weather, includes a sing-along. Best viewing is from the National Harbor.

November 28-December 14: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Learn about George and Martha Washington’s Christmas traditions with a tour of their candlelit home, which includes a peek at the rarely seen third floor. You’ll also meet historical characters including Martha herself. On the grounds, there’s a campfire and carol-singing. Open from 5:30 to 9. Tickets on sale beginning November 1.

November 21-December 7: DC Sales-Tax Holiday
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, DC suspends its 5.75-percent sales tax on select items for two weeks.

November 28-December 30: Zoo Lights
Visit the National Zoo during its annual holiday-light season to see thousands of lights and animated exhibits throughout the grounds. The displays feature many of the zoo’s animals, and there are activities and entertainment for the whole family. Tickets are required and will be on sale later this year.

Visiting in a different month? Check out our City Schedule for events happening throughout the year. This article is part of Washingtonian.com’s Visitors’ Guide. For more articles like it, click here.