10 Holiday Hotels in Washington DC for December or Staycations

I'm a local DC mom, and if you were visiting me in December, here are the Holiday Hotels in Washington in DC I'd tell you to stay with your family! The lights, the markets, and the National Christmas Tree are magical, and a festive hotel makes it even better.

Note: December weekends fill up fast, so I recommend booking early and look for free-cancellation rates!

Quick Picks: My Favorite Holiday Hotels in DC

Best for Families: Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall. We stayed here and loved the roomy suites, the kitchenette, and the indoor heated pool, which is a rare find downtown.
Best for Holiday Magic: Gaylord National Resort. Families love the ICE! sculpture exhibit, indoor pool and my kids loved the light shows in the atrium! It feels like its own Christmas village!
Best for Affordable Budget Travel: Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City DCA only 5 minute walk to Metro.
Best for a Luxury Splurge: The Hay-Adams. I haven't stayed here, but I've been to the bar downstairs and the White House views and cozy atmosphere are unmatched.

Holiday Hotels in Washington DC for December Table of Contents

Hotels Near National Mall
Hotels in Georgetown
Resort at National Harbor
Hotels with Indoor Pools
Budget Holiday Hotels in Washington DC
Packing Tips for December in DC
FAQ
DC Holiday Info (Light Displays, Skiing and Sledding nearby, etc.)

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Why Stay at a Hotel in Washington DC during the Holidays?

As someone who has lived in the area for years, I can tell you that staying in a hotel during the holidays makes the season feel extra special. Many hotels in Washington DC go all out with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive decorations that make you feel like you are stepping into a holiday movie. Being in the heart of the city also means you can walk to see the National Christmas Tree, explore the holiday markets, and enjoy events without the stress of parking. For families, a hotel stay can turn December into a mini vacation, whether you are traveling from far away or planning a local staycation. It is a wonderful way to soak up the magic of the season and create memories together.

Holiday Hotels in Washington DC Near the National Mall

Sharing 4 highly recommended Holiday hotels to stay at near or on the National Mall for a convenient staycation or holiday trip!

1) The Willard InterContinental - DC Holiday Hotel Heaven!

Known as “the crown jewel of Pennsylvania Avenue,” The Willard is breathtaking at Christmas. The lobby turns into a winter wonderland with a giant decorated tree, live music, and garlands everywhere. Even if you don't stay here, you can walk through and take some beautiful pictures!

Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Nearby Attractions: The White House, National Christmas Tree, National Museum of American History, National Mall.
Indoor Pool?: No.
Price Range for December: $300–$600+ per night, can spike higher on holiday weekends.
Nearby Holiday Tour: Downtown Ultimate Holiday Walking Tour with Hot Cocoa. Free Cancellation, 2 hour duration and runs from end of November to January 3, 2027.

2) Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall

A great choice for families who need space and convenience, with roomy suites and kitchenettes and one of the only indoor heated pools on this list! We stayed here and wrote a whole review below.

Address: 333 E Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Nearby Attractions: U.S. Capitol, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History.
Indoor Pool?: Yes, indoor heated pool.
Price Range for December: $200–$300+ per night.

3) Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf

Set in the heart of The Wharf, this Hilton is steps from waterfront lights, boat parades, and restaurants that glow during the holidays. There's s'mores by the fire outside, holiday music and a giant barrel tree!

Address: 480 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Nearby Attractions: The Wharf, International Spy Museum, Smithsonian Castle, National Mall.
Indoor Pool?: No — outdoor pool only (seasonal).
Price Range for December: $250–$350+ per night.
Nearby Holiday Tour: White House National Christmas Tree & Holiday Light Bus Tour, free cancellation, 3 hour duration.

4) The Hay-Adams - Most luxurious Holiday December DC hotel

If you want luxury with a view, The Hay-Adams is unmatched. Overlooking Lafayette Square and the White House, it shines with festive décor and a cozy atmosphere. I've never stayed here but I have been to the great bar below!

Address: 800 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
Nearby Attractions: Lafayette Square, White House, Smithsonian museums, National Mall.
Indoor Pool?: No.
Price Range for December: $550–$700+ per night.
Nearby Holiday Tour: Downtown Ultimate Holiday Walking Tour with Hot Cocoa. Free Cancellation, 2 hour duration and runs from end of November to January 3, 2027.

Georgetown Holiday Hotels in Washington DC

1) Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown

This family-friendly luxury hotel in Georgetown is elegant and festive. Guests love the gingerbread house displays, cozy lounges, and walkable neighborhood full of lights and shops.

Address: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Nearby Attractions: Georgetown Waterfront Park, C&O Canal, M Street holiday shopping.
Indoor Pool?: Yes, indoor lap pool.
Price Range for December: $600–$900+ per night
Nearby Holiday Tour: White House National Christmas Tree & Holiday Light Bus Tour, free cancellation, 3 hour duration.

2) The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

Located in the West End, the Ritz offers festive lobby décor, seasonal teas, and family comfort with luxury touches.

Address: 1150 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
Nearby Attractions: Dupont Circle, Georgetown, The Phillips Collection art museum.
Indoor Pool?: Yes, indoor pool and fitness club.
Price Range for December: $450–$650+ per night.
Nearby Tour: Washington, D.C.: Tea Around Town Bus Tour with Landmarks (gotta see these pictures of the pink bus!!) 1.5 hours, free cancellation

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center- Amazing Place to Stay for the Holidays near Washington, DC

Just across the river at National Harbor, this resort is a holiday paradise. Families love ICE!, the famous indoor ice sculpture exhibit, plus light shows and atrium activities that feel like their own Christmas village.

Address: 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Nearby Attractions: National Harbor waterfront, Capital Wheel, MGM National Harbor.
Indoor Pool?: Yes, large indoor pool.
Price Range for December: $300–$450+ per night
Nearby Tour: Washington, D.C.: Tea Around Town Bus Tour with Landmarks (gotta see these pictures of the pink bus!!) 1.5 hours, free cancellation

Budget-Friendly Holiday Hotels Near DC (Arlington & Montgomery County)

DC hotel prices jump in December, so if you're watching your budget, my tip is to stay just outside the city and take the Metro in. You'll usually pay a lot less, and you can still get to the National Mall, the Christmas tree, and the holiday markets without worrying about parking. Here are four options, each close to a Metro station.

1) Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City DCA - Best Free Perks Holiday Hotel in Washington DC

Metro: Crystal City station (Blue and Yellow lines), about a 5-minute walk. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to the station and to Reagan National Airport.
Why families like it: Free hot breakfast, and kids 18 and under stay free when sharing a room with parents.
Good to know: It's on a busy road, so use the back way along Eads Street when walking to the Metro.
Nearby Holiday Tour: White House National Christmas Tree & Holiday Light Bus Tour, free cancellation, 3 hour duration.

2) Courtyard Silver Spring Downtown - Best Budget Holiday Hotel in DC with an Indoor Pool!

Metro: Silver Spring station (Red Line), a short walk.
Why families like it: It has an indoor pool, and downtown Silver Spring has restaurants, shopping, and a movie theater right outside the door.
Good to know: The Red Line gets you to the National Mall area in about 20 minutes.

3) Holiday Inn Express Washington DC - Silver Spring - Best Simple, Walkable Stay

Metro: Silver Spring station (Red Line), within walking distance.
Why families like it: It's in the middle of downtown Silver Spring, so you can walk to dinner and shops after a long day of sightseeing.
Good to know: There's a public parking garage right next door on King Street if you're driving.

Walking times are approximate and rates change a lot around the holidays, so I recommend checking the map before booking.

DC best family hotels residence inn pool

DC Holiday Hotels with Indoor Pools

My kids LOVE an indoor pool, especially in the winter! So here are the hotels on my list that have one:

1) Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall - Best for Families
We stayed here and loved it. It has an indoor heated pool, and the suites have kitchenettes and extra space, which makes a big difference with kids. It's also the most budget-friendly pool option on this list, at roughly $200-$300+ per night in December. Read my full Residence Inn review here.

2) Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Best for a Holiday Resort Feel
This resort at National Harbor has a large indoor pool, plus the ICE! exhibit and holiday light shows, so you can keep the whole family busy without leaving the property. December rates run about $300-$450+ per night.

3) The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. - Best for a Quiet Luxury Stay
This hotel has an indoor pool and fitness club, along with festive lobby decor and seasonal teas. Expect roughly $450-$650+ per night.

4) Four Seasons Hotel Georgetown - Best for a Georgetown Splurge
The Four Seasons has an indoor lap pool, a walkable neighborhood full of holiday lights and shops, and gingerbread house displays. It's the priciest option here, at about $600-$900+ per night.

Pool hours and kid swim policies can change around the holidays, so I recommend checking with the hotel before you book if a swim is a must for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions: Holiday Hotels in Washington DC

Are DC hotels expensive in December?

It depends on where you stay. Among the hotels on my list, rates for the Residence Inn start around $200 per night, while luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Hay-Adams can run $600 or more. Holiday weekends can spike even higher, so I always book early and look for free-cancellation rates. Check out the section above on Budget DC Hotels.

Which DC hotels have Christmas decorations?

The Willard InterContinental is my top pick for holiday decor, with a giant decorated tree, live music, and garlands throughout the lobby. The Hay-Adams, the Four Seasons Georgetown (with gingerbread house displays), and the Ritz-Carlton (with festive lobby decor and seasonal teas) also go all out. The Hilton at The Wharfhas holiday music and a giant barrel tree, and the Gaylord National Resort has its famous ICE! exhibit.

What is the best area to stay in DC for the holidays?

For first-time visitors, I like staying near the National Mall. You can easily reach the National Christmas Tree, the White House, and the Smithsonian museums without dealing with parking. Georgetown is a great choice if you want holiday shopping and a cozy, lit-up neighborhood.

Which DC hotels have an indoor pool?

See full section here on Indoor Pools.

What is the best hotel in DC for families at Christmas?

We stayed at the Residence Inn National Mall and loved it. The suites are roomy, they have kitchenettes, and there's an indoor heated pool. For a full holiday-resort experience, the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor is also a favorite with families.

Can I visit the hotel Christmas decorations without staying there?

At the Willard, yes. Even if you're not a guest, you can walk through the lobby and take photos of the tree and decorations.

Packing for a December Holiday Trip To Washington DC

December in Washington DC is chilly, so layering is your best friend. The average highs are in the 40s and evenings can dip into the 30s, which means you will want a warm winter coat, a cozy hat, gloves, and a scarf. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must since so many of the holiday attractions are outdoors, from strolling the National Mall to exploring holiday markets and lights at The Wharf. The list below is not an exhaustive list, just some ideas to make it a fun trip!