A Parent's Guide to Enchant Christmas DC 2022

One of my favorite childhood memories is driving around and looking at Christmas lights with my family. While some houses donned a string of multicolored lights, others went over the top with life-size displays, millions of lights, and, occasionally, a visit from Santa Claus.

If you’ve never been to Enchant DC before, you’ll want to thoroughly read all the information in this article, especially about ticket prices. Each ticket has a base price, but you can add extras that will make the cost slowly tick up. While you can purchase add-ons on-site, I prefer to be prepared ahead of time, so I’m not surprised by the costs.

What is Enchant Christmas D.C?

Between November 25 and January 1, Enchant Christmas D.C. transforms Nationals Park from a baseball field to a winter wonderland and trades popcorn, peanuts, and beer for candy canes, hot chocolate, and s'mores.

Nationals Park becomes a sea of Christmas lights, and fun is around every corner, and you undoubtedly will leave in the holiday spirit. It is amazing that you can go skating under the Nationals scoreboard.  

When you walk into the park, you'll be blown away by the details and immense work that was put into Enchant D.C.

D.C. is one of nine locations across the country that hosts Enchant Christmas, presented by The Hallmark Channel, the creators of the perfect Christmas movies.

Here's a preview of what's in store for you when visiting Enchant.

Activities at Enchant Christmas D.C. 2022

Enchant Christmas has many activities for everyone in the family, and the only question will be which one to do first. Here are the top activities you don't want to miss.  

Make Your Way Through the Light Maze

Enchant Christmas DC is spectacular, starting with the light maze that greets you upon entering the magical wonderland. You can make your way through the lighted tunnels until you reach the 100-foot Christmas tree, surrounded by larger-than-life displays.

If you're like me, you'll soak up all the photo opportunities, and hopefully, the kids will cooperate. You might even get one worthy enough for this year's Christmas card.  

You also don't want to forget to pick up a Maze Passport, where you must find eight missing toys from Santa's sleigh, lost by one mischievous elf. Once your passport is complete, you turn it in for a chance to win the Hallmark Channel trip sweepstakes. Even if you do not want to enter, it's still fun for kids.  

Your kids will love to find out the toys are giant light structures, adding to the magical theme of the event.

Ice Skating at Enchant Christmas DC

If you have ice skaters in the family, you don't want to miss the opportunity to ice skate at Enchant Christmas; it truly is a magical time. While it's an additional cost, the skate rental is included in the price, but you can bring your own. There's also no time limit to skate, which is fantastic.

Little Ones' Play Place

The Play Place is the perfect resting spot while elves entertain your kids with reindeer games and ornament decorating. Guests are also treated to story time by Mrs. Claus.

The elves are fun and stay in character, so ensure your kids ask them all sorts of questions about the North Pole; they will get a kick out of it.

Visit The Christmas Village to Meet Santa

No visit to Enchant Christmas DC is complete without some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa Claus in front of his magical backdrop. You can buy a professional photo or take your own. I appreciate that they let you snap your Santa photo since you're spending a bit much, to begin with.  

The Village has an array of specialty crafts, artisan vendors, and boutiques. You'll also find a variety of treats, hot entrees, specialty sandwiches, and homemade donuts.

Enjoy Live Entertainment at Enchant Christmas D.C.

There are various stages throughout the park, offering live music and the occasional pop-up performances throughout The Village. I love Christmas music, and the idea of someone randomly popping up and singing a Christmas carol is the most fantastic idea ever.

Hallmark Channel Cozy Corner

When you're ready for a break, walk over to the Hallmark Channel Cozy Corner, where you can find Hallmark gifts, holiday wine, and take a moment to relax.

Eating and Drinking at Enchant Christmas D.C.

As mentioned, The Village has plenty of eats to keep your family content. Adult beverages are available at the Tipsy Tree Lounge, including festive Hallmark Channel wines. Now that I know The Hallmark Channel makes Christmas Movies AND wine, I think I'm in love.  

Nonalcoholic drinks are available, too, including the Merry Mocktail that comes in a Lightbulb cup. You can also get a round of hot chocolate for the family, which can be spiked or served traditionally for little ones.

Since they have plenty of food and drink options, no outside food or beverages are allowed, except for baby food and milk. In addition, you will find vegan and gluten-free options available.

2022 Enchant Christmas DC Dates and Ticket Prices

Tickets are officially on sale, so mark your calendar and book your reservations today! Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to experience the magic, as no reentry is allowed, so once you leave, there's no coming back in.

Ticket Prices

Adults 18-64: From $34

Children 3-17: From $18

Military (valid for one person): From $29

Senior 65+: From $29

General admission tickets include the Light Maze, access to The Village, Little One's Play Place, and Santa's Landing.

Available Add-ons

Ice Skating: $15 per adult or child

Garage Parking: $20

2 Hour VIP Elf Guide: $250

VIP Line Pass for The Maze, Ice Skating, and Santa: Adult/$25 Child/$15

When ordering your tickets online, you’ll be asked to pick an arrival time, but you can stay until closing.

Hours:

November 25 to December 4 Dec 5 - December 18

Thurs: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm             Wed & Thurs: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Fri & Sat:4:30 pm - 11:30 pm                 Fri & Sat: 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Sun: 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm                          Sun: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Dec 19 - Dec 25                                     Dec 26 - Jan 1

Mon-Wed: 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm                      Mon - Thurs: 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Thurs -Sun: 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm            Mon-Fri: 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm

                           Sun: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Top Tips for Visiting Enchant Christmas DC

• Kids are free on select Wednesdays (Dec 7 & 14) with a paying adult.
• If you know you will go ice skating, making reservations ahead of time would be best.
• Strollers are not permitted on the field where the lights are; instead, you can park them at the entrance; they are allowed through the village.
• The event can sell out, so it's best to order your tickets in advance.
• Don't forget the event is outside, so ensure you have dressed appropriately, especially your little ones.
• If you upgrade to VIP access, you must book your reservations 48 hours in advance. The VIP tickets sell out, so plan accordingly.
• Plan to be at the event for at least two hours to ensure you have time to fit in plenty of activities. However, you'll likely be there longer if you go ice skating, walk around The Village, take photos with Santa, you get my drift.
• Remember, the event takes place in the evening, so consider picking which day to go if you have small children who don't often stay up late. For example, you probably don't want to take them late on a school night.
• Finally, don't forget your phone so you can take lots of pictures!

Getting to Enchant Christmas D.C. 2022

Address:

National's Park

1500 South Capitol Street, SE

Washington, D.C. 20003

Garage parking is available; however, if you arrive early enough, you may be lucky and snag street parking. You can also take the metro, which will save you from the hassle of parking.  

Wrapping Things Up

Enchant Christmas D.C. should definitely be on your to-do list this holiday season and is an event for the whole family. You can take in the beautiful lights, take to the ice and skate, go Christmas shopping, indulge in holiday treats, and visit Santa Claus.