Enchant Christmas Returns to DC with Lights Extravaganza, Mischievous Elf Maze

Babel, Falcicchio, and Ali show off “Enchant HalfSmokes” in holiday lights.

The bright lights of the holiday season are all set to shine in DC this year — and one of the city’s favorite festivities is returning with a focus that is thoroughly 202.

Enchant Christmas VP of Operations Jayson Babel, joined by DC Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio and Enchant partner Virginia Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl, were on hand at Nationals Park this week to announce the return of Enchant DC, an immersive holiday experience taking place at the ballpark again this year.

Babel called Enchant a “DC event, not an event in DC,” and detailed how the holiday pop-up will benefit local laborers (Enchant is currently looking to hire 200+ people for seasonal employment), will bring visitors from all over to the city, and will feature beloved District vendors alongside local makers and artisans in its unique holiday market.

Falcicciho and Babel enjoy “Enchant HalfSmokes”

“Yes, we do need a bit of Christmas right now, to come back together again and for the economic impact it has,” Falcicchio said.

2021 guests will experience over 250,000 lights while navigating what Falcicchio admits is a “challenging”  maze and other engaging physical and digital activations all while maneuvering around the mischief of Enchant’s Eddie the Elf.

As at 2019’s event, there will also be an ice skating trail, a Little One’s Play Place, the Village — where visitors will find delicious local eats and holiday shopping — and Santa’s Landing for photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

“Enchant creates an opportunity for magical memories,” Babel said, adding that the largely outdoor event will have safety measures and COVID protocols in place. With 350,000 visiting Enchant over a 30 day period in 2019, it is recommended that visitors reserve their tickets early as space may be more limited.

“It’s like a fantasy land – a dream place to come to,” said Ali. “I came back more than one time because it was so beautiful.”

Tickets ($29 – $39) are now available to experience Enchant from November 26, 2021, to January 2, 2022.