Things to Do in Washington DC at Christmas
National Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting
(Nov. 28, 2008; 5pm- 7pm) Watch as National Harbor’s 65 ft. tree springs to life with hundreds of twinkling lights. Festivities include holiday vendors, hot chocolate, roasted nuts and activities for kids sponsored by the National Children’s Museum. Fireworks on the Potomac River are the perfect ending to this magical evening.
Holiday Characters on National Harbor’s Marina
(Dec. 24, 2008; 1pm; Free)
A water skiing Santa, jet skiing Grinch and Frosty the Snowman as a dinghy all make an appearance on National Harbor’s Marina and spread the holiday cheer.
Christmas on the Potomac River
(Nov. 24-Dec. 30)
Voices of Gaylord National Christmas Show
(runs various dates in Nov.-Dec.)
A forty minute Christmas spectacle comprised of 100 plus voices from school choirs to professional singers.
Gaylord National Holiday Décor
Icicles, snowfall, a miniature town of trains…it’s as if you died and landed in holiday heaven. This holiday season Gaylord National Resort comes alive with the magnificent Tree of Light, nightly visions of snow falling and the Potomac Express Train Village.
Sounds of the Season
(Sun.-Wed., 7pm) Local musicians grace us with talented performances.
Brightest Star Fountain Show
(nightly, Atrium Fountain) Narration of classic Christmas tales back dropped with fanciful lighting and dancing fountains.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
(Dec. 1-Dec. 31, 2008; The Ellipse; Free)
Washington Jewish Film Festival
(Dec. 4-Dec. 14, 2008; various venues) Check out http://twitter.com/WJFF for more info.
Outdoor Ice Skating
(Mon.-Thurs. 10am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 10am–11pm
Sunday 11am-9pm) For a breath of fresh air and a view of some gorgeous ice sculptures, head over to the National Gallery of Arts Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink. After skating enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or lunch from the Pavilion Café.
Zoolights
(Rock Creek Park; Dec. 18- Dec. 30, 2008) The National Zoo begins its annual celebration of winter with crafts, live music, twinkle lights and sweet treats. Tickets are $6 for members and $12 for nonmembers, kids under 2 are free.
National Christmas Tree Lighting & Pageant of Peace
(The Ellipse; Dec. 1st- Dec. 31, 2008) Live holiday music performances and 56 fully decked out Christmas trees. Free tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Estate & Gardens (Dec. 28- Jan. 6) Daytime program which displays themed Christmas trees and chocolate making demonstrations.
“Flamenca Navidad”-Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
(5301 Tuckerman Ln.) Previously named one of the top five dance performances last year, don’t miss out. Tickets range from $25-$48. Visit www.strathmore.org for more information.
