Washington D.C. is beautiful during the holiday season. It is much more peaceful in winter, which makes it a great time for exploring the many attractions. There are also many special events. Here are a few things to do in the District of Columbia during the holiday season.
Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights in District of Columbia is a popular annual tradition, attracting hundreds of thousands of people, from local dignitaries to families and friends. The season-long series of events highlights the festive season and the power of giving. The 2017 theme is “Light the World.”
The two-night ceremony traditionally celebrates the holiday season by lighting up the streets. This year, more than 30 ambassadors and nine members of the U.S. Congress will attend the event. The event will include a performance from the Mormon Choir of Washington D.C. and will take place from dusk until 9pm. The event is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will take place at the Washington D.C. Temple.
Every night, there are free performances. The theater, located in the Visitors Center, will feature different performing groups each night. Admission is free, though some performances require a ticket. The Festival of Lights also hosts a variety of lighted shows each night. While all performances are free, some events will require advance tickets to ensure traffic flow.
The Festival of Lights in District of Columbia runs from November 18 to January 8. It is a colorful display of lights, and many neighborhoods will host holiday specials. Visitors can vote for their favorite corridor. The Madison Washington DC hotel offers special packages for families and children.
Holiday markets
Christmas is one the most magical times of the year. DC offers many fun activities, whether you are decorating your own home or hiring a professional. You can visit the National Christmas Tree, take a stroll through the holiday markets, and check out the unique light displays that are scattered around the city. From November 18 to January 8, you can get into the holiday spirit by decorating your home.
The Holiday Boat Parade returns on December 3, featuring holiday activities from 6 to 9 pm. You can even enjoy a drink or two at the Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden before the evening’s fireworks. There are also many holiday festivities at the Smithsonian National Zoo, including ZooLights, with 500,000 LED lights and glowing animal lanterns.
Nationals Park can also be visited, which transforms into an winter wonderland. This attraction includes the world’s largest Christmas market and holiday light maze. There are also giant light sculptures and an outdoor ice skating track. You can also eat tasty seasonal treats and enjoy live entertainment. You can also catch holiday films and seasonal concerts.
There are many holiday light displays in DC that you can attend free of charge. From drive-thru displays to walk-through displays, the area is brimming with holiday cheer. Some light displays in the city even feature live music and food vendors. Some are free, but some may require a fee.
Holiday boat parade
There are many ways to celebrate Christmas in the District of Columbia. You can decorate your home using lights. Or, you can make a trip to the White House. The holiday decorations are impressive, and you can take a self-guided tour of the East Wing. Volunteers help out as well as the staff who work tirelessly to decorate the East Wing.
The Holiday Boat Parade is an event that you must see during the holiday season. It’s held on the first Saturday of December and begins at sundown, the same time as the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. You can see the holiday decorations from the water as you walk along the Potomac River. Afterward, head to the National Harbor for the annual holiday fireworks.
In addition to holiday lights, DC has many free holiday activities. You can take in some of the city’s famous wreaths and other holiday delights. Union Station, the nation’s second busiest railway station, has a spectacular display of holiday lights. Visitors are welcome to visit the tree every night. You can also enjoy the National Menorah at the Ellipse.
If you are looking for a unique holiday experience, Washington, DC is the place to go. It is beautiful and many attractions are less crowded during holidays. Visit the National Christmas Tree, holiday market, and special holiday lights displays. You can even take in the city’s festive spirit with the help of a virtual tour or by visiting in person.
Tree lighting ceremony
Don’t forget to attend the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony while you decorate your home for Christmas. This annual event has been going on for 15 years in the area. It features carols performed by a local choir and a performance by the military band. You can view the ceremony online, and it is open to all.
The holiday season in the District of Columbia is a time to visit the National Christmas Tree, one of the country’s most popular attractions. The 32-foot tree, donated by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, will be lit on Nov. 29 and broadcast live on CBS. The ceremony will start at 6 p.m. and run until 8 p.m.
It is a tradition to attend the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the District of Columbia. It began during the Calvin Coolidge administration, and it continues to be a tradition that spans generations. Today, the event features musical performances and speeches by people from around the country.
The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is a tradition that began under President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. The tree is lit every year and thousands of lights are used to decorate it. The lighting ceremony can be watched online or in person.
Holiday lights for houses
You can decorate your home with holiday lights if you live in the District of Columbia. Every neighborhood fills with holiday cheer and light displays throughout the holiday season. Some neighborhoods boast elaborate LED displays while others have quirky fixtures. Over 500,000 LED lights are used to decorate DC’s streets. Many neighborhoods have food, live entertainment, vendors, and many other things to go with the displays. These displays can be expensive or free.
The National Christmas Tree is a popular holiday decoration in DC. This huge evergreen can be found in the Ellipse, NW at 15th and E Streets. It is surrounded by smaller trees from each state during the holiday season. In addition, the tree is decorated with 3D-printed ornaments.
There are many holiday light displays and drives throughs in the District of Columbia throughout the season. Some of the more popular holiday light displays include ZooLights at the National Zoo, Gaithersburg Winter Lights, and the Bull Run Festival of Lights. There are many other holiday lights displays in the city.
Holiday decorations at Willard InterContinental Hotel
One of Washington’s most prestigious hotels is the Willard InterContinental. The lobby is decorated with holiday decorations and a large Christmas tree during the holidays. A gingerbread display is also available at the hotel. The hotel offers holiday traditions and events such as live music.
The lobby of the Willard InterContinental is open for chorale performances throughout December. Their holiday caroling lineup has grown into one of the largest in the Washington area, featuring performances by choral ensembles and vocal groups from around the metro area. The chorale program is held every evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and features a prize-winning Potomac Harmony Chorus.
The Willard Hotel also offers holiday afternoon tea. The seasonal tea service, which is served daily from 1pm-4pm, includes organic teas, festive tea sandwiches and pastries. The price for the tea is $52 for adults, and $22 for children.
The Willard InterContinental has an expansive buffet during the holidays. Guests can enjoy their favorite holiday dishes at the Willard or Crystal Ballroom’s daily buffets. There are also several holiday events throughout the year and many are free.