All through December we'll be showcasing the best of the holiday season in cities around the world. Today it's Christmastime in Washington, D.C. and
we've asked local experts for the essential ways to enjoy the winter's
best. Visitors and locals alike come together to celebrate the holidays
and the New Year, and we encourage you to share your own favorites with
us in the comments below. You can find all of the cities we've already
visited and stay up to day on the rest by bookmarking the series here.
National Geographic Traveler Staff
- The National Cathedral and its Christmas events. America's most famous house of worship celebrates the season with a Christmas pageant (2 p.m. on December 20); carols by candlelight (4 p.m. on December 21); and Christmas Eve and day services. It's hard not to be moved by the events and the kids will be enthralled by the music and the stained-glass windows.
- See the Ford Theater's Christmas Carol (performed this year at the Lansburgh while Ford is closed). And you can possibly get tickets at half price on the day of performance at the Cultural Alliance's half-price ticket booth.
- Kids will squeal with delight at the new Gaylord National Resort fountain show in the Atrium choreographed with lights, fog, and holiday music (after the New Year, it features a patriotic theme). The fountain gushes and dances at 6:00 p.m. and again at 9:00 p.m. The latter is followed at 9:30 by an indoor snowfall that feels like the setting for It's a Wonderful Life. The charming Christmas Market has all holiday trimmings discounted 50 percent and an outdoor waterfront market features local crafts through Christmas.
- Take a walk through the festive lobby of the historic Mayflower Hotel to see the holiday decorations. For a special treat, have afternoon tea in the Cafe Promenade.
- Poke around the charming shops in Chevy Chase, DC, like Periwinkle (with an old-fashioned Christmas window display) for unique gifts that get boxed wrapped up with ribbons, Catch Can for cool, eco-friendly women's clothing, jewelry, and housewares, Full of Beans for kids' holiday styles and everyday duds, and Write For You for fine stationery and useful gifts.
- Get together with friends or family and have a drink or bite to eat at the Tabard Inn in Dupont Circle. The inviting panelled parlor with wood floors, Victorian furnishings, and a blazing fireplace feels like being in a cozy colonial home for the holidays.
Kitt Vidnovic, Senior Concierge - Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate by the Crystal Garden at Fairmont Washington, D.C.
- Check out the holiday decorations in Georgetown while
shopping for gifts in the dozens of boutiques
and gourmet shops. Walk up and down some of the residential sidestreets
for a look at the brick townhouses spruced up for the holidays.
- Ice Skate at night at the Sculpture Garden rink (pictured, above) next to the National Gallery.
- See the Washington Ballet's American Nutcracker performance (set in colonial Washington) at the Warner Theater.
- Walk among the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens (outside the city in Wheaton, MD), or in the city, stroll among the lit pathways and spot the different animals at night during Zoolights at the National Zoo (Woodley Park-Adams Morgan Metro).
Lynn Hight, Concierge
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.
- Enjoy homemade stollen with tea or coffee at the Mandarin Oriental.
- View the White House Christmas Tree lighting, usually emceed by a local celebrity with musical performances--it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Enjoy the Choral Arts Society annual holiday concerts and family sing-alongs held at the Kennedy Center.
- Visit the outdoor Washington D.C. Holiday Market to purchase a variety
of foods and handcrafted gifts (jewelry, prints, handbags, ornaments) and enjoy live performances daily.
- The capital celebrates Hanukkah with the lighting of the Menorah on the Ellipse.
- George Washington's former home, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens (about 15 miles outside of the city), features special Christmas events from candlelit tours of the Mansion to historical chocolate-making and 18th-centruy dancing. A live camel is on view through the holidays.
Michael Chase, Concierge
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
- Visit the National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace with 56 trees representing all states and the territories. Also warm up around the yule log on the Ellipse near the White House.
- View the annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at Georgetown's Washington Harbour.
- Join in the Holiday Sing-A-Long at Wolf Trap Filene Center.
- Shopping favorites during the season and year-round include Ann Hand for patriotic and glamorous jewelry, Keith Lipert Gallery for fine gifts and unique jewelry, and the White House Historical Association for White House related ornaments, Presidential china, and books.
Photos: Thomas R. Anderson Photography via the Intelligent Travel Flickr pool, and Gaylord National Resort
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I love the kids' clothing at Full of Beans, especially the cozy, colorful dresses-- well-made so they last a long time and good for passing down to siblings or cousins.
With the First Tweens now in the White House (Malia and Sasha Obama), be sure to also check out Twixt, the boutique for 'tween girls, in Georgetown.