Submitted by Sad_Insurance_8627 t3_zf4r5b in washingtondc
I’m visiting DC for the first time over the holidays. What are some must do activities (mainstream or not)? Thanks in advance!!
Comments
kalamawho t1_izahrxf wrote
Do the 100% free DC Christmas walking tour:
- Start at the Botanic Garden (since that closes at 5 pm most days and this is best enjoyed when things are lit up at night)
- walk over to the Capitol Christmas tree
- walk over to the Canadian Embassy Christmas tree
- walk up Pennsylvania Ave to the White House Christmas tree
- the White House has some fancy hotels with decorated lobbies nearby that you can pop into as well
- optional add-on since it’s slightly out of the way: hit Union Station after the Capitol Christmas tree for the giant wreaths and the big Norwegian tree.
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_izajmf2 wrote
This is super helpful, thank you!
corndogblaster t1_iza11hx wrote
Walking around the mall at night and going to the Christmas tree in front of the Capitol is fun! You can learn about where the tree is from and who decorated it
keyjan t1_izaiqo9 wrote
Capitol tree is the best tree.
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_iza77gm wrote
Thank you :)
corndogblaster t1_iza8qyw wrote
You’re welcome! Not sure why I was downvoted lol
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_iza8ulc wrote
fun haters
keyjan t1_izajnmg wrote
it's not a must do, but there's a holiday market in front of the Portrait Gallery that has pretty things.
And if you feel like spending a little money, Hillwood always gets seriously tarted up for the holidays.
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_izakbc1 wrote
I love spending money
queenmissmichelle t1_izad80a wrote
There are some festive bars which have fun cocktails, spiked hot chocolate and food- Urban Roast and Miracle DC come to mind
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_izadbon wrote
Now we’re talking :) thanks for the suggestions
queenmissmichelle t1_izadfar wrote
Oh! There’s also ice skating I think near the portrait gallery and by the sculpture garden. It’s pretty busy but still fun
[deleted] t1_izb08k1 wrote
Agree with everything others have said. Two things missing:
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage -- free performances every day at 6, many of them Christmas themed.
National Cathedral -- some events require tickets, some not. I'm not religious, but Mom is, and we're going Christmas Eve. I might even have some spare tickets.
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_izb3u9c wrote
I did see the national cathedral, but thought it was un-ticketed so that’s good to know!!
neil_va t1_izbjsuy wrote
Zoo lights is pretty cool and free
Sad_Insurance_8627 OP t1_izad729 wrote
Yay, thanks!!
[deleted] t1_izc12rr wrote
[removed]
PmintJim t1_izeh08f wrote
Pick up a copy of this months Washingtonian. The whole issue is about this question
waltc97 t1_izabgo7 wrote
The all plant based, gingerbread-house-like installations of famous DC landmarks located in the botanic garden are nice and near the capitol Christmas tree.
There are several holiday markets around the city, one downtown on the street south of the portrait gallery.