Washington D.C is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. It has a magic and glamour uniquely its own; and that is never more true than during the holidays. We have the White House tree, the White House Menorah, the U.S. Capitol tree for sightseers outside. Best of all Washington D.C.’s stunning annual Zoolights show offered every year at the National Zoo is now for the first time FREE! Here are a few places where you can experience that Yuletide enchantment.
Union Station
If your usual route doesn’t already take you here, then do make time to stop by. This wonderful building is always decked up to the max for the holidays and besides the actual trains every year they also feature a lovely train set from the Norwegian embassy. (In a very Norwegian touch the train set prominently features trolls). Moreover, you can get all your holiday shopping done in Union Station’s fabulous array of stores. Union Station is also a drop-off site for the Toys for Tots program.
Christmas Revels at George Washington University
This yearly show has become a D.C. favorite for its mixture of splendid music, foolery, gorgeous costumes, and lively dance. Besides the yearly staples of audience participation for Lord of the Dance and the Sussex Mummer’s Carol, this year’s special set in Andaulasia features music from Arabic, Christian, and Sephardic tradition which is something entirely new for the Revels. It is truly a one in a kind experience; (you have to see the Taresque to believe it!) that the whole family can enjoy. The show plays from December 9 through 11 and tickets are still available. Don’t wait!
The National Cathedral
Besides the usual Christmas services, the National Cathedral offers its annual Joy of Christmas concert featuring beautiful voices in a magnificent setting. There is also the annual Christmas pageant and, for those who might prefer something more contemplative this season, the Cathedral also offers the Advent Candlelight Pilgrimage. There are also tours that give one a better chance to appreciate the stained glass, and tours that feature a traditional English tea with scones and a scenic view of Washington. The National Cathedral also has an annual drive to deliver Christmas baskets to needy families. The goal this year is 165 baskets; to learn how you can contribute check the Cathedral’s website.
Folger Elizabethan Theatre
This year Piffaro the Renaissance Band will be celebrating Christmas music from 16th century Spain with “O Magnum Mysterium.” This concert will feature musical works by Morales and Guerrero as well as traditional folk music sung and played by superb talents. The Folger Theatre is always a lovely place to visit and never more so than at Christmas.
The U.S. Capitol Botanical Gardens
Every year millions of people visit for the Winter Exhibit which features trains and beautiful models of the most famous buildings and monuments of D.C, everything from the U.S. Capitol building, to the Museum of the American Indian, to a model of the botanical gardens itself! This year’s exhibit also features the birthplaces of former U.S. presidents such as Monticello and Lincoln’s famous log cabin and, best of all, an array of “critter condos,” such as the Peacock Palace, the Butterfly Abode, and, my personal favorite, the Mermaid Manor! On top of all the exquisite workmanship of the exhibits, there’s something particularly satisfying when the weather is cold and the trees are all barren to coming inside a place so green and verdant; where the air is full of the scents of plant life. It is truly refreshing to the soul. Don’t miss it!
