During the holiday season, D.C. has a load of fun, free activities to partake in. Here are some highlights of the things you should do to take a break from finals studying this season.
1. Seasons Greenings Exhibit – U.S. Botanic Garden
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
November 22-Jan 1, 2019 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Enjoy a spin around the greenery at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Across from the greenhouse, students can see plant art of the iconic monuments around the city and enjoy a model train that highlights beautifully decorated vignettes of each of the 50 states. A fun and free indoor activity to enjoy!
2. Georgetown Waterfront GLOW Exhibit
December 1 – Jan 6, 2019 (5-10 p.m.)
Explore Georgetown with extra special illumination guiding your path. The light art is a perfect way to explore the area by night and get some awesome Instagram pictures and boomerangs.
3. Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk
December 1, 2018 (11 a.m.)
Location: Old Town Alexandria
In celebration of the Scottish heritage and settlement of Alexandria, all are welcome to the annual parade that features bagpipes kilts, old-fashioned cars and more.
4. Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-a-long
December 4, 2018, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (seating on the lawn opens at 3 p.m.)
Location: Finelen Center 1551, Wolf Trap Rd, Vienna, V.A. 22182
Join the United States Marine Band and local choirs to sing in the holidays at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. An annual tradition off of the orange line, students can get into the spirit of the season and warm up their voices.
November 23 – December 23, 2018 (12-8 p.m.)
Location: Between 8th and F Streets N.W.
Enjoy the lively outdoor marketplace in front of the National Portrait Gallery. Over one hundred stalls are filled with beautiful artisanal gifts.
6. Boat Parade
December 1, 2018 (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Locations: Alexandra Waterfront – The Wharf
Come down to the waterfront to enjoy beautiful boats decked out in holiday decorations. Local sailors fight it out to be ranked as the most beautiful holiday vessel on the wharf. Viewing the boats is free and a gorgeous sight to see.
7. Zoo Lights
November 23 – January 1 (5 – 9 p.m.)
Location: Smithsonian National Zoo
Enjoy the zoo by night surrounded by a LED light wonderland. Explore the ground of the park and enjoy evening previews of some of the habitats holding sleeping animals. The lights are zoo animal themed and illuminate the area for those young and old to see.
Opening Date: TBA
Location: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
The Library of Congress Christmas tree is one that cannot be missed. Decorated in book ornaments and framed by the vibrant library foyer, this tree makes a great addition to any Instagram story!
9. Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar
December 1 (11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Location: 2900 K St., NW (Georgetown), Washington D.C. 20007
Located at the house of Sweden, you can sample traditional Scandinavian Christmas treats and browse traditional handcrafts for purchase. Hang around the event into the evening to watch the traditional St. Lucia procession of lights accompanied by Swedish folk songs.
November 28 – December 25 (open all day)
Location: 15th St NW &, E St NW, Washington, DC 20500
Come and enjoy the gorgeous national Christmas tree, a D.C. tradition that cannot be missed. Not only will the tree dazzle you, but around are smaller trees decorated for each state. Enjoy ogling over the bright lights and beautiful ornaments to see Christmas across America.