While the temperature continues to drop and finals come to an end, there are big decisions to be made: to stay in, or not to stay in. Surprisingly, DC has quite a few things to offer specifically for these cold, harsh days that will get you in the holiday spirit! Whether you are staying in town over winter break, or just looking to explore when you arrive back, make sure you get out there and take advantage of the beautiful sights and activities the DC area has to offer. There’s more than just shopping and spending the days in a movie theatre; go see things that make DC the place we all love.
1. Ice Skating- What’s better than ice skating to celebrate the holidays (and to take advantage of the freezing cold)? Depending on where you want to go, there are ice skating rinks all over the DC area! From an outdoor rink in Georgetown, to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture garden ice rink, or the Canal Park Ice Rink, there are numerous rinks all relatively close.
2. National Zoo Lights– From the beginning of December to the beginning of January, see this free holiday light spectacle in the National Zoo, along with live music each night, special exhibit shows, and even nightly raffles.Â
3. The Nutcracker– It’s always fun to get dressed up and go out- Why not see the Washington Ballet perform the holiday special, The Nutcracker! Located at Warner Theater, you can order tickets online for any number of dates- check it out.
4. The National Christmas Tree- Although the official lighting of the tree already has passed, take a trip down to the National Tree, right in front of the White House. The White House will be lit beautifully in celebration of the season so make sure you take the short trip down town and snap a pic!
5. Gaylord National Resort–  If you are done with finals, and spending time in DC for break, you’ll definitely want to take a day trip to the Gaylord National Resort. There are numerous activities, shops, restaurants and anything you could imagine in this adorable port located across the river from Old Town Alexandria, in National Harbor Maryland. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the ferry and spend a few hours in Alexandria as well. Be sure to bring your camera!Â
6. Tour of Mount Vernon– I’m sure you’ve probably visited Mount Vernon before, but make sure you check it out during the holidays! The house is all decked out in seasonal attire as the holidays at Mount Vernon are no joke. They have tons of festive events all during the winter, along with a candlelit tour of the home and grounds. For more information visit their website.Â
7. Katzen Washington Winter Show- Nothing’s more convenient than to only have to take a short walk to Katzen for a fun winter’s day museum visit. The Washington Winter Show will be holding their fine art and antique show at Katzen from January 10-12, 2014. Admission tickets can be purchased on their website.Through this show, the WWS raises money and public awareness on behalf of its chosen local charities.
Although these are only a hand full of the hundreds things to do in DC in the colder season, take the initiative and make your own to do list! That way, you’ll be motivated to take advantage of the city, and the days that you don’t have so much work to do. Get out there and explore the wonderful things DC has to offer, especially the sights that only come once a year.Â
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Photo Credits:Â
http://media.syracuse.com/ente…
http://cdn.memegenerator.net/i…
http://voices.washingtonpost.c…
http://www.caroljoynt.com/.a/6…
http://www.mikebecvar.com/phot…
http://washingtonwintershow.co…