As we start to layer on more and more clothes before stepping outside each day, it’s apparent that winter is here to stay in Washington, D.C. There’s no turning back –temperatures will only be dropping from here. The thought can be depressing to those of us who are summer-lovers, but instead of struggling to endure the cold season, why not try to make the most of it by taking advantage of some of the fun seasonal activities unique to this city. Even if you’ve lived in the District for awhile, there are always new traditions and events popping up each year.
If you haven’t been to National Harbor yet, now is the best time to go. Take a break from driving and catch a water taxi in Alexandria through the Potomac River Boat Company for $8/person. Once you step off the boat, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in a magical Christmas wonderland. The Gaylord Hotel greets you extravagantly decorated for the holidays. Inside you’ll find a little Gingerbread house where you can decorate cookies or make your own house. The hotel also has restaurants and bars where you can grab a drink and bite. The main exhibit is ICE 2011, an indoor ice exhibit with a total of 2 million pounds of ice featuring characters from Madagascar. They even have ice slides that you can take a ride down. ICE 2011 is loads of fun and not only for kids. Tickets are a little pricey at $25/person, but the experience is worth it. You can purchase tickets ahead of time on the hotel’s website.
For those looking for a fun date idea, check out the 4th Annual Merriment in Georgetown, which runs from December 9 – December 20. Festivities include gourmet hot cocoa tastings, style contest, a fruitcake eating contest, and dining specials at local restaurants and bars.
The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without the classic carols we all love. The Washington Chorus will be performing the holiday hits in their concert: “A Candlelight Christmas” at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts December 17 – 22. Tickets run $15 – $65. The Washington Chorus consists of 200 voices, brass, organ and percussion. Proceeds from ticket sales help support music programs in local high schools.
Aside from holiday music, part of the fun of the season is checking out local light displays. Instead of driving around all night looking for Clark Griswold’s house, stop by the National Zoo to see Zoo Lights 2011. The exhibit features light displays in the shapes of animals living at the Zoo. The sound of Christmas carols will accompany your walk, as community chorale groups have the opportunity to perform at the event. This is a great activity for kids and the best part is, it’s free.
For those without kids, or who want to ditch the kids for a break, participate in Snow Day Bar Crawl on December 17, 2011 from 1:00pm – 8:00pm. The crawl costs $30 which gets you a bar crawl mug, the list of bars, and drink deals throughout the day. You have to sign up in advance through the link listed above. They charge you $15 in advance and the rest at the door.
I hope you take advantage of all the fun seasonal activities here in D.C. If you’re new to the area or will be moving here soon, please contact us at info@new-todc.com so we can help streamline your move and overall transition to the District.
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