Travel and Dish

Light Up the Night

The holidays are in full swing in Washington DC and neighboring counties of Maryland and Virginia. There’s a different festive experience nearly every day, from seeing The Nutcracker, to shopping a holiday market, to having breakfast with Santa Claus. But these light shows and decorations are something everyone can enjoy.

• This year marks the 101st anniversary of  the annual tree lighting ceremony at the White House, which takes place on December 5, 2024. From then until January 1st, you can visit President’s Park to see the beautiful U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree , which was chosen from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Once lit, the tree glows nightly on the West Front Lawn.
• One of my favorite holiday experiences is watching the procession of more than 60 decorated boats and the waving to passengers who participate in the annual Holiday Boat Parade. On December 5, starting at 5 pm, dozens of boats pass by the shoreline of the DC Wharf for the Holiday Boat Parade. Then continue down the Potomac River to Old Town Alexandria. While you’re there warm up with hot cocoa or grab dinner at a local restaurant.
• This year at the US Botanic Garden the theme is “Season’s Greetings” – . The display features a model train that travels around the gardens past festive adornments, poinsettias and beautiful replicas of Washington’s important landmarks. 
• The Yards DC – a neighborhood near the Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium – unveils the annual light installation  Light Yards with shimmering trees illuminated from November 25 – Jan. 1, 2024. 
• Get your shopping in at Penn Quarter’s CityCenterDC, which is all dressed up with 400 gleaming ornaments and a glittering 75-foot tree.
• The annual Christmas Illuminations and Fireworks shows at George Washington’s Mount Vernon are scheduled throughout the month of December.  The Mansion and grounds are lit by candlelight, and you can purchase tasty holiday treats, hot chocolate and shop for unique gifts at the Mount Vernon Museum Store. Check the website for dates and times.
• Everyone enjoys ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo (November 22 through January 4). The $8 exhibit features environmentally friendly animal light displays which you can see from the paved paths around the zoo. Many of the animal houses also remain open in the evening for special animal keeper talks. Insider tip: the trails are hilly so wear your best walking shoes.
• Holidays are amazing at National Harbor from the special lighting and animatronics of the 60-ft tree to the fireworks every Saturday night and the outdoor holiday movies.
• The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. The outdoor, walk-through exhibit features whimsical displays adorning the grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton.

All photos by Renee Sklarew