Washington DC Family Vacation Fun | Holiday Events Things to Do

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Washington, DC: Family Fun and Holiday Cheer in the Nation’s Capital. Family Travel Ideas Ice Skating Washington DC

It's never too early to start planning that Winter Break vacation, and DC is putting together a lineup of festive, fun-filled and family-friendly events and happenings. The possibilities are endless and the memories worth their weight in gold.

Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden. View magnificent works of sculpture while gliding in the open air and enjoying music from a state-of-the-art sound system. The Pavilion Café on site offers warm food and drinks. (National Gallery (202) 737-4215 or www.nga.gov)

Holiday Celebration at Union Station. Union Station - DC's 100 year-old train station's annual Norwegian holiday celebration begins November as a model train display comes to life, traversing the fjords and landscape of the Norwegian countryside. The Ambassador of Norway lights DC's Official Christmas Tree in the station's grand foyer. (Union Station (202) 289-1908 or www.unionstationdc.com)

Mount Vernon by Candlelight. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens - Visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions as they tour the candlelit mansion, meet First Lady 'Martha Washington' and enjoy caroling and free cookies. New features this year include themed decorations, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demos and even a Christmas camel similar to the one Washington had on the grounds during Christmas of 1787. (Mount Vernon (703) 780-2000 or www.mountvernon.org)

Lights On!. The first week of December brings a festive lineup of tree lighting ceremonies to some of DC's most famous locations: the White House Ellipse, the U.S. Capitol, Union Station and other high-profile sites throughout the city. On the first night of Hanukkah, the National Menorah's lights also appear on the grounds of the White House. (www.washington.org)

Ford's Theatre's "A Christmas Carol".

Lansburgh Theatre- Dickens' holiday classic is a DC tradition, staged by historic Ford's Theatre. During Ford's landmark renovation, "A Christmas Carol" will take the stage at the Lansburgh Theatre. (www.fordstheatre.org)

Pageant of Peace & National Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held on the White House Ellipse the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree kicks off DC's two-week Pageant of Peace, a holiday celebration of caroling, music, a burning Yule log and other events. The presentation includes lighted trees representing every American state and territory. (www.nps.gov)

Annual Scottish Christmas Walk. This annual tradition at the Campagna Center kicks off Alexandria's holiday season with the fresh scent of heather and the stirring melody of bagpipes throughout the quaint streets of Old Town. More than 100 Scottish clans dressed in traditional tartans participate in the event. (Scottish Christmas Walk (703) 549-0111 or www.scottishchristmaswalk.com)

Handel's Messiah at The Washington National Cathedral. Each December, the Washington National Cathedral Choir presents this holiday classic. (National Cathedral (202) 537-5527 or www.nationalcathedral.org)

Downtown Holiday Market. This popular holiday market across from the National Portrait Gallery features an outdoor showcase of jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles made by local artisans along with live music and homemade snacks. (www.downtownholidaymarket.com)

The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker.

Septime Webre's The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre is an enchanting tribute to our nation's capital starring George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker and England's King George II as the villainous Rat King. Complete with dazzling costumes and sets sprinkled with cherry blossoms, this fresh take on a timeless classic is now a DC holiday tradition. (Washington Ballet (202) 362-3606 or www.washingtonballet.org)

Russian Winter Festival at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. Hillwood celebrates Russian holiday traditions with folktales, cultural performances, music, hands-on arts projects for kids and self-guided family tours of the museum's Russian art collection. (www.hillwoodmuseum.org)

Make it happen. Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. DestinationDC.com

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Washington DC, Family Vacations - Go Where the Shopping Is Terrific.
The neighborhoods of Washington, DC have become the place to go for unique shopping. Home furnishings, shoe stores, and food emporia are tucked between cafes and row houses in Dupont Circle and on Capitol Hill.

Washington DC: Family Vacation Ideas - Dugouts, Espionage, and the Pony Express.
DC works for families, but enjoying the city with children can take some planning. From the Museum of the American Indian and the intriguing International Spy Museum to the more cozy National Postal Museum and the new interactive Museum of Holocaust, the city presents plenty of ways to have fun.

Washington DC: Free or Almost Free Family Vacation Fun - Museums, Parks, and Metro Rides.
If you're looking for an affordable family trip, take a look at some of the fun, free and almost-free experiences that await you in DC. It's no secret that economic woes are causing Americans to pay more attention to vacation costs. We know for a fact that Washington DC is a bargain and we have a list from the experts to prove it.

Washington DC: A Family Vacation on a Budget – Free and Fun Stuff.
For a city destination Washington DC has a terrific high value and low cost ratio making a family vacation bargain. When looking for entertainment in DC, one thing’s for sure: you don’t have to spend a dime. All of the city’s famous monuments are free of charge, as are the 15 museums in the Smithsonian system of museums and the National Gallery of Art.

Washington DC: Family Vacations with Rockets, Dinosaurs, and a Panda.
DC offers enough fun stuff for families to fill a book. Our action list focuses on the best places to enjoy science and nature including the best options for families.

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS

Your DC Area Hotels

Great family vacation spots and festive holiday getaways. [Read More]

Hotel Rouge

Part of Kimpton’s Hip Hotel Collection- Escape from the ordinary with Baby on Board. [Read More]

Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC

Five-diamond, five-star hotel and families welcome at our legendary Pennsylvania Avenue hotel in DC's, prestigious Georgetown district. [Read More]

Hotel Madera - A Dupont Circle Hotel

A family friendly and pet friendly yet stylish home away from home. [Read More]

Best Western Pentagon

Save 25% in the heart of DC. [Read More]

Best Western Georgetown Hotel & Suites

DC’s family-friendly hotel where children 17 and younger stay free. [Read More]

Hotel Helix

Tween Dream Getaway - Indulge in a playful yet glamorous Kimpton Hotel adventure where chic hospitality is an art! [Read More]

Hotel George

Part of Kimpton’s Hip Hotel Collection - sleek design, classic service, artful ambiance, with family friendly packages. [Read More]

Comfort Inn Pentagon (DC Area)

Free shuttle & free breakfast. Easy access to Washington DC shopping, museums, and attractions. [Read More]

Topaz Hotel

A DC Family Sanctuary in the Heart of DuPont Circle - Perfect for Family Vacations. [Read More]

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