Christmas in DC is a wonderful time of year to experience in the nation's capital. For starters, there's just something magical about seeing the city's many great monuments decked out in Christmas decorations. Seeing the National Christmas Tree is also a special experience, and you never know what might be going on in terms of fun events. Most of the Washington DC Christmas events cater to people of all ages, and there are also events and holiday displays in surrounding cities such as Bethesda that are also worth keeping in mind. During the holiday season, the holiday season events in Bethesda include free winter concerts, chances to meet Santa Claus, and a live ice sculpting presentation.
The main Washington DC Christmas tree is a large Colorado blue spruce from York Pennsylvania that was transplanted in 1978. You can find it at the Ellipse area near the White House. Every year in early December, this tree, which is known as the National Christmas Tree, is illuminated in grand fashion. During the lighting ceremony, the President makes a speech that revolves around world peace. There are also music performances by big name artists and a military band.
The National Christmas Tree isn't the only tree worth checking out at the Ellipse, and you don't have to show up for the lighting ceremony to enjoy it all. Surrounding the main Washington DC Christmas tree are more than 50 smaller Christmas trees, which celebrate the US states and territories. The National Christmas Tree remains decorated until January 1, and during that period, it is illuminated on an evening to evening basis. As for the lighting ceremony, it sells out well in advance, so anyone who is interested in securing tickets through the lottery system are encouraged to act fast.
When you're not checking out the famed Washington DC Christmas tree near the White House, your holiday season visit to the nation's capital can include any other number of activities. Many of the area museums, such as the Smithsonian, put on various holiday season events. The same can be said about some of the area landmarks. The shopping, dining, and all around entertainment hotspot that is Union Station, for example, hosts its own tree lighting ceremony, or you can hope to catch the annual Christmas concert at the National Gallery of Art.
Concerts and shows of various kinds are held at numerous DC area venues, so checking the schedule can be a good idea. Among the most popular shows are The Nutcracker performances that are held at the Warner Theatre. This theater can be found downtown at 13th and E Streets. As for another show that you might try to add to your Christmas in DC itinerary, the Wolf Trap's Holiday Sing-A-Long is a family favorite. Members of the United States Marine Band perform during this single evening event, as do other vocal groups from the area, and admission is free. Early December is when the Wolf Trap's Holiday Sing-A-Long takes place, and the Filene Center at America's National Park for the Performing Arts serves as the venue of choice.
There is never a bad time to take a Washington DC vacation. That being said, the holiday season has a certain appeal that is hard to deny. The area is alive with festive fervor during the Christmas season, with things like craft workshops and parades only adding to the fun. Rooms at the DC hotels can go fast during Christmas time, so securing accommodations in advance is recommended. Bringing warm clothes along for the trip is also encouraged. The winters in DC are relatively mild when compared to more northerly cities, though it can get very cold and icy. If you arrive in the city unprepared, you can always do some shopping and get what you need. Shopping in Washington DC can be a blast, especially during the holiday season.
Showing posts with label Washington DC Events and Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington DC Events and Holidays. Show all posts
Monday, 2 May 2011
Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC
The Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC and other events are some of the most anticipated of any special events and holidays in the DC area. Festival events surrounding Washington DC cherry blossoms begin in the last week of March and run through mid-April—the prime blooming times in the city. A tribute to the kick-off of spring and a long-standing tradition that features exciting DC cherry blossom tours, this festival is one that is famously celebrated in both Japan and China as well.
Three thousand Washington DC cherry blossoms were donated to the nation’s capital by Tokyo as a gift of honor. Spanning back in history to 1912, DC received the trees from Tokyo as a symbol of friendship, sealing an amiable tie between the two countries. The Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival is an age-old tradition practiced over many generations. It is a huge event in Tokyo and has now become an exalted festival in Washington DC.
Culture and history are showcased throughout the festival with more than 100 special presentations and events including plenty of cultural shows. Food, arts, exhibitions, sports and more are all presented to the public during the almost month-long period. A symbol of new beginnings that appeals to all, Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC tourists include the event as one of the top things to do in DC. It is a time when bed and breakfasts, motels, and District of Columbia hotels book up quickly as the festival brings in thousands upon thousands of visitors.
DC cherry blossom tours center around the city’s National Mall, home to the biggest and most important of all city attractions. The National Mall and the Tidal Basin, just south of the massive green space, are the focus of DC cherry blossom tours that run all day, showcasing the lovely white and pink flowers. Many are concentrated around the Jefferson Memorial, which is a major focus of tours. The Washington DC cherry blossoms around Tidal Basin flank the water, creating an ethereal, pink cloud of blossoms all around the basin. The Tidal Basin hosts a large majority of the gifted trees. During the festival, flocks of people gather on the basin shores to see these pretty trees in their glory as this indeed is one of the best places for viewing.
Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC visitors enjoy a host of entertainment, from live music to cultural dances. There are judo demonstrations, Japanese Kabuki theater, the Sakura Matsuri Festival, giant cherry blossom balloons, celebration parades, and much more. Complimentary DC cherry blossom tours are easily arranged as long as they’re planned well in advance. The National Park Service offers them for free so don’t get coaxed into paying for a tour. Park rangers lead tours through the National Mall, where the top DC museums and monuments are, and around the extremely crowded Tidal Basin. Lantern tours are perhaps the best of all cherry blossom tours. They afford a look at the lovely blooms by moonlight and the effervescent glow of Japanese lanterns.There are a few other, less-crowded points that are great for blossom viewing. They Include the National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Foxhall Village near Georgetown, and Stanton Park at Capitol Hill.
Free ranger tours run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. each day the Chery Blossom Festival is on. Ranger Talks are held throughout the day at specific times a couple of hours apart while Lantern Tours have a shorter window of two hours, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. All tours leave from the main Welcome Area within the Tidal Basin, which is close to the where the paddle boats are kept.
Making reservations for vacation rentals, hotels, or other DC lodging is best done well before arriving in the city or there is little hope of snagging a room as hundred of thousands of people flood into DC during peak cherry blossom season. Transportation is much harder to contend with and getting a rental car is another amenity to be booked ahead. Segway tours and trolley-tours are another way to get good bang for your buck. Enjoy DC tours of all the best attractions while surrounded by cherry blossoms and really get your moneys worth.
Three thousand Washington DC cherry blossoms were donated to the nation’s capital by Tokyo as a gift of honor. Spanning back in history to 1912, DC received the trees from Tokyo as a symbol of friendship, sealing an amiable tie between the two countries. The Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival is an age-old tradition practiced over many generations. It is a huge event in Tokyo and has now become an exalted festival in Washington DC.
Culture and history are showcased throughout the festival with more than 100 special presentations and events including plenty of cultural shows. Food, arts, exhibitions, sports and more are all presented to the public during the almost month-long period. A symbol of new beginnings that appeals to all, Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC tourists include the event as one of the top things to do in DC. It is a time when bed and breakfasts, motels, and District of Columbia hotels book up quickly as the festival brings in thousands upon thousands of visitors.
DC cherry blossom tours center around the city’s National Mall, home to the biggest and most important of all city attractions. The National Mall and the Tidal Basin, just south of the massive green space, are the focus of DC cherry blossom tours that run all day, showcasing the lovely white and pink flowers. Many are concentrated around the Jefferson Memorial, which is a major focus of tours. The Washington DC cherry blossoms around Tidal Basin flank the water, creating an ethereal, pink cloud of blossoms all around the basin. The Tidal Basin hosts a large majority of the gifted trees. During the festival, flocks of people gather on the basin shores to see these pretty trees in their glory as this indeed is one of the best places for viewing.
Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC visitors enjoy a host of entertainment, from live music to cultural dances. There are judo demonstrations, Japanese Kabuki theater, the Sakura Matsuri Festival, giant cherry blossom balloons, celebration parades, and much more. Complimentary DC cherry blossom tours are easily arranged as long as they’re planned well in advance. The National Park Service offers them for free so don’t get coaxed into paying for a tour. Park rangers lead tours through the National Mall, where the top DC museums and monuments are, and around the extremely crowded Tidal Basin. Lantern tours are perhaps the best of all cherry blossom tours. They afford a look at the lovely blooms by moonlight and the effervescent glow of Japanese lanterns.There are a few other, less-crowded points that are great for blossom viewing. They Include the National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Foxhall Village near Georgetown, and Stanton Park at Capitol Hill.
Free ranger tours run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. each day the Chery Blossom Festival is on. Ranger Talks are held throughout the day at specific times a couple of hours apart while Lantern Tours have a shorter window of two hours, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. All tours leave from the main Welcome Area within the Tidal Basin, which is close to the where the paddle boats are kept.
Making reservations for vacation rentals, hotels, or other DC lodging is best done well before arriving in the city or there is little hope of snagging a room as hundred of thousands of people flood into DC during peak cherry blossom season. Transportation is much harder to contend with and getting a rental car is another amenity to be booked ahead. Segway tours and trolley-tours are another way to get good bang for your buck. Enjoy DC tours of all the best attractions while surrounded by cherry blossoms and really get your moneys worth.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Washington DC Events and Holidays
Washington DC is a very event-driven town. Between political fundraisers, international embassy activities, and political action assemblies, the Washington DC events calendar would be chock full even without its normal dose of holidays and celebrations. There is always something interesting to do here, but to get the specifics on events in DC during your planned visit, see the Cultural Tourism DC website at www.culturaltourism.org.
There are annual events in Washington DC that are as tried and true as the national history that provides a backdrop for them, like the lighting of the national Christmas tree and the massive July Fourth events in DC. Easter sunrise services at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin and the White House Easter Egg Roll are traditional and meaningful events in DC every year, as well.
There are other annual events in Washington DC that are more contemporary in their nature, but just as important to Washingtonian and national life, like the Capital Pride events in June, the Aids Walk, and Washington DC"s Restaurant Week in January. The August Legg Mason Tennis Classic is a must-see for many DC visitors, and the colorful cultural celebration Adams Morgan Day in September is another favorite on the Washington DC events calendar.
There are many events in Washington DC that are particularly meaningful to the military and those who love them. Annual Memorial Day events in DC are, in fact, the official memorial events for the nation, and are very inspiring. The same goes for Veterans Day events in DC, especially due to the current war status. Every year in October the Washington DC events calendar is happy to see the return of the Marine Corps Marathon. Who could not find inspiration watching military marathon runners endure past the statue of Iwo Jima?
By far the most popular events in Washington DC for visitors are the annual Cherry Tree Festival and the Independence Day birthday bash for the nation. The Cherry Festival is every year around the first week in April, and celebrates the return of spring via the 3000 gorgeous flowering trees given the US by the Japanese as a gift of friendship between the nations. There are many events throughout the week sponsored by different organizations, and there are cultural events every day at noon at the Tidal Basin lined with the cherry trees. There is an annual parade for the Cherry Festival, for which grandstand tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster. The Japanese street festival Sakura Matsuri takes place right after; a wonderful cultural celebration. Many hotels and restaurants invent specials and vacation packages around the Cherry Festival events in DC.
There is nothing like celebrating the nation"s birthday by joining with a million other people on the National Mall to take part in the Capitol Fourth events in DC for Independence Day. Free concerts, vendors, festivals, and one million diverse Americans celebrating their freedom together - it is a unique and powerful experience. The fireworks display on the Mall every year is a stunner, prompting many a riverboat cruise charter on the Potomac River, and plenty of elegant rooftop parties around town. For the week prior to and including Independence Day, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival entertains and brings people together, in a series of quintessentially American cultural events in DC on the mall.
No matter when you plan to visit our city, check the Washington DC events calendar, and the events of any political groups you may belong to, to make sure you aren"t missing history being made around the corner!
There are annual events in Washington DC that are as tried and true as the national history that provides a backdrop for them, like the lighting of the national Christmas tree and the massive July Fourth events in DC. Easter sunrise services at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin and the White House Easter Egg Roll are traditional and meaningful events in DC every year, as well.
There are other annual events in Washington DC that are more contemporary in their nature, but just as important to Washingtonian and national life, like the Capital Pride events in June, the Aids Walk, and Washington DC"s Restaurant Week in January. The August Legg Mason Tennis Classic is a must-see for many DC visitors, and the colorful cultural celebration Adams Morgan Day in September is another favorite on the Washington DC events calendar.
There are many events in Washington DC that are particularly meaningful to the military and those who love them. Annual Memorial Day events in DC are, in fact, the official memorial events for the nation, and are very inspiring. The same goes for Veterans Day events in DC, especially due to the current war status. Every year in October the Washington DC events calendar is happy to see the return of the Marine Corps Marathon. Who could not find inspiration watching military marathon runners endure past the statue of Iwo Jima?
By far the most popular events in Washington DC for visitors are the annual Cherry Tree Festival and the Independence Day birthday bash for the nation. The Cherry Festival is every year around the first week in April, and celebrates the return of spring via the 3000 gorgeous flowering trees given the US by the Japanese as a gift of friendship between the nations. There are many events throughout the week sponsored by different organizations, and there are cultural events every day at noon at the Tidal Basin lined with the cherry trees. There is an annual parade for the Cherry Festival, for which grandstand tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster. The Japanese street festival Sakura Matsuri takes place right after; a wonderful cultural celebration. Many hotels and restaurants invent specials and vacation packages around the Cherry Festival events in DC.
There is nothing like celebrating the nation"s birthday by joining with a million other people on the National Mall to take part in the Capitol Fourth events in DC for Independence Day. Free concerts, vendors, festivals, and one million diverse Americans celebrating their freedom together - it is a unique and powerful experience. The fireworks display on the Mall every year is a stunner, prompting many a riverboat cruise charter on the Potomac River, and plenty of elegant rooftop parties around town. For the week prior to and including Independence Day, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival entertains and brings people together, in a series of quintessentially American cultural events in DC on the mall.
No matter when you plan to visit our city, check the Washington DC events calendar, and the events of any political groups you may belong to, to make sure you aren"t missing history being made around the corner!
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