DC during christmas break- Good idea?
 

We are looking at going to DC during the christmas holidays between christmas and New Years. Is this a good time of year to go? Are all the tourist sites available? We are going with our 2 teenage girls. Any suggestions on must see's or a good area to stay. Any recomendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

It's a pretty quiet that week here in DC, which could be nice. Besides Christmas and New years, I imagine everything will be open.

Smithsonian museums (and most other places, too) are closed on Dec. 25 but open on New Year's Day.

mount vernon is lovely over the holidays

Mike, I suggest you do a search on DC here--there are TONS of threads about museums and other must-sees, and loads of opinions on which is the best neighborhood to stay in. Then, you can repost with any additional questions you may have...

IMO, Xmas is a nice time to visit DC. You can see the National Xmas tree and the state trees (they're in a little grove, really charming after dark), and if you start trying now, you might be able to tour the White House and see it all decorated. As long as a little cold won't bother you, I'd say, go for it! Good luck!

"... between christmas and New Years. Is this a good time of year to go?" - Yes, DC is somewhat quiet that time of year (unlike NYC).

"Are all the tourist sites available?" - Yes, all except Christmas Day, when the Smithsonian Museums are closed.

"We are going with our 2 teenage girls. Any suggestions on must see's or a good area to stay." - Your daughters will love staying in the lively Dupont Circle area: lots of shops, dining, and entertainment options (get a place close the the Dupont Metro stop)

"Any recomendations would be appreciated." - Here's a map of the Dupont Metro area, hotels show as 'dark brown': http://www.stationmasters.com/System.../dupontci.html

We did DC 2 years ago during Christmas break with our 3 kids and it was great. All the sites were open (but, not on Christmas Day). The decorations were fun to see and the sites were not overly crowded. Make sure you get your tickets ahead of time to the Washington Monument, Spy Museum, Holocaust Museum, etc.

The only thing we did not like was our hotel, an Embassy Suites near Georgetown....way too crowded with zillions of little kids. Next time we'll stay near Mall...there is a Marriott Courtyard in a good location.

Thanks for the info. Looking through the different threads, it appears that the Radisson Barcelo is the choice for hotel in the Dupont Circle area.
One additional question I did have was, What other tickets should I look to get in advance? Thanks again.

Mike

Check out the Washington Post's entertainment info at www.washingtonpost.com; you can find a calendar online that lists performances by date. Depending on what's playing, it would be fun to go to Ford's Theater or the Kennedy Center for a performance of something holday-ish, and you could buy the tix online in advance; or you may find some free events listed, too. You can also use that website to check out restaurant reviews by price, cuisine, and location, maybe make a reservation or two for some special, fun meals. Good luck!

Forgot to mention that www.washingtonpost.com requires you to register in order to use it--but registration is free.

Not that the Radisson isn't nice, but I suggest checking out other hotels as well because you will be sure to get a good deal at most places. Xmas is the slow season, with the exception of New Year's Eve. Are you staying in DC for New Year's Eve? I would recommend looking into the JW Marriott (2 blocks to White House). Also, I assume your girls like to shop? Georgetown would then be a must. There is also a large mall and outdoor shopping at Pentagon City (blue/yellow line of the DC metro)