I AM THINKING OF TAKING MY TWO CHILDREN TO D.C FOR A CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE. DEC 20-23. WHAT IS D.C. LIKE DURING THIS TIME AND WHAT SPECIFIC EVENTS ARE GOING ON ?

I live in DC and am not sure I can say much specific as it doesn't seem too different than any large city at Christmas--Christmas decorations up, lots of people go shopping, etc. DC is a good city at all times for classical music so there are noticeably a lot of special Christmas concerts in Dec., it seems to me (many choral), at various venues (churches, halls, Kennedy Center). Of course one or more ballet companies are doing the Nutcracker, that goes on everywhere. There's lots of good Christmas shopping in the various museums shops for something different. There is the huge Xmas tree lit up on the White HOuse lawn, that's nice to see, although I don't recall when they have the official lighting ceremony; I think there is a special candlelight tour of the White House that is probably nice if you can get tickets to that, but that's after Christmas. They have special decorations up at the White HOuse during Dec, though. I don't know of anything else; the Ice Rink on the Mall is open and that can be fun. Here's a good link to describe holiday things at the White House:http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/to...al_events.html

I just realized I think you can't get tickets to the candlelight tours of the White House, it's just waiting in line (I'm sure forever)--although I know you won't be there for that anyway, someone else reading this might.

YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN DC AT CHRISTMASTIME. EVERYONE IS SHOUTING!

That's not shouting. That's CAROLING!

The Kennedy Center puts on a sing-along concert of Handel's Messiah--not sure of the dates, but you can check their website. It's very popular with locals, so get your(I think free) tix early. I would highly recommend anything at the Kennedy Center--it's always beautiful, even more so at the holidays. In addition to the National Christmas Tree on the Mall (and there is a lighting ceremony, but I don't know when), there is a display of trees from all 50 states, also in the vicinity of the mall. Best web site I know is www.waashingtonpost.com. They have a visitor's guide and a calendar of upcoming events with reviews.

Whoops! Sorry, that's www.washingtonpost.com, with just one "a"--but I bet you knew that!

Though there will be a few events, DC tends to die this time of year. Christmas on a Tuesday; great excuse for a four or five day weekend. President and Congress will be out of town. People with roots elsewhere often leave as well. I would definitely call ahead to see what museums are open.

Today on the local DC news they announced the public won't be invited to the tree lighting ceremony of the National Christmas Tree, due to security concerns. And they're evaluating what holiday events will and won't occur. This might not be a good year to visit DC at Christmastime, sorry to say.

The public IS invited to the tree lighting ceremony. What is different this year is that everyone will need tickets. In the past, only people inside the VIP area needed tickets. The rest would just gather.

I just heard on the radio this morning that the White House won't offer holiday tours this year. So much for trying to resume life as usual...doesn't apply to the president, I guess.

I wouldn't recommend visiting DC for the holidays -- NYC is much nicer and more festive (store windows, etc.).

AG in DC

If you want to see the national tree, by all means come down to the Mall, and you can usually park quite easily on 15th Street, a block away. They have a huge open pit fir that feels great, and you can also check out the state trees ... quite a nice display. It might be a lot easier to watch the lighting on TV ... but it's great fun in person. By all means, you really should come to DC for Christmas ... we're hoping for a joyous holiday celebration. Be part of it. Ciao

Check and see if Mount Vernon (George Washington's home on the Potomac, about a 20 minute ride from D.C.) is running their candlelight tours while you're in town. They open it at night, have hot cider, bonfires, and guide people through the mansion by candlelight. It's very nice, and a completely different experience than the regular tour. Requires advance reservations. Also, you get to see the 3rd floor rooms (not open on the normal tour).

Well, I just checked the Mount Vernon website www.mountvernon.org, and unfortunately the candlelight tours end on Dec. 16th. It really is a neat experience. Here's info for anyone else considering it:

November 23, 24, 25, & 30
December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Evenings: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Enchanted evening tours of the Mansion feature costumed characters, a visit to the rarely seen third floor, caroling around a roaring campfire, free hot cider and cookies, holiday shopping, and dining. Ticket sales begin November 1. Timed ticketing is required. Advance ticket purchase is suggested. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Main Gate or in advance through Ticketmaster at (202) 432-SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com. Prices are: $12 for adults and $6 for children 11 and under.