Washington DC - Christmas ideas
 

Hi all. We are heading down to DC for the day during Christmas break. We've never been to DC during the holidays - any special Christmas sights or ideas to recommend?

We have tix to see the terra cotta warriors, and so far no other plans. We've done most of the Smithsonian, the Spy Museum, Museum of Crime & Punishment, etc. are looking for some holiday ideas. Thanks.

A very popular Christmas activity is going to see the National Christmas tree and all of the state trees on the Ellipse. I would also go to the Botanical Gardens for their display of poinsettias, etc. You could also go ice skating at the Scuplture Garden rink.
A note on the Terra Cotta Warriors show. I went last Wednesday and was advised to show up 15 minutes after the time on my ticket. By that time, the first of the two rooms has cleared out a bit so you don't have so many people crowding around to see the artifacts. If you don't do the audio tour, it should take just about 1 hour to fully see the exhibit.

Mt. Vernon is especially nice at Christmas. The National Cethedral.

Another vote for the U.S. Botanic Garden at the foot of Capitol Hill for its lovely Christmastime exhibits and convenient location. There are scale models of DC buildings and monuments made entirely of plant material -- leaves, moss, cork, etc. -- that are just amazing.
(It is one of few downtown indoor sites open on Christmas Day.)

Info here:
http://www.usbg.gov/education/events/Holiday-Magic.cfm

A great restuarnt VERY close to the NAt'l Geographic Museum for before or after the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit:
http://www.tabardinn.com/restaurant
Reservations recommended - ask for a table by the fireplace.

One day (1/2 day?) is not long. Botanical Gardens, National Cathedral (Choral Evensong service?), new Capitol Visitors Center, Libray of Congress, Supreme Court are all good options.

Also, I've been to the Nat'l Gallery of Art about 100 times and still see new stuff, changing exhibits all the time (the skating rink is nice too).

Mt. Vernon is a stretch for a day-trip to DC especically as you already have Nat'l Geo planned.

Thanks, all. Yes, this is a day trip - we're from Phila.

longhorn - thanks for the tip about the exhibit. We'll do that.

karens, it may be out of your way but there is a very "cool" ice exhibit at the National Harbor which sounds like it would be in DC but is actually in Maryland, across the Potomac from Alexandria.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/ybjhcd3