With Christmas right around the corner, you may be looking for some fun events to get you in the holiday spirit! Here are my top choices of events to do in DC this holiday season:
For the kids at heart:
ZooLights at the DC National Zoo
If you're a kid at heart like me, you can appreciate the National Zoo's ZooLights holiday event taking place from now until Jan 1 (except for Dec 24, 25, 31), from 5-9pm daily. The Zoo is transformed into a winter setting with beautiful light displays of animals and entertainment. The best part is the event is FREE to attend!
(Tip- get there early if you want to see the animal exhibits. When I got there it was later in the evening and the animals were already asleep!)
For the shopper:
Downtown Holiday Market
For some Christmas shopping, head to the 10th Annual Downtown Holiday Market located by the National Portrait Gallery on F Street. The market is open now through Dec 23 from noon-8pm daily. The market has vendors selling art, jewelry, textiles, food and drink, and more that will make great gifts for your family and friends (or yourself!).
Stylecable Pop-Up Shop
For some unique shopping, head to Stylecable's pop-up shop. Sip champagne while browsing clothing, accessories, home decor, and (amazing) jewelry by designers who you can actually meet in the shop! Located in Cady's Alley in Georgetown, follow the sidewalk art to the shop!
For a fun outing:
The Mansion on O Street
If you're looking for something different to do with your visiting family and friends, or a work social, head to The Mansion on O Street for a Self-Guided or Happy Hour Tour. The mansion is like no other place in DC- it is actually a hotel and all rooms have a different theme and crazy, eccentric décor. They offer tours of the hotel and rooms (unless a room is occupied by one of its high-profile guests), and has hidden doors, secret passages, and all of the décor is for sale. Self-Guided tours start at $10, Happy Hour tours start at $20 and up.
Season's Greenings at The U.S. Botanical Gardens
For gorgeous seasonal plant displays with a holiday flair and model train exhibit, visit Season's Greenings at The U.S. Botanical Gardens. The gardens are FREE to attend and is open everyday from 10am-5pm, however the best days to attend are Tuesdays and Thursdays when there is live music and the exhibits are open until 8pm!
For a girls night:
Celebrate the holidays with your best girlfriends with a Secret Santa gift exchange and drinks on the town! My girlfriends and I are having a cocktail attire Girls Christmas Celebration with both a Secret Santa and White Elephant gift exchange, holiday drinks and appetizers, followed by a swanky night out on the town sipping cocktails at the glamorous W Hotel. Theres no better time to get dolled up and fancy than the holidays! Use a website like Draw Names for the Secret Santa and Perfect Potluck to help you plan!
XOXO
Blonde in the District