There seems to be quite a few different special events surrounding Christmas and the Holiday season here in the D.C. and Northern Virginia area. We are planning on visiting each of these and the plan is to review them as we go.
There is a Lighting Ceremony that is free to attend but you must have tickets. The tickets are chosen through a lottery. While we won’t be going to the ceremony we do plan on visiting. It is located south of the White House on the ellipse.
ICE! at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
The Gaylord is located at the National Harbor just south of D.C. in Maryland. The Resort and Convention Center has ice sculptures and ice slides. Depending on the day you go the ticket prices range from $28 to $35. I did find that if you are a Marriott Rewards member you can get 20% off tickets on certain dates. This is our plan to visit. Children 2 and under are free.
From November 27 to January 2nd the zoo is open from 5pm to 9pm. It is decorated with lights and have various attractions (carousel, tubing hill, train). Parking is $20 or $10 for members. There is a free shuttle from the Woodley Park metro station. Attractions are $3.
We are visiting this because of the train exhibit and my son LOVES trains. The Garden is open from 10am to 5pm and is free to visit. They also have a seasonal plant display.