Tree-lighting ceremony, Tuesday at 5 p.m. U.S. Capitol West Lawn. www.capitol
christmastree2012.org. Free; visitors must pass through security to enter.
Then
Have fun with foliage at the Botanic Gardens
Make the most of this holiday season
Another Washington favorite, this year’s “Season’s Greenings” display has an indoor Christmas tree, more than 15 types of poinsettias — including several heirloom varieties you won’t find in most nurseries — and the ever-popular train display, where model trains wind their way through fairy dwellings. The music lineup is particularly promising. After the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting Tuesday, catch an Irish rock show by 40 Thieves.
Through Jan 1. Music: Tuesdays and Thursdays in December at 6 p.m.
100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. www.usbg.gov. Free.
And
Enjoy your company at an Italian dinner
From the intimate dining room to the hearty Italian menu, there’s something quintessentially Christmas about Eastern Market’s Acqua al 2. The restaurant is decked with poinsettias, lights and a tree for the season. Beginning Dec. 10, the bar serves a winter cocktail menu and sells panettone, the Italian holiday confection, to take home.
212 Seventh St. SE. 202-525-4375. www.acquaal2dc.com. Panettone: $25
per loaf.
HALLELUJAHS AND HOT TODDIES
Between the glittering ornaments, the uplifting harmonies of live choirs and piping-hot cocktails, this trip is a heartwarmer for those in search of a classic Christmas.
First
Raise the roof — and a glass — with gospel brunch at the Hamilton
The faithful and the bleary-eyed break bread side by side on Sunday mornings at the Hamilton, where the soulful voices of a choir entertain brunchers each week. The buffet is pure Southern indulgence, but the real attraction is the inspirational sounds.
Sundays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
600 14th St. NW. 202-787-1000.
www.thehamiltondc.com. $30 a person; includes buffet and one cocktail.
Then
Surround yourself with history at the Willard
Cross the street to the Willard InterContinental, which has observed the holidays in grand fashion since 1986. Grab a spiked warmer such as the Harrison’s Spiced Apple Cider ($15) from the Round Robin bar, and tour the ornate Beaux-Arts building, where columns are encircled in greenery and ornaments and small trees line the halls. Then, behold the Willard’s grand 14-foot tree, which will be dotted with more than 300 official White House Christmas ornaments from the past 30 years. The collectibles are issued each year by the White House Historical Association; look out for this year’s trinket, a charming classic car that symbolizes the Taft White House, the first to embrace the automobile.
Through early January at 1401
Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-628-9100.
www.washington.intercontinental.com. Free.
And
Step back in time at the DAR Open House
If you want to see lights at night, visit the Willard on Wednesday evening and then head to the DAR Christmas Open House. Ten rooms will be outfitted in period holiday decorations, each representing a different era in U.S. history. Don’t miss the 1960s room, complete with an aluminum tree.
Cookies and hot cocoa abound, carolers offer Christmas music and Santa will be available for photos, sans long lines. The decorations stay up through the new year.
Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. DAR Memorial Continental Hall, 17th and D streets NW. 202-572-0563. www.dar.org/openhouse. Free.
WHO DOESN’T LOVE A SAIL?
For its 20th anniversary, the Parade of Lighted Boats on Saturday is going all out. In Old Town, do some holiday shopping and watch the brightly appointed boats set sail on Washington’s Southwest waterfront, round up the kids and see the ships (and Santa) arrive at a festival with live music and a bonfire.
First
Pick up a few holiday gifts
During the day, stroll through Old Town, stopping at such quirky gift shops as cocktail-party mecca the Hour (1015 King St.). Then head for the Art League’s annex, where you’ll find holiday jewelry and ceramics for sale.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. 305 Madison St.,
Alexandria. 703-548-8127. www.theartleague.org.
Then
Watch the ships depart
At 4 p.m., take a waterfront stroll to the Torpedo Factory docks, where, as the sun sets after 5 p.m., 30 glowing boats decorated for the season will begin their three-mile journey into the Washington Channel.
Along the District’s Southwest Waterfront, a separate festival will be perfect for kids. Just after dusk at 5:45 p.m., a bonfire will be lighted at the small park at Seventh and Water streets SW, and guests can roast marshmallows, decorate cookies and experience a “snowfall” as the boats roll in about 6:30, all new touches to celebrate the landmark year.
Ships depart Saturday about 5 p.m. from the Torpedo Factory dock, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. In Washington, events run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Seventh and Water streets SW. 202-688-3590. www.swdcwaterfront.com/news/events.htm . Free.
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