Visiting Holiday Displays in Washington, DC

Christmastime is definitely one of my favorite times of the year to visit Washington, DC. The city knows how to deck itself out in the holiday spirit. This year, I only had a very small window of time in which to see some of the holiday lights around the city.

At the top of my list of things to see was The National Christmas Tree, which is located near the White House. This year's tree was decorated in gold and silvery white LED lights to commemorate the National Park Service's Centennial.

If there was a good time to have brought my real camera, this would have been it, but I forgot. Stuck with my cell phone camera this time!

The White House and the National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree is surrounded by smaller Christmas trees representing all of the states and territories of the United States. There is also a little village and model train at the base of the tree. 

Smaller state's trees and the White House

Located on the Ellipse is the National Menorah. It happened to be Chanukah while I was in town, so I was able to see the menorah for the first time.

Washington Monument and the National Menorah 

National Christmas Tree, Washington Monument and the National Menorah

The Willard Hotel is also known for getting into the holiday spirit. They have nightly "holiday lobbying" (get it?) events, featuring local choral groups.

They also have a huge Christmas tree in the lobby that is decorated with the entire collection of White House Christmas ornaments. So gorgeous.

This year's ornament honors President Calvin Coolidge and the first National Christmas Tree lighting in 1923. Below are close-ups of the 2015 ornament and the 2007 ornament. 

The Willard also had a gingerbread recreation of the Lincoln Memorial. President Lincoln is just one of many presidents who have stayed at The Willard.

My work is near the Embassy of Australia and this is one of my favorite displays to see. Surfing Santa and his kangaroo reindeer. Other embassies are similarly festooned for the holidays.

Although those were the only holiday displays I was able to visit this time, my other favorites include:

Zoo Lights at the National Zoo

Taken December 2010

Model Train Display at the US Botanic Garden

Entrance to the US Botanic Garden - taken December 2011

Union Station - decorated with giant holiday wreaths and featuring a model train and tree from the Norwegian Embassy

US Capitol Christmas Tree

Taken December 2011

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