Holiday Events in Washington D.C

If you plan on being in Washington D.C. for the 2006 holiday season, there are plenty of events and celebrations scheduled this year. You don't need to look very far for something to get your in the spirit of the holidays. Tree lighting events, Christmas parades, holiday music and festivities for the entire family can be found. Many events are free and some charge an admittance fee, but there will be something for everyone, both young and old. Just get ready to go out and enjoy the beauty of the season in Washington D.C. this year.

Thanksgiving in Washington DC includes many events, such as museums and lighting displays that are free to the public and open most days. The Washington, D.C. Sales Tax Holiday, begins the day after Thanksgiving and continuing until midnight December 3. This is a great time to purchase gifts on your holiday shopping list. Many stores and businesses have discounts this time of year, so remember to take advantage of the savings.

Entertainment during Thanksgiving weekend includes The Nutcracker, performed by the Joffrey Ballet at the Kennedy Center, the Mel Brooks musical, The Producers, at the Warner Theater, and Cirque du Soleil's Corteo.

Christmas Pageant of Peace
This annual event takes place each year from early December through January 1, on the Ellipse south of the White House grounds. The 2006 Pageant of Peace will be held Thursday, December 7 at 5 p.m.

Opening Night Tree Lighting Ceremony
The date of the 2006 Tree Lighting Ceremony for the Christmas Pageant of Peace is Thursday, December 7 at 5pm. The tree lighting ceremony begins each year's Pageant. Musical entertainers and a military band serve as a backdrop as the President brings a message of peace to the nation and the world. At the end of the evening is the illumination of the National Christmas Tree. It is an amazing sight for the entire family, both young and old alike.

The National Park Service will distribute 2,800 free Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony tickets to the public at the the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion at the southwest corner of 15th and E Streets, NW, on Saturday, November 4, 2006, beginning at 8 a.m. The tickets are given away on a first come, first served basis until all tickets are gone. Only four tickets will be issued per person and tickets are required for every attendee, including all children.

Pageant of Peace Activities include the National Christmas Tree and smaller trees representing the states, territories and the District of Columbia. The smaller trees are decorated with hand-made ornaments by groups from each geographic area. There will be nightly musical performances and a model train display around the foot of the National Christmas Tree, courtesy of the Shenandoah and Potomac Valley Garden Railway Club and the National Capital Trackers. The outdoor musical and dance performances are presented on a small stage near the National Christmas Tree. The performances are free to the public.

The tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis until all tickets are gone. A maximum of four tickets will be issued per person. Tickets are required for everyone attending, including all children. Guests are reminded that the tickets are free and may not be sold.

No items deemed dangerous will be allowed, so use common sense in what you bring with you. Strollers, wheelchairs and diaper bags are allowed, but guests should be prepared for a search. There is no parking allowed near the White House. You should probably use public transportation. The closest Metro stops are Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square. For more information, please call the White House Visitor Center at (202) 208-1631.

Whatever your preference, whatever makes the holidays special for you, Washington D.C. will most likely have it ready and waiting this year. Whether it's the soft glow of twinkling lights on fragrant pine trees or a cup of hot chocolate while you watch the Christmas parade, you can find it here. Put on your hat, warm coat, gloves, and a smile and head out into the holiday season ready to experience the joy in Washington, D.C. this winter. The magic of the holiday is just around the corner.