Holiday Events in the Washington, DC Area

Zoo Lights at the National Zoo: The National Zoo gets in the holiday spirit with their annual Zoo Lights. This family friendly event features thousands of sparkling lights on display. It also features sculptures of many of the Zoo's most popular animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, gibbons, a sea lion, an octopus, and a Komodo dragon. The lights won't be the only thing on display. The event will also have live entertainment, storytelling, cookie decorations, puppet show and more. Zoo Lights run from December 4, 2009 to January 2, 2010. Tickets are $5 for FONZ members, $8 for non members and Kids under two are free.

National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace: Entering its 86^th year, The National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace celebrates Christmas in our nation's capital. The festivities kick off with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on December 3^rd. While tickets to the event are no longer available, you can still see the Christmas tree and other Christmas trees from all 50 states. In addition, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment, National Christmas Tree Railroad, Santa Workshop and more. The closest metro station is McPherson Square or Metro Center.

Norwegian Model Train Display at Union Station: Trains and Christmas go hand and hand. One of Union Stations most popular holiday display returns for more holiday cheer. Starting November 24, The Norwegian Model Train Display returns to enchant trains fans young and old. It's all part of the Norwegian Holiday Celebration at Union Station starting this month until the end of December.

Alexandria, VA

The Scottish Walk Weekend: Entering its 39^th year, The Scottish Walk Weekend is a 3 day event celebrates Scottish Culture and the holiday spirit in Alexandria, VA from December 3^rd to December 5^th. The festivities start on Thursday with the opening of the Christmas Marketplace. The big activities are on Saturday with the Scottish Walk Parade. You and your family will be entertained by Scottish clansmen playing bagpipes, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade stars at 10:30 a.m., and it's best to arrive early to catch the parade and all the excitement.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: The Alexandria waterfront sparkles on December 5^th when 50 powerboats, sailboats and the District's fireboat cruise the Potomac for the annual Boat Parade of Lights. The annual holiday takes place at Alexandria Marina, just outside the Torpedo Factory. The event starts at 4 p.m., but early arrival is recommended to get a great view of the event.

Old Town Candlelight Tours: Imagine Christmas unplugged? No electricity, No Flashlights! On December 12-13, you and your family can find out how they celebrated Christmas in the 18^th and 19^th century in Alexandria. These candlelight tours are amazing events that showcase how George Washington and other early Americans celebrated Christmas. The city has 2 different candlelight tours for the Holiday Season. The 1^st Candlelight tour takes place on the weekend of November 27-28 at Mount Vernon. Tickets are one sale for $18 and $12 for children 11 and under. The second Candlelight Tour takes place December 12-13, and this event include tours of Historic Old Town attractions like Carlyle House Historic Park, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Lee-Fendall House and Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for children (ages 6-17). It's best to get tickets early because they do sell out.