Heading to D.C. for the Holidays? Try These Family Activities

Christmas in Washington D.C. is a magical time. If you're looking for some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays with your kids, you've certainly come to the right place. The nation's capital features so many options and free activities that your family or group will hardly know where to start. Here are a few family-friendly ideas for any ages.

Anyone wanting to do the holiday season in D.C. should certainly include a visit to the National Christmas Tree. The lighting ceremony, held around the end of November each year, is a family-friendly way to begin the festive season. Different singers and celebrities participate in the lighting, but the holiday spirit is always the same. The 2018 lighting ceremony occurs on November 28 at President's Park.

Once the tree is lit, of course, you can still take an epic photo with the tree every evening. Come after about 4:30 p.m. to enjoy the lights and music - all for free.

Holiday markets are a staple of the D.C. area and can't be missed. You'll find pop-up Christmas and holiday-themed bazaars all around the metropolitan area - so many that you could plan an entire vacation just to visit them all.

Some of the best holiday shopping includes the Heurich House Museum on DuPont Circle, the Maryland Christmas Show at the fairgrounds, and Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Chantilly, Virginia. No matter what your tastes and budget, you'll find a treat for everyone in the family and support local crafters and artists.

Like many zoos these days, the National Zoo goes all out for the holiday season's beautiful evenings. ZooLights is their annual festival of color and light, and it's very kid-friendly. Every evening from November 23 to New Year's Day, the zoo offers music, games, gingerbread displays, light shows, and a train tour of the whole setup.

What sets the National Zoo apart from other zoo festivals? For one thing, it's free for the whole family. Go as often as you want, and let the kids run and play. Keep in mind that the animals will be sleeping for the evening, so start your visit with a daytime trip to the zoo to see giant pandas and other animals. Then take in a meal and return after dark for the colorful displays.

When many people think about Washington D.C, they don't think about the water activities available all year long. But if you add the holiday theme to the beautiful and fun-filled waterfront, you get a fabulous family fun day. Ice skate on Transit Pier, check out the lights, have a bite at one of the area eateries, decorate cookies, and enjoy the light of a relaxing fire. On December 1, families can enjoy the boat parade and fireworks as well as meet Santa.

Washingtonians love holiday light displays as much as - or more than - the next city, so you're sure to find plenty of amazing lights to tour. But with the area's long history, amazing architecture, and pictureperfect neighborhoods, the effect can be even more memorable. Stroll along the streets of Georgetown for some of the most romantic and classic lights or head out to suburban and historic homes to see large displays that will thrill the whole group.

No matter what your group's makeup or interests, there are plenty of ways to do the holidays right in this historic region. For more ideas and help planning your Christmas trip, visit the area experts at Jean's Bus Service, Inc., today. We know the capital personally and can assist you in making a magical trip this winter.