
By: Mion Edwards
The holiday season has arrived and District residents are taking advantage of the Christmas shopping deals, holiday-themed events, and activities. Here’s a list of things to enjoy around D.C. during the rest of this holiday season.
Walk through a Winter Wonderland with ZooLights
ZooLights is a mix of holiday cheer and fun family activities that will be held at the National Zoo. The zoo is transformed with thousands of sparkling LED lights that feature your favorite zoo creatures. The event is free and in addition to the lights guests can enjoy music performances, laser light shows, and a holiday market. ZooLights will continue to sparkle from Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) and from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more information about ZooLights visit their website or contact them at 202-633-3045.
All Aboard! ‘Season’s Greening’ at The U.S. Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is spreading holiday joy with there Christmas display, “Season’s Greening”. The display captivates visitors with its variety of trains and train sets intertwined with a Christmas themed D.C. monuments. It also includes some familiar neighborhoods in D.C. This is a free event. The display will be up from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1 and will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
Vintage and Antique Finds for $1 All December
Mike’s Thrift Store offers an eclectic array of second-hand clothing, merchandise, furniture and accessories. For the month of December, they are offering a deal where everything in the store is $1.00, yes you read that correctly $1.00. If you’re in the giving spirit, they also accept donations. Their operating hours are Mon.- Sat: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Sun: Closed. The thrift store is located at 3842 34th St Mt. Rainier, MD.
Share Holiday Thrills at The Watergate Hotel’s Rooftop Skating Rink
If you enjoy ice skating with a great view this event is maybe for you. The rooftop bar and lounge at The Rooftop Skating Rink is now open for the holiday season. Guest can come to enjoy seeing the views of the Kennedy Center, the Potomac River, the Key and Arlington bridges, the Washington Monument and the rest of the DC skyline. You can go for the skating rink or an after-work cocktail. The rink will be open Wed. and Thur.: 5:00 p.m. – 10 p.m., Fri. 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sat. & Sun.: 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and Monday & Tuesday: Closed. The rink will be there from December 19th- 28th. For more information, contact the Watergate hotel (2650 Virginia Avenue NW) or purchase tickets here.
Shine Bright This Holiday Season
The Yards DC (301 Water Street, SE) will be hosting a playful and interactive art installation called ‘Light Yards 2018.’ The Pool, put together by New York-based Jen Lewin Studio, invites guests to jump, and hop across 106 interactive circular pads of light. As multiple guests play in The Pool, their movements cohesively come together to create a giant canvas of transformative and fading colors to create fascinating patterns.The art installation will be on display from Dec.19th -Jan. 4th from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The event is free interested guests can register here.
Jazz It Up for the New Year
Bring in 2019 with an evening of Hip Hop scatting and Bebop-Hip Hop mashups celebrating Ella Fitzgerald at The Kennedy Center. This year stars jazz and pop singer Patti Austin and acclaimed Hip Hop drummer Trevor Lawrence Jr. The ticket includes the Grand Foyer Party. There will be two shows at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $79-89 and for more information, call 202-467-4600.