Washington National Cathedral
Work on the Washington National Cathedral began in 1907 and was completed in 1990. The site of Dr. Martin Luther King's last sermon, the tomb of President Woodrow Wilson and Ronald Reagan's state funeral, the cathedral welcomes members of all denominations. Each Christmas season choral presentations including Handel's Messiah, Christmas concerts and Advent celebrations leading up to the Christmas Pageant, which is open for all children to participate. The Christmas Day service is broadcast nationally.
Washington National Cathedral
Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-6200
www.nationalcathedral.org
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating
Pentagon Row is a shopping mall in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington. It's the best place for skating while the Pershing Park and Sculpture Garden rinks in the District are under construction.The rink is accessible by Metro -- use the Pentagon City stop. Private skating lessons are offered by appointment, and youth lessons are available on the weekend. Pentagon Row is open 7 days a week and will be open on Christmas. From November 15th through December 31st the rink presents Snow at the Row with a snowfall every day at 7:00 PM.
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating
1201 South Joyce Street
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 418-6666
www.pentagonrowskating.com
Washington Jewish Film Festival
The Washington Jewish Community Center presents an annual exhibition of international cinema in theaters and embassies across the city the first two weeks in December. The festival features award-winning films, discussions with actors and filmmakers and premiere parties. Films are chosen to bring the Jewish experience to life and debunk stereotypes. Tickets can be ordered online, by telephone and at the theater.
Washington Jewish Film Festival
Washington District of Columbia Jewish Community Center
1529 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 518-9400
washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/film/WJFF
National Christmas Tree Lighting & Pageant of Peace at the Ellipse
The Ellipse on the south side of the White House is home to the National Christmas Tree. Each December the President or a member of his family lights the tree. Smaller trees line a walkway, each representing a state or U.S. territory and decorated in an appropriate theme for that state. A Yule log burns throughout the month, and Santa and his elves make toys in his workshop.
National Park Foundation
1201 I Street NW, Suite 550B
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 354-6460
www.thenationaltree.org
The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre
This theatre puts on Septime Webre's version of the Nutcracker, featuring King George III as the Rat King and George Washington as the hero. The Warner opened as a silent movie house and vaudeville stage in 1924 and was restored in 1992. Tours of the theatre are offered before and after the show. Performances are held Thursday through Sunday during December, with matinees on the weekend.
The Warner Theatre
1513 13th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 783-4000
www.warnertheatre.com/index.asp
Scottish Christmas Walk
The Campagna Center and the St. Andrew's Society host a Scottish Christmas Walk weekend at the beginning of December. Bagpipers walk the streets of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington. The parade, featuring 100 clans wearing their tartans, is the centerpiece of the weekend that includes a children's tea party, a heather and greens sale and the Holiday Tour of Homes. Proceeds go to institutions that promote early childhood education and children's well-being.
Scottish Christmas Walk
418 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-0111
www.scottishchristmaswalk.com
About The Author
Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copyediting two full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.
