Celebrate in Washington, D.C.

Washington is full of exciting and unique ways to celebrate the holidays. From a water-skiing Santa to the lighting of the National Hanukkah Menorah, there is a wide range of activities to put any one in the holiday spirit.

The National Christmas Tree remains lit until Jan. 1 and is surrounded by 56 smaller trees representing the states, territories and D.C. The trees are decorated by their represented state and are known as the Pathway of Peace leading up to the National Tree. From now until Dec. 23 there will be nightly musical performances to spice up the viewing of the tree. Performers range from chamber singers to school choirs to dance groups and are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on weeknights and 4 to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. There are three performances per night.

For the city dwellers who celebrate Hanukkah rather than Christmas, there will be a lighting ceremony for the National Menorah on Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. The Navy band will be performing at the ceremony, which requires a free ticket for entrance, and there will be menorah and dreidel kits to keep younger children engaged in the festivities. In addition to musical performances for adults and children alike, hot latkes and doughnuts will be served.

If you are trying to explore events outside of the city look no further than the historic Mount Vernon and its candlelight tours Dec. 10-12. The estate opens for a special candlelit tour from 5 to 8 p.m., allowing guests to walk through the third floor of the mansion, which is usually closed to the public. The third floor is where Martha Washington resided after George Washington’s death.

The tour includes Martha Washington herself, who greets guests in the mansion’s dining room, also decked out in holiday fare, demonstrating what a typical holiday dinner would have looked like.

Washington’s personal secretary, Tobias Leer, makes a guest appearance helping guide viewers through the house. To leave a lasting impression on attendees, Martha Washington’s Great Cake is on display in the kitchen, the final stop on the tour, and all guests receive a copy of the recipe to make for their own celebrations.

For a more lighthearted celebration consider going to the Water-Skiing Santa performance Dec. 24 at the National Harbor at 1 p.m.  This will be the annual show’s 23rd anniversary and this year it features reindeer kneeboarding, the Grinch jet-skiing, elves flying and Frosty the Snowman in a dinghy with the Caroling Candy Cane Kids. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the rest of Santa’s helpers follow the one-of-a-kind performance. This water show offers variation to the usually routine pictures with Santa at the mall and is sure to be memorable for children.

If your family is full of animal lovers consider taking a trip to the National Zoo for its annual ZooLights exhibit, now until Dec. 31. Tickets cost $12 but guests are able to view the animals along with the holiday light sculptures and dancing trees set up all the way from the Kids’ Farm to the Panda Plaza.

There will be live music, winter crafts, and treats to entertain the younger crowd as they watch the animals at night.