Christmas in our nation's capital - what could be more beautiful or more profound for Americans? Rent a budget timeshare at the Wyndham Old Town Alexandria resort, hop the metro conveniently located just across the street, and take your family into Washington, D.C. for a wonderful Christmas vacation experience.
The first must-see is the Capitol Christmas Tree put up and decorated on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This tradition started in 1964 and today the trees are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The 2009 tree is an 85 foot blue spruce, harvested from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in northeastern Arizona. The children of Arizona will make the 5,000 ornaments used to decorate the tree.
The second must-see is the National Christmas Tree, across the street from the White House on the Ellipse. The tradition of lighting a national Christmas tree goes all the way back to 1923. The current tree is a 40-ft blue spruce that was transplanted to its present site in 1978.
In 1954 a "Pathway to Peace" was created by planting 56 smaller trees surrounding the National tree. These trees represent the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. All of the trees are decorated and brightly lit for the Christmas holiday season. Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in protective plastic globes to shield them from the weather.
Other Christmas displays on the Ellipse this year include a Yule log and a model train. And for the first time there will be Santa's Workshop where youngsters are invited to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. You can also enjoy holiday entertainment each evening of the week on the Ellipse stage where happy Christmas music is performed by volunteer choirs, bands, and dancers.
Candlelight tours, complete with seasonal music and holiday treats, are available in several Washington, D.C., neighborhoods. Choose the Candlelight Tour at Sully Historic Site that is held at an elegant 1794 mansion; the Candlelight Tour at Belair Mansion and Stable; and even right outside your timeshare resort is the Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours hosted at five festively decorated historic sites in Old Town.
The American History Museum has many displays of Christmas celebrations from the colonial times to the present. Or have a truly unique Christmas experience by ice skating through the Sculpture Garden, just across the street from the National Gallery of Art. And one of the most popular places to visit is the magnificent Washington National Cathedral that pulls out all the stops for Christmas with a full schedule of services, concerts, and even craft workshops.
Your week will be full as you enjoy these and many other holiday activities and sights in Washington, D.C. This will be a special Christmas vacation that your family will remember for years to come. See all timeshare rentals.
The first must-see is the Capitol Christmas Tree put up and decorated on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This tradition started in 1964 and today the trees are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The 2009 tree is an 85 foot blue spruce, harvested from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in northeastern Arizona. The children of Arizona will make the 5,000 ornaments used to decorate the tree.
The second must-see is the National Christmas Tree, across the street from the White House on the Ellipse. The tradition of lighting a national Christmas tree goes all the way back to 1923. The current tree is a 40-ft blue spruce that was transplanted to its present site in 1978.
In 1954 a "Pathway to Peace" was created by planting 56 smaller trees surrounding the National tree. These trees represent the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. All of the trees are decorated and brightly lit for the Christmas holiday season. Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in protective plastic globes to shield them from the weather.
Other Christmas displays on the Ellipse this year include a Yule log and a model train. And for the first time there will be Santa's Workshop where youngsters are invited to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. You can also enjoy holiday entertainment each evening of the week on the Ellipse stage where happy Christmas music is performed by volunteer choirs, bands, and dancers.
Candlelight tours, complete with seasonal music and holiday treats, are available in several Washington, D.C., neighborhoods. Choose the Candlelight Tour at Sully Historic Site that is held at an elegant 1794 mansion; the Candlelight Tour at Belair Mansion and Stable; and even right outside your timeshare resort is the Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours hosted at five festively decorated historic sites in Old Town.
The American History Museum has many displays of Christmas celebrations from the colonial times to the present. Or have a truly unique Christmas experience by ice skating through the Sculpture Garden, just across the street from the National Gallery of Art. And one of the most popular places to visit is the magnificent Washington National Cathedral that pulls out all the stops for Christmas with a full schedule of services, concerts, and even craft workshops.
Your week will be full as you enjoy these and many other holiday activities and sights in Washington, D.C. This will be a special Christmas vacation that your family will remember for years to come. See all timeshare rentals.
Christmas in Washington, D.C. is magical.
My favorite is all of the Christmas exhibits in the American History Museum. Not just informative, but really fun too.
Just a note - getting around Washington, D.C.,is very easy with their metro system - the best I've ever experienced any where.