Get in the Holiday Spirit in Washington DC

To jump-start your holiday spirit, check out these four fun holiday activities in and around Washington DC.  From the National Christmas Tree to a jet-skiing Santa, there’s something fun, exciting and sure to bring smiles to the faces of children of any age.

National Christmas Tree – Ellipse across for the White House, (map) – Through January 1, 2011.

The live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce tree in the Ellipse was transplanted from Pennsylvania in 1978, and each December since, the President and first Family have participated in the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Surrounding the National Christmas Tree is the Pathway of Peace, with 56 decorated Christmas trees, one representing each of the 50 states, Washington, DC, and the five US territories. The National Yule Log burns and live musical performances entertain visitors daily.

US Capitol Christmas Tree – West Front Lawn, US Capitol building (map) – Through January 1, 2011.

This year, a shorter 67-foot tall Spruce tree from Wyoming’s Teton National Forest was the tree selected as the Capitol Christmas Tree. It will be decorated with 5,000 hand-made ornaments created by school children from Wyoming. The tradition of a Capitol tree dates back to 1964.

Bull Run Festival of Lights - Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Virginia (map) – Monday-Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday until 10:00 through January 9, 2011. $15 per car, $20 Friday- Sunday.  Use the online weekday coupon to save $3.

The 2.5 mile drive through the Bull Run Festival of Lights’ luminescent light show displays dozens of holiday settings including Santa’s workshop, toy-making elves, jumping deer, Frosty the Snowman and the all new Santa’s Enchanted Lights that uses over 40,000 animated lights that twinkle in time with holiday music. Also visit the festival’s Carnival with its food, rides, vendors, free hayrides, animated Christmas tree, and photos with Santa. December 2- 5, 9-12, 16-31 and Jan. 1-2.

Water Skiing Santa – National Harbor, 150 National Plaza, Fort Washington. (map) Friday, December 24, 2010 – 1:00 pm. Free.

Who says Santa Clause needs his sleigh and reindeer to get around? On Christmas Eve, Santa will be showing off his water skiing skills on the Potomac River.  Joining Santa for the 25th year in a row at this annual event will be reindeer on knee boards, skiing elves, a snowman in a dinghy and the infamous Grinch Who Stole Christmas riding a jet ski.

Image – from personal collection – ©2009 – Jon Rochetti