Washington D.C. delivers the quintessential American Christmas. While there isn't always snow on the ground, good cheer abounds. No city better reflects the spirits of America from its very beginnings to its reputation today as the world's melting pot. There's still time to partake in some of the capital's holiday spirit.
Italian Holiday Festival
December 13, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Embassy of Italy joins the Smithsonian American Art Museum to throw a community party that showcases seasonal music and costumed performers, along with traditional arts and crafts from many regions of Italy.
8th and F Street NW
Washington, DC
Russian Winter Festival
December 13 and 14, 2014. Closes at 5 p.m.
Hillwood Estate Museum & Garden will be transforms into a Russian wonderland with Grandfather Frost, Russia's Santa Claus, and his granddaughter, the Snow
Maiden. Rub shoulders with fortunetellers, mummers cloaked in animal costumes and live folk music.
4155 Linnean Ave, NW
Washington, DC.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Until December 28, 2014, 7 p.m.
The Washington Ballet, one of the country's finest dance companies, is performing the classic Nutcracker Ballet at DC's go-to downtown, the historic Warner Theater.
1299 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC
The Joy of Christmas
December 13 - 14, 2014, 4 p.m.
Twinkling with candlelight, the Washington National Cathedral comes alive at Christmastime. The nave is set with the traditional Advent wreath and garland, while the grand organ heralds the season. Old-fashioned carols are sung, making it a family favorite.
3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC
ICE!
Until January 4, 2015, 1-8 p.m. weekdays, 10 -9 p.m. Saturdays and 10- 6p.m. Sundays
Don heavy parkas and enter the sub-zero temps for America's largest indoor ice sculpture, where more than two million pounds of ice have been coaxed into vignettes from Frosty, The Snowman. This year the new Frostbit Factory allows visitors a peek behind the scenes to learn how the ice sculptures are made.
Gaylord National Resort
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, Maryland
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
House tours until January 2 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The Illumination event is on December 20, 2014 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Every year many Washingtonians make a pilgrimage to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, to admire the 18th century period finery. This year is the first time that the estate will celebrate the season with fireworks over the Potomac.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,
Mount Vernon, VA
Handel's Messiah
December 18 - 21, 2014 at 8 p.m.
It's hard to imagine a more moving way to embrace the season that with Handel's Messiah at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. This year, Nicholas McGegan conducts The Washington Chorus in this annual National Symphony Orchestra tradition.
2700 F St., NW
Washington, DC