For Immediate Release:
Nov. 17, 2010

                           It’s Not Too Late To Stay and Save in DC This Winter

Whether you come for the memorials, museums or holiday celebrations on America’s front yard, or the eclectic neighborhoods, funky events and insider hotspots that make up DC’s backyard, powerful memories and incredible values await in DC. And the city’s breathtaking vistas, inspiring monuments and memorials and numerous free attractions make it the perfect winter destination.

It’s not too late to score rates as low as $99/night with Destination DC’s Staying Power hotel packages, offering visitors the chance to save 30% on a three-night weekend stay (including a Thursday or Sunday night) when booking at Washington.org. Promotional rates will be available through the end of 2010, and participating hotels including a spacious trio: the Eldon Luxury Suites, the Dupont-located Carlyle Suites, and the Savoy Suites in Georgetown.

100 Free (and almost Free) Things to Do in DC
While in DC, visitors quickly learn that not only is it a city of powerful moments and rich history, but it’s also one offering monumental savings. It’s the capital of FREEdom, offering many free and affordable attractions and experiences. Consider seeing the giant pandas in action at the National Zoo, taking in breathtaking views of the city at the Old Post Office Pavilion or checking out DC’s longest running Salsa night at Lucky Bar with free lessons in Dupont Circle. Destination DC’s online list of “100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in DC,” outlines these options, as well as many others, and can be found here.

Winter Events
Your winter DC getaway won’t leave you at a loss for things to do. Consider any of these seasonal events to end your season on a high note:

Mount Vernon by Candlelight: Nov. 26-Dec. 19 
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens-- Candlelight tours, caroling, and hot cider and cookies are all part of this seasonal tour of George Washington’s estate. Mrs. Washington invites visitors into their home to see what a traditional Christmas at Mount Vernon looked like.  The tour includes the first and second floors of the mansion and features characters from the Washingtons’ world. (703) 780-2000.

ZooLights: Dec. 3-Jan 1
National Zoo More than 50 sculptures lit by environmentally friendly lights come to life at this annual event made livelier by activities and entertainment stations. The lights will highlight approximately 30 animal species at the zoo, including some of the zoo’s conservation successes such as Asian elephants and Giant Pandas. ZooLights will not charge admission in 2010, thanks to the generosity of Friends of the National Zoo and Panda Claus. (202) 673-4800.

White House Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Performances: Dec. 9-Jan. 2
The Ellipse near the White House-- The American tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree continues. The tree will be lit by the “First Family” in early December. The tree is re-lit from dusk until 11pm each following night through Jan. 1. The seasonal displays will also include a yule log, large-scale model train, Santa’s workshop and a Christmas manager, plus nightly performances of holiday music. (202) 619-7400.

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman: Dec. 29
RFK Stadium Once known as the EagleBank Bowl, this rebranded event is one of college football’s newest. The 2010 match is set to feature teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Conference USA, with Army as a possible backup. Proceeds support the USO.

New Year’s Eve at the Kennedy Center: Dec. 31
Kennedy Center-- Usher in the New Year with a concert featuring selections from American musicals including “Porgy and Bess” and “South Pacific” performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. A party in the grand foyer follows. (202) 467-4600.

Washington Winter Antiques Show: Jan. 6-8
The Katzen Arts Center at American University The Washington Antiques Show, one of the country's most established antiques events, features over 40 premier dealers from the United States and Europe offering a wide range of period furnishings and decorative arts, vintage jewelry, porcelains, ceramics, silver and architectural garden accents. This year's theme is "Georgetown: Over 200 Years of Style.” (202) 885-1300.

NBC4’s Health and Fitness Expo: Jan 16-17
Walter E. Washington Convention Center A city-wide open house focused on health and preventative medicine features hundreds of exhibits, free dance and aerobic classes, a walking track, blood tests and advice from top chefs to help you explore different ways to exercise and cook you way to good health.  Guests are invited to participate in a variety of interactive sports and activities for the whole family. (202) 249-3000.