FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2007 

THIS SEASON, TRADITION MEETS WHAT'S NEW FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN DC

In the last issue of Travel News, we told you about some of DC's major holiday happenings. Now, here are a few more places to stay and things to include on your holiday to-do list…

• If a traditional performance will help you catch the holiday spirit, try Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." This perennial favorite will still be produced by the historic Ford's Theatre, but due to current renovations taking place at Ford's, this year's show will take place Dec. 6-30 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Lansburgh Theatre.
  
• For a local take on the classic tale, check out Arena Stage's new version of Dickens favorite. "Christmas Carol 1941," sets the story in DC during the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, complete with a USO show and Fireside Chats. The show makes its world premiere at Arena Stage, running Nov. 16-Dec. 30.
  
• Momentum Dance Theatre Company is preparing to put on its 8th annual production of the "Jazz Hip-Hop Nutcracker," which will run Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. The show infuses jazz and hip-hop moves and music in Duke Ellington's version of "The Nutcracker." Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and start at $12 for children and $18 for adults.
  
• Or, catch a holiday performance that shows off DC’s diversity. The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (GMCW) blends cultures and traditions with “American Carols,” a feel-good, holiday spectacular. In Act I, GMCW is joined by Mosaic Harmony, a culturally diverse and gospel-inspired choir drawing on the rich heritage of African-American music, and Tach’shitim, a group which provides the musical backdrop to the High Holy Day services at Beth Mishpachac, DC’s GLBT Jewish congregation. Act II features the original mini-musical, “A Gay Christmas Carol,” with music and lyrics by local composer Matt Conner. Best known for his musical “Nevermore,” which premiered at Arlington’s Signature Theater in 2006, Conner has given the old Dickens tale a gay, American twist which even includes a charming and clever gay love story. “American Carols” will run at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 8pm, and Dec. 2 at 2pm. Tickets start at $25.
  
• Unique holiday shopping abounds in DC during the holiday season - and it’s especially evident at the annual Downtown Holiday Market. From Dec. 7 -23, the sidewalk on F Street NW in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery will be transformed into an eclectic marketplace of nearly 40 local artisans showcasing an assortment of hand-made goods for purchase including art, crafts, jewelry, textiles, photography, pottery, clothing and other unique items. While shopping, visitors can enjoy live entertainment and refreshing food and beverages. 
  
• For a bit of history mixed with seasonal delights, plan to check out Tudor Place, the mansion built by Martha Washington's granddaughter almost 200 years ago. There you'll catch the season's spirit while learning about what life was like in Washington during the 1800s. Either visit on your own time to experience the ambience and festive decorations that interpret early American holiday celebrations, or attend the "Holiday Open House - French Style," on Saturday, Dec. 8 to stroll through the mansion, participate in early American dancing and let the kids take an interactive children's tour of the house and attend a holiday art workshop. $10/adults, $5/children.
  
• For more local history, stop by George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens or Hillwood Museum and Gardens. Mount Vernon sparkles this year with candlelit tours, fireside caroling, and early American décor during "Mount Vernon by Candlelight." Visitors will be treated as holiday guests of the Washington family who, upon presenting their "letter of introduction," are greeted by Mrs. Washington in the Mansion's large dining room. The evening will continue with free apple cider and cookies, fireside caroling and an opportunity to go the home's rarely-seen third floor to see Martha Washington's garret chamber. The refurbished room was unveiled in 2005 after new curatorial research transformed this sparse space into an accurate restoration of the elegant room used by the Lady Washington after her husband's death. Nov. 23-25, 30 and Dec. 1 and 2. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster.
  
• Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Hillwood, the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, will be decked out for the holidays with garlands and floral arrangements from the Estate's own greenhouses. Throughout the Mansion, visitors can take in the beautiful topiaries of poinsettia, herbs and fruit, or learn how to make their own holiday decorations in special programs. Visit on Dec. 15 and 16 for the Russian Winter Festival, which celebrates Russian holiday traditions and features family-friendly folk tales told by Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden. General donation is $12, while Russian Winter Festival admission is $18/adults, $5/youth. Children under six are free.
  
• The Washington National Opera brings Engelbert Humperdinck's captivating opera, "Hansel and Gretel," to the historic Lincoln Theatre stage this holiday season. Running Dec. 7-10, this performance will provide the perfect opportunity for little ones to get their first taste of opera through a famous fairy tale. Ticket prices range from $25-$50 plus service charges.
  
• Stop by the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory and the adjacent National Garden to take in A Midnight Clear, a free, sparkling holiday exhibition featuring a large walk-through train garden, replica of National Mall landmarks crafted from natural plant materials, and also an array of blooming holiday plants.

And for a place to lay your head after a day full of activity in the District, take advantage of one of the hot hotel packages offered as part of WCTC's annual "Holiday Homecoming" promotion. From Thanksgiving until Feb. 28, DC visitors can take advantage of fantastic savings on hotels by booking through Washington.org. For example, consider a two night stay at Georgetown Suites where your second night's rate is the temperature outside at check-in. This means that if it's 15 degrees out, visitors will stay at the hotel for just $15. Rates start at $175 for the first night, and if guests book stays longer than two nights, room rates alternate between the first night rate and temperature rate until check-out. For more information on holiday offerings and hotel packages, visit washington.org.

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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.