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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2007 TIP SHEET: 'TIS (ALMOST) THE SEASON:
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN DC With retail opportunities galore and holiday festivities taking place against the backdrop of historic sites and national monuments, DC is always abuzz with activities that make visitors feel home for the holidays. Holiday Traditions
The annual Pageant of Peace is DC's most popular holiday tradition - it starts in early December with the National Christmas Tree Lighting and continues with free holiday performances and activities for the following three weeks until New Year's Day. Also not-to-be-missed are the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree and the lighting of the National Menorah (also in early December) and Union Station's Norwegian Christmas Celebration. Ice skating has also become a popular pastime for holiday visitors. Glide through the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden on the National Mall or stop by Pershing Park, near the White House, to sharpen your skating skills. Stage Celebrations
DC's theatrical side is especially evident during the holidays. Choose from classics like "A Christmas Carol," performed annually at Ford's Theatre. (Although Ford's is currently closed for renovations, it's reopening just to host this annual production, Nov. 23-Dec. 30). For another classic, check out the Washington Ballet's version of "The Nutcracker," set in the nation's capital and performed at the Warner Theatre. You can also catch "The Spirit of Kwanzaa," a pageant of dance, poetry and song performed by Washington Reflections Dance Company at The Kennedy Center. For something new, visit Arena Stage to check out the world premiere of "Christmas Carol 1941." This fresh take on a classic musical features a plot based in DC during the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and will run from Nov. 16 - Dec. 30. Shop the Season with Style
Independently-owned boutiques, museum gift shops and holiday markets and bazaars make holiday shopping in Washington a fun and unique experience. Venture into DC's shopping scene during its annual Sales Tax Holiday, taking place the week after Thanksgiving. Shoppers buying gifts including clothes, accessories and shoes for $100 or less and save the regular 5.75 percent sales tax, which means money left over to pick up a little something for yourself, too. Holiday Packages
For travelers who feel that the holiday season sneaks up every year, it's time to start thinking ahead about travel plans. There are three major airports within close proximity of the District, and many properties will be offering special discount holiday packages. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Hotel's "Holiday Lights and Delights" package starts at $219/night and includes luxury accommodations, two Tourmobile sightseeing tickets and hot chocolate with cookies. At DC's Kimpton Hotels, the "Ohm for the Holidays" package comes with plush slipper socks by Karen Neuberger and in-room yoga and pilates programming and equipment. Rates start at $129 per night at the Hotel Helix, Hotel Rouge and Topaz Hotel; $139 at the Hotel George and Hotel Madera; and $149 at the Hotel Monaco and Hotel Palomar. Packages will be available beginning in October at Washington.org. # # # 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
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