With the holiday season approaching, there is an array of different winter activities in the Greater Washington Area. From ice skating to light shows, there are many different attractions that I recommend visiting this winter.
Holiday Market:
With over 100 booths and food trucks to choose from, the holiday market in Downtown D.C. near Chinatown is a festive attraction, running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 23. In addition to the food vendors that have gone viral online, the market has a wide selection of goods ranging from clothes and books to candles. Specific to the area, the market features mainly local vendors, most of whom are minority-owned businesses, according to Downtown DC.
The food options at the market are quite popular, with many having long lines. Following the winter theme, there are multiple customizable hot chocolate options, with different flavors, syrups and toppings. As seen on social media, the S’MORES N’MORE truck had delicious drinks, with hot chocolate at $7 and marshmallows at an additional $3. The drinks were great and it was definitely worth the long wait.
The market sells plenty of dessert options, my favorite being a chocolate-covered strawberry waffle from Naughty Waffle for $12. Overall, the food was delicious and seasonal.
Although this is one of two holiday markets in D.C., only one is worth a visit. The other holiday market in Dupont Circle only has 35 booths; the atmosphere is not as festive and it lacks food options. More importantly, almost all the vendors were the same as those in the Chinatown market, so I recommend going to the one in Chinatown for a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
Ice Skating:
Ice skating is a very seasonal activity for the upcoming months, and rinks are easily accessible, both indoor and outdoor. Cabin John Ice Rink is a local option, with three indoor rinks offering public skating for a fee of $9. Only available for the rest of December, the outdoor ice rink in Rockville Town Center costs $12 for two hours and has a more festive atmosphere. Both options are nearby and offer ice skates for rent at an additional fee.
For a more scenic option, the National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden is transformed into an ice rink for the winter season. Located at Constitution Avenue NW and 7th Street NW, this accessible ice skating rink is open to the public and costs $13, with an additional $7 fee for skate rentals. The ice rink is open until March, lasting throughout the entire winter season. For an extra fee, seasonal passes and skating lessons can also be purchased in advance.
Zoo lights:
For the months of December and January, the National Zoo in D.C., hosts a nighttime light show, along with rides, entertainment and seasonal food. Despite being at the zoo, animals are not on exhibit, but the attraction offers carousel rides, mazes and live entertainment. The entire space is lit up vibrantly with decorative light installations of animals, fitting the zoo theme.
As for zoo members, Dec. 9 to 11 is an exclusive members-only night, with free tickets, cheaper attraction prices and other perks. Membership prices start at $74 and include their own benefits throughout the year. On regular nights, tickets cost $9, with some activities requiring an on-site fee. All profits go towards animal care, conservation and research, making this activity a chance to donate to a worthy cause and enjoy beautiful lights.
At Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, the ICE! exhibit is a popular attraction with snow tubing and other rides. Overall, the display contains over two million pounds of ice and includes 10 different scenes. The show is up from Dec. 2 to Jan. 4, and is priced from $41 to $48 depending on the day. The exhibit is open to the public, not just hotel guests.
The ice display tends to be more Christmas-themed rather than general holiday-themed. This year, it is Polar Express-themed and has also modernized traditions and biblical characters. If looking for a more seasonal, neutral attraction, I would not recommend this activity. However, the sculptures are magnificent and make it enjoyable to walk around, thanks to the attention to detail and the hard work put in.
In the Greater Washington Area, there is a wide variety of winter activities for all interests, and I recommend visiting one while they are still here for the season.
