By Lani Gering Christmas On the Potomac 2017 – Better than Ever! I am officially in the holiday spirit now! The tree lighting here in the Harbor took place a little bit early for my taste (November 12th) but I have to admit that it did give me a nudge toward getting psyched up for the season. As I write this I am also making my list for my contributions to Thanksgiving dinner – that will take place tomorrow – and watching one of the many Christmas shows on Hallmark….don’t judge me. It’s going to be a fabulous holiday season. Being the co-publisher of the OTC has a few perks and one of the best is being invited to the Media Preview of ICE! and the opening of Christmas On the Potomac at the Gaylord National Resort. I look forward to this event each year almost as much as I do 4th of July fireworks. Part of the allure is the fact that since this isn’t open to the public, it lends itself to a nice sized crowd and not a “ton” of kids. I know, I know, it should be all about the children but sometimes you just want to enjoy things with “child-like” adults. The 1964 TV classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, is this year’s theme for ICE!. Presented by Pepsi®, the 9-degree walk-through attraction features 13 scenes of more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. All of everyone’s favorite characters – Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice and Santa– come to life. Probably my favorite part of ICE! each year is the thrill of sliding down the two-story tall ice slide. This year the slide is in the Island of Misfit Toys. I am probably one of the oldest, if not…
Ongoing In the Harbor Saturdays through December 23rd 1 – 2 pm – Live Holiday Entertainment on the Plaza 1 – 3 pm – Street Performers throughout the Harbor 2 – 4 pm – Santa at the Carousel & Capitol Wheel Holiday Movies on the Big Screen On the Plaza 2 – 4 pm 2nd – How the Grinch Stole Christmas 9th – Elf 16th – A Christmas Story 23rd – Tis the Season to be Smurfy Christmas On The Potomac Gaylord National Resort Everything happens within the confines of the Resort making this a great one stop adventure. Below are some highlights of what is taking place. For detailed information log on to ChristmasOnThePotomac.com. ICE! – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Open Daily through January 1st JOY – A Holiday Spectacular – Live Entertainment Every night except Wednesday 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30 Tree Lighting and Laser Light Show – Following JOY. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Breakfast Experience-Pienza in the Atrium Christmas Village – Ice skating, Cookies with Mrs. Claus, Carousel & Train Rides, Build-A Bear Workshop, Gift Shop and more!
1st-3rd, 8th – 10th, 15th – 17th Del Ray Artisans’ 22nd Annual Holiday Market Fridays: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: Free to browse Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-838-4827 http://www.delrayartisans.org Del Ray Artisans’ Annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists, including pottery/ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber, paper crafts and glass. Artists donate a percentage of their sales back to Del Ray Artisans to help support future exhibits and programs. Different artists will be featured each weekend! Through 16th The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol” Various times Admission: $17 The Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe Street 703-683-0496 http://www.thelittletheatre.com The Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holiday season with a return of the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim, “A Christmas Carol” is a must for the entire family. 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 17th Mount Vernon by Candlelight 5-8 p.m. Admission: $24 for adults; $16 for youth George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate 3200 Mount Vernon Highway 703-780-2000 http://www.mountvernon.org/candlelight This holiday season, experience Mount Vernon in the soft glow of candlelight! Come join the estate for candlelit character-guided tours of the first and second floors of the mansion, 18th-century dancing and fireside caroling. Guests will hear about the Washingtons’ holiday cooking and see a reproduction of Martha’s Great Cake. Visit the Slave Quarters, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Greenhouse and participate in 18th-century dancing. Aladdin the Christmas camel will also be on site. Through the 24th “Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush” at MetroStage Various times Admission: $60 MetroStage…