Black Meetings and Tourism

November / December 2016

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B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 32 Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC helps would-be visitors plan unforgettable holidays in the nation's capital throughout the season of sparkle. Find trip inspiration like hotel packages and deals and can't- miss December activities at washington.org. Speak with a concierge service (800- 422-8644) and catch real-time inspiration for holiday getaways across Destination DC's lively social channels. "We help travelers craft memorable holiday plans in Washington, DC," said Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. "Whether your holidays mean tea at the Willard InterContinental followed by A Christmas Carol at Ford's Theatre, a family photo in front of the White House and visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture or an Instagram walk through Georgetown Glow before cocktails at a Christmas-themed pop-up bar, we know how to maximize the season." WASHINGTON, DC'S 2016 DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Outdoor Ice Skating Glide across the ice inside the National Gallery of Art's sculpture garden. Warm up at the Pavilion Café over hot chocolate, savory plates and delicate pastries thru March 12. Spin around the Potomac River-side rink boasting views of Theodore Roosevelt Island at Georgetown's Washington Harbour. Children can lean on a "penguin" to bal- ance on blades. Whip around the elliptical 12,000-square foot Canal Park rink at Capitol Riverfront. This rink offers sessions with deejays and costumed characters thru Feb. 26. Holiday Displays The District spruces up with boughs and bows, decorated trees and of course lights. Among the elaborate displays: ZooLights animates the National Zoo's parks and paths between 5-9pm with +500,000 LED lights until Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). FREE George Washington's Mount Vernon offers character-guided candlelit tours of the mansion, 18th century dancing and fireside caroling. Tours are Dec. 10-11 and 18. The Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will be lit thru Jan. 1. The 80-foot tree from Idaho's Payette National Forest and its 17 companion trees are decorated with 18,000 ornaments handmade by Idahoans. FREE Tour America's magnificent landscapes recreated in plants at Seasons Greenings: National Parks and Historic Parks at the United States Botanic Gardens thru Jan. 2. FREE The National Christmas tree in President's Park on the Ellipse behind the White House is home to Santa's Workshop and nightly musical performances at dusk thru Dec. 31. FREE Georgetown Glow, the curated exhibition of 11 outdoor light-art installations in the historic neighborhood and shopping district dazzles thru Jan. 1. FREE The National Menorah will be lit on the Ellipse throughout Hanukah. On Dec. 25 at 4pm, the American Friends of Lubavitch will distribute dreidels, donuts and cider. FREE Shopping Find luxury offerings in Penn Quarter and Friendship Heights and inde- pendent boutiques dot Georgetown, downtown and 14th Street. World-class muse- ums including the National Building Museum, Phillips Collection, National Gallery of Art and National Museum of Natural History stock thoughtful gifts. The spirit of Europe imbues the Downtown Holiday Market. The pop-up in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery features 150+ regional arti- sans thru Dec. 23 selling ornaments, jewelry, pottery, clothing and artwork. City Center DC, the luxury shopping and restaurant destination in Penn Quarter dresses up with a giant reindeer, a sky-high tree and an interactive hashtag post- card station. WINTER WONDERFULLY: SPEND THE DECEMBER HOLIDAYS IN WASHINGTON, DC Hotel Packages, Free Holiday Lighting Displays, Joyful Concerts and Shows Sweeten The Season Credit: Anibal Trejo Credit: Tagstiles Credit: TAndriy Blokhin Credit: Huguette Roe The winter White House Christmas Eve at Capitol National Mall Christmas tree with visitors at sunset Children and adults sledding on the Capitol lawn

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