Holiday Traditions in the Capital

America’s capital is especially beautiful – magical, even – when dressed up for the holidays. Special activities, events and performances make it easy to get in the spirit. For an invigorating, nostalgic experience, go ice-skating at the open-air National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Then head to the White House Ellipse to admire the National Christmas Tree, a tradition since 1923. The ornaments come from all 50 states, and popular musicians entertain and participate in the annual lighting ceremony. See Tchaikovsky’s family classic The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center Opera House; it plays every December.

Winter Sports & Ski Lodges

Enjoy wintertime thrills with a day of skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Or, settle in at a ski lodge or mountain resort for the ultimate winter escape.

In Western Maryland, take in beautiful forest views from the cross country ski trails at New Germany State Park, or snow-shoe around Herrington Manor State Park. Reach heights of 700 feet at Wisp Deep Creek Mountain Resort, where skiing and boarding down the 32 trails can be breathtaking, especially on the black diamond-rated trail “The Face”.

In Virginia, go skiing, snowboarding and snow-tubing at Massanutten Resort in the Shenandoah Valley. Or indulge in winter sports on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains at nearby Wintergreen Resort. A favourite of U.S. presidents, Homestead Resort and Hot Springs is rich with Southern elegance and historic beauty, and its spa is sublime. Only two hours from DC, Bryce Resort is an upscale, family-friendly retreat in the Shenandoah Valley.

Cozy Restaurants & Wineries

There’s no better time to savour satisfying cuisine in warm, intimate surroundings. Dine on contemporary Asia-French fusion at Washington DC’s Oya Restaurant and Lounge, which glistens with a snow-white interior and sleek, modern fireplaces. At the Tabard Inn, housed in a historic hotel, feast on seasonal American fare and listen to live jazz in cozy Victorian sitting areas. Discover more dining hotspots during DC’s Winter Restaurant Week in mid-January.

In Columbia, Maryland, The King’s Contrivance is set in an old farmhouse and praised for its classic cuisine and romantic ambiance. In Falls Church, Virginia, 2941 Restaurant offers French-inspired dining with dramatic outdoor views.

Winemaking is big in the region, and many wineries welcome visitors year-round. In Baltimore, check out Boordy Vineyards, known for its sustainable practices and outstanding vintages. In Virginia, favourite places to gather ‘round the fire for wine and conversation include The Winery at La Grange in Haymarket, Naked Mountain Winery in Markham and Old House Vineyards in Culpeper.

Shopping for Gifts

Find something for everyone on your list at indoor shopping venues around the region.

A historic Beaux-Arts style landmark, Washington, DC’s Union Station is a hub for transportation, shopping and dining. Browse three floors of designer retailers including Ann Taylor, Express, Pendleton and more, plus find shops devoted to jewellery, accessories, cigars and chocolate. In Maryland, the fashion-conscious flock to downtown Baltimore’s Harborplace & The Gallery, which features a mix of national retailers and local boutiques. The largest shopping destination in the region is Northern Virginia’s Tysons Corner, stocked with desirable names such as Tiffany & Co., Hermes Paris, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, spread across three adjacent shopping centers.