Washington, DC: A Capital Christmas

Duration: 3 Days | Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Holiday Magic at United States Botanic Garden

Experience "Holiday Magic" at the United States Botanic Garden, located at the foot of the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall. This living plant museum is transformed into a holiday wonderland featuring whimsical garden-train exhibits that have become a beloved Washington tradition. Explore an enchanting storybook garden, where trains weave through landscapes that include Snow White's cottage and the Owl and the Pussycat's boat. The exhibit also showcases updated National Mall landmarks, including the Obama children's swing set and the National Museum of the American Indian. This year, one of Washington's largest indoor holiday trees will tower over colorful poinsettias and other festive plant, creating a stunning holiday display.

 

Twilight Ride Through Washington, DC

Experience the magic of Washington, DC on a Twilight Ride, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the stunning National Christmas Tree and the enchanting Pageant of Peace at the White House Ellipse. Passengers can disembark at the White House area for an up-close view. Each evening, the National Christmas Tree—typically lit for the first time in early December—graces the Ellipse with a festive glow, creating an unforgettable holiday ambiance. The Pageant of Peace showcases smaller trees adorned with decorations representing every state and territory, so don’t forget to find yours!

 

Washington National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul and designated by Congress as the non-denominational National House of Prayer, is an Episcopal cathedral in Washington, D.C. As the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the United States, it stands as a symbol of faith and unity. Since its first services in Bethlehem Chapel, the Cathedral has welcomed people of all faiths to gather for worship, prayer, and reflection. It has served as a place to mourn the passing of world leaders and address the pressing moral and social issues of our time.

 

Ford's Theatre Museum Tour with Performance of "A Christmas Carol"

Step back in time at Ford’s Theatre Museum, meticulously restored to reflect the night when John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. As one of Washington, DC’s most visited sites, the museum offers fascinating exhibits on Lincoln’s presidency, key Civil War events, and the conspiracy orchestrated by Booth to assassinate the president. The highlight of our visit is a music-filled production bringing the magic and joy of Dickens's A Christmas Carol to life, featuring beloved characters, iconic ghosts, and a children’s ensemble that captures the true spirit of the holiday season.

 

Washington, DC Temple "Festival of Lights" and Performance

The Washington, DC Temple, often referred to as the “Mormon Temple,”  is the third-largest temple in the world and the first Latter-day Saint temple to be built on the East Coast of the United States. This iconic landmark, located in Kensington, MD, is known for its breathtaking architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds, and views of the city. The Washington, DC Temple Festival of Lights, held on the grounds of the Washington, DC Temple Visitors’ Center, is a cherished holiday tradition. The venue transforms into a dazzling wonderland with hundreds of thousands of colorful lights creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Visitors can admire nativity scenes from around the world, showcasing diverse interpretations of the Christmas story, and enjoy free musical performances by choirs, musicians, and local groups, either outdoors (weather permitting) or inside the Visitors’ Center. This family-friendly event offers a serene and uplifting holiday experience, perfect for strolling, photo opportunities, and soaking in the festive décor. During our visit, we'll have a unique opportunity to experience a holiday performance in this remarkable setting.

 

Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens

Experience the elegance of Hillwood Estate with a guided tour of its mansion, home to an impressive collection of 18th-century French decorative arts. During the holiday season, the mansion is beautifully decorated, offering a magical atmosphere. Stroll through the Formal Gardens, which are especially stunning during this time of year. As part of your visit, explore the special exhibition From Exile to Avant Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley. A muse, model, actor, and socialite, Natalie Paley (1905-1981) was a twentieth-century icon. Though often forgotten today, she rose from her family's fabled and tragic history, and left a stylish and indelible mark on the century's culture and design. This special exhibition will be the first to explore the exceptional glamour and enigmatic life of this legendary figure.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day one is included at Filomena's

Lunch is served as a plated three course meal. When the group arrives, each guest will choose one appetizer from the following array of choices: calamari fritti, meatballs, salad, burrata di mozzarella alla Caprese, or arancini. Guests will choose from the following entrees when seated: chicken parmesan, rigatoni with chicken, eggplant lasagna, ravioli with smoked bacon & alfredo sauce, salmon, lasagna with meat sauce, or gnocchi. Dinner includes dessert, coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks.

 

Dinner on day two is included at Tony & Joe's Seafood Place. Choices are:

• Cheese Tortellini: Parmesan cream sauce, broccoli, baby carrots, and snow peas

• Chicken Marsala: Sauteed chicken, Marsala wine, and mushrooms

• Broiled Atlantic Salmon: with an orange honey glaze

• Pork Tenderloin: with a red wine demi-glace

Dinner is served with a green salad, bread & butter, seasonal vegetables, buttered red bliss potatoes, dessert, soda, coffee, and iced tea.

 

Lunch on day three is included at Hillwood Estate

Lunch will be served buffet-style, and features an assortment of ham & Brie, roasted turkey, tuna salad, and Caprese sandwiches. Lunch is served with a house salad with balsamic vinaigrette, cookies, water, and iced tea.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Washington, DC Temple "Festival of Lights": Dress warmly! While some activities take place inside the Visitors’ Center, much of the light display is outdoors in winter weather. This tour involves walking and is primarily outdoors, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

• National Cathedral: Eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking are not allowed inside the Cathedral. Guests may bring closed or capped water bottles into the Cathedral.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Hyatt Centric Arlington (Arlington, VA)

 

The Hyatt Centric Arlington's ideal location puts you within walking distance to Georgetown and across the street from the Rosslyn Metro Center providing easy access to monuments, museums, galleries and attractions inside the Beltway. The hotel has a restaurant/lounge and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.