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.

 

Washington National Cathedral

Experience the spirit of the holidays at the Washington National Cathedral. Each year, the Cathedral hosts its beloved Crèche Exhibition, showcasing dozens of nativity scenes from around the world displayed throughout its soaring Gothic interior. Enjoy time to explore at your own pace, admire the Cathedral’s stunning architecture and intricate details, and take in the festive décor and serene atmosphere. A holiday visit to the Washington National Cathedral offers a meaningful and enriching experience that blends art, faith, and cherished Christmas traditions from across the world.

 

Ford's Theatre Museum Tour

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, D.C.’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.

 

Ford's Theatre: "A Christmas Carol" Performance

Experience a live performance in a historic theatre like no other! Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-filled production brings 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. 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 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.

 

 

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 Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles. Textiles have long served as both functional objects and extraordinary works of art, woven into the fabric of everyday life and elevated by generations of makers. This exhibition will be the first to focus on this essential yet unexplored aspect of the collection, showcasing the remarkable artistry, technical mastery, and cultural importance of textiles across centuries.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day one is included at Filomena Ristorante

Lunch is served as a 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: chicken parmesan, rigatoni with chicken, eggplant lasagna, ravioli with smoked bacon & alfredo sauce, salmon, lasagna with meat sauce, gnocchi or shrimp. Dinner includes dessert, coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks.

 

Dinner on day two is included at Stella Point Grille. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

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 includes 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.

• 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:

• This tour is not suited for those with walking difficulties.

• Filomena Ristorante has one flight of steps to navigate.

• Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens: The majority of the gardens are wheelchair and walker accessible, with the exception of the Japanese-style garden and French Parterre. The second floor of the mansion is accessible via an elevator, but there are a few rooms with small number of steps leading into them. 

• 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 features a restaurant/lounge and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.