Each year the Capital Region USA, comprising Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., sparkles with Christmas lights and festive spirit Here’s what’s on this Christmas holiday season across the region.   Light Up The Holidays: The National Christmas Tree is a holiday highlight in Washington DC. This conifer resides in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse. It’s surrounded by trees adorned with handmade ornaments from all US states and territories and features nightly musical performances throughout the season. During Chanukah, the majestic golden National Menorah graces the top of the tree. Busch Gardens Christmas Town in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a festive event featuring over 10 million lights, holiday shows, seasonal treats and plenty of holiday shopping. It’s a magical experience for the whole family and a must-see. Maryland boasts the Winter City Lights in Olney which features over one million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres creating a magical winter wonderland including a 52 foot high programmable Christmas tree. The drive through Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis is another highlight along the Chesapeake Bay with more than 70 animated and stationary displays.   Christmas Rinks: There are plenty of ice skating rinks across the Capital Region USA. In Virginia, Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion makes for a picturesque spot. Kings Dominion WinterFest near Richmond is a wonderland during WinterFest and the ice rink is set up in the iconic fountain on International Street. In Maryland, the Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis is a scenic outdoor rink. Glen Burnie’s Outdoor Ice Rink located in the heart of the town centre offers skating with live music. The rink on the pier at The Wharf in Washington, DC is particularly unique because it’s above the water, offering a special skating experience. The ice rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is another favorite. Step inside a holiday showplace like no other as you wind your way through the larger-than-life sculptures, zoom down thrilling frozen slides. Escape to Gaylord National to enjoy the splendor of the holiday season.   Christmas markets Christmas Village in Maryland returns to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor from 29 November to 24 December. Offering the largest footprint to date, new surprises, more vendors, festive lights and holiday cheer will be found at an authentic German Christmas Market, also in Baltimore. Maryland Christmas Show, held in Frederick spans two weekends (22-24 November and 29 November -1 December) and includes seven buildings filled with artisans offering a wide range of holiday items. Whilst in Maryland, visitors should visit Kris Kringle Christmas Market or Williamsport Christkindlmarkt both offering a traditional holiday experience. Multiple holiday markets feature around Washington, DC, including a revamped DowntownDC Holiday Market, celebrating its 20 year anniversary this year, and a new DC Holiday Market in Dupont Circle. Virginia boasts an array of holiday markets to get in the Christmas spirit. Whether it be Virginia Beach Christmas Market, Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market or enjoying seasonal food at Charlottesville City Market or Williamsburg Farmers Market. Christmas shopping In Washington, DC CityCenterDC, a premier shopping destination, will have even more decorations, including a new interactive light display and expanded holiday pop up shops.  Georgetown may be DC’s oldest neighbourhood, but its shopping scene features everything, from indie specialty shops such as Shop Made in DC, where all items are made by DC locals, home design and high-end boutiques to national and international retail. Serious shoppers should head to Tysons area with the Corner Center and Galleria accessible by Metro.  There’s more than 100 stores at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets and Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets features a collection of 110 designer and name brand stores. Maryland’s small towns and downtown districts become enchanting winter wonderlands during the holiday season. Holidaymakers can experience Midnight Madness, where shops stay open late, allowing visitors to wander the festively decorated streets, shopping for gifts and souvenirs, and savoring culinary delights. Downtown Annapolis, historic Ellicott City, and St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore each host magical events.   Timeless Tidings - Celebrating Christmas Traditions: Christmas traditions around the world are as diverse and enchanting as the cultures that celebrate them. In Alexandria, on the first weekend in December, there is a Scottish Christmas Walk which is an annual parade celebrating Alexandria’s heritage with bagpipes, kilts and fanfare. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights held on the Potomac River, this event features dozens of festively decorated boats parading from Alexandria to Washington, D.C, creating a spectacular sight. Maryland welcomes the Polar Express Train to Cumberland - a magical train ride for adults and children of all ages. Each year, George Washington’s Mount Vernon features Aladdin the Christmas Camel. As well, visiting the immaculately decorated 'Residence of Presidents, the Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. Hotel for a holiday tea and nightly carolling is a popular pastime.   Dreaming of a White Christmas: For those seeking snowy playgrounds, Maryland and Virginia offer the perfect ski escape. Whether skiing, snowboarding or cosying up in a ski lodge these destinations offer the ultimate white winter getaway. In Maryland, the slopes of Wisp Resort average 64 inches of snow annually offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and a Black Diamond run called ‘The Face’. There are other ski trails at New Germany State Park, Herrington Manor near Oakland, Seneca Creek near Germantown for its enchanting winter lights display, and Savage River State Forest. Virginia’s Massanutten Resort delights winter enthusiasts with skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. At Wintergreen Resort in Nellysford, Virginia, dash through the snowy Blue Ridge Mountains on skis, boards or tubes. Two hours from Washington, DC by car, Bryce Resort is an upscale, family-friendly retreat in the Allegheny Mountains.   Capital Region USA this Christmas with American Sky   For UK travelers, enjoy seven nights from £1379 per person, departing 4 December 2024. Prices includes return international flights from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles International Airport, three nights in Washington DC at The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row, two nights in Baltimore at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, and two nights in Williamsburg at the Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort. Car rental is provided throughout. Based on two people sharing.  www.americansky.co.uk For further information on Capital Region USA, visit www.capitalregionusa.org. 

With the eyes of the world on Washington, DC this fall, now is an ideal time to visit to explore what’s new in DC this autumn and beyond. Along with new museum exhibits and inspiring cultural attractions, there are plenty of exciting developments taking place in DC over the coming months.   New Developments and Anniversaries   Folger Shakespeare Library renovation The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrated its grand reopening in June following an extensive, four-year renovation. Its inaugural permanent exhibition features the library’s 82-copy collection of First Folios, the first published copies of Shakespeare’s works. Produced in 1623, the books represented the first time that roughly half of the Bard’s plays appeared in print and Folger’s collection of copies is the largest in the world. The reimagined space boasts two modern, state of the art exhibition halls featuring literary and historical pieces that have seldom been displayed to the public. New gardens, research spaces and accessible visitor amenities are just a few of the additions to this Capitol Hill landmark. www.folger.edu   National World War I Memorial’s A Soldier's Journey sculpture wall (September 2024) Set to be installed in September 2024, A Soldier’s Journey memorial commemorates the 100th anniversary of the war’s end and honours its 4.7 million servicemen and women. It will be the longest free-standing bronze sculpture in the Western hemisphere at 58 feet (17.8 meters). The sculpture by Sabin Howard will feature 38 figures depicting the journey of a recurring American soldier and representing the larger American experience of World War I. https://www.nps.gov/places/000/national-world-war-i-memorial-future-site.htm   National Museum of the American Indian’s 20^th Anniversary (2024) The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, marking two decades of dedication to preserving diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Native peoples. Since its opening, the museum has become a vital space for Indigenous voices, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits. www.americanindian.si.edu   Hirshhorn Museum’s 50^th Anniversary (2024) The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden - the contemporary art brand of the Smithsonian Institution’s network - is undergoing a renovation of its Sculpture Garden and opening a landmark exhibition to celebrate its 50^th anniversary. Many of the sculptures include masterworks by Auguste Rodin, Lucio Fontana, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Sterling Ruby. www.hirshhorn.si.edu   Duke Ellington’s 125^th birthday year (2024) Celebrate DC-born American jazz icon Duke Ellington’s life and accomplishments on Black Broadway alongside DC’s U Street corridor, a historically influential Black neighborhood which served as a prominent symbol of Black culture and sophistication. Black Broadway includes DC’s Duke Ellington statue and the historic Howard Theatre where Ellington often played alongside other Black musical leaders.   New Exhibitions The People’s House: A White House Experience (Opening 23 September 2024) Set to open at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, “The People’s House” will immerse visitors in the story of the White House, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its legacy and impact. The modern space will feature the latest in projection and display technology in expansive exhibits and galleries, including a 1:5 scale replica of the South façade. The architectural story from 1790 to the present comes to life through cinematic lighting, immersive audio narration and embedded video monitors. Take a seat behind the Resolute Desk in a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Visitors can now reserve free passes through October https://thepeopleshouse.org    National Portrait Gallery: “Always to Return” (18 October 2024 – 6 July 2025) Felix Gonzalez-Torres explores portraiture and the construction of identity through this exhibition The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return, an exhibition focused on the artist’s deep engagement with portraiture and the construction of identity, as well as how history is told and inherited. https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/felix-gonzalez-torres-always-return:event-exhib-6724   Smithsonian National Zoo: Return of the Giant Pandas (TBC – End of 2024) As part of the Smithsonian National Zoo’s 52-year-old conservation partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, they’re preparing to welcome two new bears — Bao Li and Qing Bao —by the end of 2024. Washington, DC is the only city in the U.S. where visitors can see the pandas free of charge. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas   Upcoming Events DC JazzFest’s 20^th Anniversary (31 August – 1 September 2024) A pillar of the DC community for 20 years, the DC JazzFest will take place at The Wharf over Labor Day weekend and is set to attract thousands of visitors. The DC Jazz Festival brings together heritage, history, culture and music and this year’s edition will feature performances from Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier and his Djesse Vol. 4 Solo Show, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves with John Beasley, Bill Frisell, and more. www.dcjazzfest.org   National Christmas Tree Lighting – Presidents Park (TBC December 2024) The National Christmas Tree is one of DC’s claims to fame during the holidays for good reason. The conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. https://www.thenationaltree.org/   National Menorah Lighting – White House Ellipse (25 December 2024) Chanukah kicks off with this lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Tickets are available from 1 November 2024. https://nationalmenorah.org/   WorldPride (23 May – 8 June 2025) Washington, DC is gearing up to host an unforgettable celebration of diversity, and unity at WorldPride 2025. DC is the perfect backdrop for this iconic event and next year’s WorldPride event is of great historical significance, with 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride, first held in 1975. Festivities will include the International Choral Festival, in addition to several music concerts, and the Capital Cup Sports Festival, with currently over 20 planned sports taking place. Washington, DC will also host the International WorldPride Human Rights Conference, allowing visitors to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, and learn more about queer history. https://worldpridedc.org/ and https://www.capitalpride.org/ 

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The eyes of the world once again fall upon the US capital Washington, DC this fall with election season in full swing. This autumn and beyond is also an excellent time to visit and discover why there is much more beneath the surface than hard hitting politics. With new world-class museum exhibits and innovation art installations, explore DC’s artistic side like never before.   New Exhibitions The People’s House: A White House Experience (from 23 September 2024) Set to open at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, “The People’s House” will immerse visitors in the story of the White House, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its legacy. The modern space will feature the latest in projection and display technology with expansive exhibits and galleries, including a 1:5 scale replica of the South façade. The architectural story from 1790 to the present comes to life through cinematic lighting, audio narration and embedded video monitors. Then, take a seat behind the Resolute Desk in a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. https://thepeopleshouse.org    National Gallery of Art: “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment” (8 September 2024 – 20 January 2025) Honoring the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition, Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment brings together 130 paintings, works on paper, prints, sculptures and photographs to explore the various ways that artists responded to a city recovering from enormous political and social upheaval. https://www.nga.gov/press/exhibitions/exhibitions-2024/5649.html   National Portrait Gallery: “Always to Return” (18 October 2024 – 6 July 2025) Felix Gonzalez-Torres explores portraiture and the construction of identity through this exhibition. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return, is an exhibition focused on engagement with portraiture and the construction of identity, as well as how history is told and inherited. https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/felix-gonzalez-torres-always-return:event-exhib-6724   National Museum of Asian Art: “The Print Generation” (16 November 2024 – 27 April 2025) In the early decades of the twentieth century, a new generation of print artists broke from existing traditions in Japanese printmaking. While the labor of print production was historically divided among different craftspeople, these ambitious artists sought to reinvent the medium by undertaking all aspects of a work’s creation - designing, carving, and printing themselves. https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/print-generation:event-exhib-6744   National Museum of Women in the Arts: “Confluences” (20 November 2024 – 23 March 2025) NMWA presents evocative documentary and studio-based photographs by Bronx-based artist Samantha Box (b. 1977, Kingston, Jamaica) in her inaugural solo exhibition in Washington, DC. Seen together for the first time, Box’s two major bodies of work “Invisible” and “Caribbean Dreams” reveal narratives around nationality, race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. https://nmwa.org/exhibitions/samantha-box-confluences/   Smithsonian National Zoo: Return of the Giant Pandas (TBC – End of 2024) As part of the Smithsonian National Zoo’s 52-year-old conservation partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, they’re preparing to welcome two new bears — Bao Li and Qing Bao —by the end of 2024. Washington, DC is the only city in the US where visitors can see the pandas free of charge. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas 

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  Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Washington.org, outlines a compelling vision for Washington DC's future during an interview at IPW 24 in Los Angeles. Ferguson discusses upcoming milestones, such as the 250th anniversary of America's independence and the FIFA World Cup, emphasizing DC's inclusivity and diverse offerings. He highlights the city's abundance of free attractions, from museums to festivals, while also showcasing its burgeoning food scene, recognized by Michelin. Ferguson's strategy focuses on engaging international visitors to stay longer and spend more, positioning Washington DC as a premier global destination for years to come.