Washington DC Christmas weekend

We are going to Washington DC Christmas Day and staying for the weekend with friends the same age as our kids (6 and 4 year olds).

Any fun things to do or see?
Recommendations for some good restaurants to eat at?

We already have a reservations at a nice Chinese restaurant for the night we get there since it'll be the only place open probably. LOL!

Thanks!

Re: Washington DC Christmas weekend

Zoo Lights
Air and Space Museum
Museum of Natural History
Building Museum
Gaylord
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights (VA)
Port Discovery in Baltimore is filled with special events that week (we plan to go here with our 4 and 6yo boys that weekend)

Re: Washington DC Christmas weekend

We adore DC! It is one of my kids' favorite trips! They love to explore the Smithsonian Museums...Air and Space, American History, and Natural History are all favorites! We also like walking the monuments, and they loved going to the top of the Washington Monument. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is cool too...you can see how money is printed! The zoo is really neat...and not so big that it is exhausting. I love Georgetown and love going to Georgetown Cupcake!

Washington DC Christmas weekend

Every time we're there we eat at filomena.

Re: Washington DC Christmas weekend

We just went for Thanksgiving. We stayed at Gaylord though, and only ventured to the district for about 3 hours. We swung by the Whitehouse, and were shooed away because they were getting their Christmas tree. We did however stop at the Whitehouse Store around the corner, and got some cute photos in their "oval office", complete with my DD peeking out the door under the desk. So I would stop there. You do have to make a $10 purchase to take a photo...but we got souvie type stuff anyway.

We also made a quick visit to the Washington Monument but didn't go up. Then went to the Museum of American History. They are opening up a new play space for kids in there (it's probably already open, I think it was this week), so I would check it out. It's free, as are all of the Smithsonian museums.

We stayed at the Gaylord which is AMAZING. The Ice thing was REALLY NEAT! We rode the Capital Wheel right out front which was nice. It's 15 minutes from DC. A $45 cab ride though, so I would drive your own car (if you are driving to DC)

Re: Washington DC Christmas weekend

Thanks all for the info! Leaving Friday so looking forward.

Re: Washington DC Christmas weekend

I've been several times. Air & Space Museum is great. I also really enjoyed Ford's Theater and The Petersen House (right across the street from one another), which is where Lincoln was shot and died. We stayed at the Renaissance in the Capital District (the one right over the convention center) and it was very nice and a perfect location.

For food, the only place that stands out that I can remember is Old Ebbitt Grille. Food was great and very nice atmosphere.

Re: Washington DC Christmas weekend

Founding Farmers does an excellent brunch.
Filomena in Georgetown has the most amazing lobster cardinale. Décor is funky but food is fantastic.
Filo Mare if you are looking for something more fancy.
Jaleo is good for tapas.
Zaytinya is yummy and Mediterranean tapas.
If you like hot dogs, there is Ben's Chili Bowl that is famous for their chili dogs.
DH likes to go to Bourbon Steak if you like steak.