DC at Xmas time.....

[McKelly]

Thinking about visiting Washington DC between Xmas and NYE. Has anyone visited during this time? What are the crowds like? Are we crazy to go at this time of year since it will be cold and there will be a lot of walking, although we are used to cold, we are from WI. Our main priority will be the museums on the mall. Any insight? TIA!

 

[Christine]

Crowds are great at this time.

My mom, who LOVES museums, will often hop downtown during the holidays to go see some of the sites. She always remarks how uncrowded it is.

For some reason, when you walk down to the area where the National Christmas tree is, it is REALLY cold. I think it is wide open, flat, and windy. But being that you're from a cold area, you probably won't even notice it.

 

[McKelly]

Thanks for the response. Are you allowed to carry backpacks through the museums? I am just wondering where to put our jackets while in the museums. Do all the museums have lockers?

 

[tjlemkuil]

Most, if not all, museums allow backpacks but they will be searched at most of them. I do not recall seeing lockers at any of the Smithsonian museums. Enjoy your time in our nations capital. I have been there every year in May for the last 5 years and still have not been able to get thru all of the museums. Take your time and plan on going back. Try Philips Seafood buffet for a really good meal. It is more than just seafood.

 

[justhat]

We often have family visit us over the holidays and do the touristy stuff and crowds are usually pretty good. We're used to the weather as we live in DC so nothing abnormal to us, and being from WI it will likely seem warm to you.

 

[disney1990]

In additional to the National Christmas tree, which is located on the Ellipse, right behind the White House, there is a Capitol Christmas tree on the ground of the U.S. Capitol. Also, near the Capitol is the Botanical Gardens. They do a really nice Christmas Display with trains and villages and lots of lights. It is something we like to go and visit over the holidays.