Christmas decorations AFTER the holidays
A friend wants to take her sister (both in their 60s) to DC after Christmas to see decorations. I reminded her DC I wasn’t NYC with all the storefront displays…. But maybe there were some. My suggestion to her was The Willard and Hillwood Estate. Anything else??
Visiting Washington DC after Christmas still offers plenty of festive sights, even if it isn’t on the scale of New York City’s storefront displays. Several locations in the city maintain holiday decorations into early January, and some venues are particularly well-known for their festive ambiance.
The Willard InterContinental Hotel is an excellent choice, famous for its historic charm and beautifully decorated lobby. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is another top option, featuring elegant holiday displays and seasonal decor in a museum setting.
In addition to those, consider these locations and experiences for post-Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere:
- The National Cathedral: Often decorated with poinsettias and seasonal arrangements, providing a serene holiday atmosphere.
- CityCenterDC and Downtown DC Streets: Certain streets like 16th Street and around the White House may have lingering lights and decorations, though more subtle than NYC displays.
- Botanic Garden at the US Botanic Garden: Often maintains a Winter Garden display and seasonal decorations for early January visitors.
- Union Station: The main hall usually retains holiday décor and offers a festive shopping experience.
While many shops and outdoor displays start taking down decorations immediately after December 25, these sites provide a good chance to enjoy holiday ambiance without needing to be in the city during peak Christmas week.
Visiting these places allows for a combination of historic settings, light displays, and elegant indoor decorations that are still impressive for visitors in their 60s seeking a leisurely and festive outing.
More District of Columbia (DC) Travel Questions
- Convenient, safe area with possible larger hotel rooms
- DC hotel recommendation?
- Dupont Circle hotel
- Restaurants
- DC road trip advice and toll charges
- Any Disruptions to Smithsonian/National Mall?
- Nj to DC easy 4 day train trip
- Arlington cemetery luggage stroage
- Are Bikes safe?
- Basketball game in Washington DC in July
- DC monuments in the night: 2 or 3 nights?
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- Colorado Springs
- Lodging- Comfort Inn or Days Inn?
- One night accommodation after BCGNP
- August stay for a couple of days
- Xinjiang trip practicalities
- Meeks Bay in August - crowded?
- Shaolin Temple Songshan Scenic Area planning help please
- Palm Desert ideas
- Longji Rice Terraces late October
- Advice needed with Shanxi self tours
- Laojun Mountain or Yuntai Mountain
- Shangri-La airport but drive to Lijiang to stay