 December Funin Bethesda and beyond |
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Looking for fun things to do this holiday season?
Mary J. Murphy has some ideas! |
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 Strap on Your Skates! There are many local indoor arenas, but it's just not the same as skating with frozen toes. For a real outdoor treat, head to the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art. You'll enjoy the sculptures as you spin! For hours and rates, visit www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm.
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Read A Wrinkle in Time with your kids and then hop on over to the Round House Theater (www.roundhousetheatre.org) to watch a performance. Based on the Madeleine L'Engle classic book, this adaptation promises to bring the magical sci-fi story to life. The show runs December 1 to 26. |
Lights, Lights and More Lights . . . all month long. Grab the neighbors and head to Brookside Garden's 14th Annual Garden of Lights (www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm) from November 26 - January 9. This secular light display uses nearly a million tiny twinklers to illuminate the four seasons, large  flowers, animals, and more. It's a beautiful place, and the light display is impressive. There's a cost per car, so you'll want to pack 'em in.
If you're not so worried about whether there's a religious undertone to your light display, you can visit the Mormon Temple (otherwise known as the castle on the Beltway). The annual light display starts December 3 and features nightly musical performances, 16 decorated Christmas trees, an international crèche exhibit, and a life-size Nativity scene. Check out www.dctemplelights.lds.org for all the information, and note that this event is totally free. | |
Wow the kids, impress the in-laws and capture a little holiday magic at Union Station this month. On December 2, the Ambassador of Norway will light the giant Christmas tree. While you're there, you can hear the Children's Chorus of Washington sing holiday tunes. For several weeks you can ogle the enormous train exhibit and the festive decorations. If you're there to shop, ignore the regular stores and find the local vendors in the main and side atriums for truly unique gifts. This train station is a destination in itself all year long, but never as much as it is in December. www.unionstationdc.com/event/tree-lighting-ceremony/2145378644
Want more trains? Want to see something really cool? The U.S. Botanic Gardens offers its "Holiday Magic" show this month. This exhibit features model trains and exact replicas of DC's most famous monuments, all completely made out of plant material. You have to see this to believe it! All of the information can be found at www.usbg.gov/education/events/Seasons-Greenings.cfm. |
If you're feeling romantic this month, grab your sweetie and head down the George Washington Parkway to visit Mount Vernon by Candlelight (www.mountvernon.org). Martha Washington (obviously not the real deal, or that would be creepy) hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. Characters from a typical Christmas at Mount Vernon will guide you through the house and give you an authentic historical experience. Runs December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19. | |
 After Martha Washington is part of your romantic evening, you may just be ready for something different...so how about the Boat Parade of Lights in Annapolis Harbor on December 11? Sources tell us you can see it up close by sitting on a dock, or you can get a cozy, warm seat at a harbor restaurant and watch the boats go by as you sip hot chocolate. Want details? Go to http://dc.about.com/od/christmasevents/a/AnnapBoatParade.htm.
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Once you're in a nautical frame of mind, head to the beach! Drive towards Ocean City and you will find Berlin, Maryland - a small, quaint town (think Runaway Bride, because this is where it was filmed) that holds its annual Christmas Parade on December 2. Where else are you promised llamas and Santa Claus on the same street?? Details at www.townofberlinmd.com/town-announcements. While you're there, book a stay - or a dinner - or at least a drink! at the historic Atlantic Hotel (atlantichotel.com) which just reopened under new management. This charming hotel, built in 1895, boasts 18 Victorian guest rooms and suites, fireplace-lit dining rooms and excellent cuisine. The hotel was featured in Southern Living magazine for its incredible food and cozy atmosphere. | |
 If you know who Clara is and whether the Mouse King ultimately triumphs, you're probably interested in the time-treasured tradition of The Nutcracker this holiday season. From the Puppet Co. (www.thepuppetco.org) to the Warner Theater (www.warnertheatre.com), this holiday classic comes in forms that appeal to all ages.
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 And because it's fun to sound like a herd of reindeer taking off, we have to mention the Jingle All the Way 10K on Sunday, December 12 in West Potomac Park. If you love to run, this is the only time you'll see Santa and his reindeer running alongside elves, and every runner must tie jingle bells onto each shoe. It's a fun, fast, flat race that is full of laughs (www.runwashington.com/jingle-info.htm).
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Mary J. Murphy
Allied Realty Corp.
301-656-8600
301-717-8372 direct
7605 Arlington Road, Suite 100
Bethesda, MD 20814
www.maryjmurphy.com
mjmurphy@alliedrealty.com
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Graphic design by
Mary J. Murphy
Allied Realty Corp.
301-656-8600
301-717-8372 direct
7605 Arlington Road, Suite 100
Bethesda, MD 20814
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