The Kids Will Travel family headed to the White House this past week to check out the festivities outside. Even if you aren’t able to get tickets to tour the White House during the holidays it is definitely worth a visit at twilight to snap a few pictures from the outside and to see the National Christmas Tree.

On the South Lawn of the White House (closest to Constitution Avenue and 15th Street, NW) you will find President’s Park. This month the park transforms into a little winter wonderland complete with a giant Christmas tree surrounded by model trains and 56 smaller Christmas trees representing the states and territories and decorated with ornaments made by children from that state. My favorite state tree this year was from Florida. The bright oranges were fabulous.

Each day through Christmas Eve your children can also visit with Santa in Santa’s workshop. Hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 4:00-6:30 pm and 7:00-9:30 pm
Friday to Sunday: 12:30 PM-4:30 pm and 5:30-9:30 pm
Christmas Eve: 11 AM–3:00 pm

When we visited earlier this week at 4:30 pm we were the only people in line – score! And he is a great looking Santa.

Finally, each week day starting at 5:00 pm and weekends starting at 1:00 pm there is live music from various local singing groups. Click here for a schedule of performers. The day we visited we heard a group of 5th graders from a local school. Listening to those sweet voices was just what my heart needed.

As always, the best way to reach President’s Park is by metro. Metro Center and McPherson Square are the closest metro stops. Click here for tips on traveling by metro in DC.

And if you are looking for a restaurant near by try Old Ebbitt Grill, or Potbelly. Click here for more of our favorite kid friendly restaurants in the area.

If you are visiting DC over the holidays or live here and are entertaining guests I hope my blog posts over the last few weeks have been helpful. Be sure to get out in the city and take advantage of the great activities going on this month.

And don’t forget to follow us on twitter in order to get the latest information on current events in DC. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!