
So many delightful details in Santa’s Workshop on the Ellipse
Monday – Show the kiddos relics from the nation’s past and even some from your childhood at the National Museum of American History, where collections include some of the best toys and games of the old days. Other fun exhibits include the First Ladies’ ball gowns and America on the Move, a history of transportation in the U.S. featuring some of the earliest automobiles, a train car, and an old street car that guests can actually climb aboard. The museum is open from 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is free.
Tuesday – Let little ones bounce, climb, swing, tumble, and slide at the PG Sports & Learning Complex Gymnastics Center. The hour-long open play session begins at 11:30am, and admission is $6/child. (This also takes place on Wednesday at the same time.)
Wednesday – Experience holiday traditions from a global perspective at the 3rd Annual Winternational Celebration. Festivities include a gingerbread cookie station, complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and apple cider, sample of global bites, cultural performances, and an international bazaar. This will all take place in the atrium at the Ronald Reagan Building from 11am – 2pm, and admission is free. Want some evening entertainment, too? Head to the Kennedy Center for Merry TubaChristmas, the free Millennium Stage performance at 6pm.
Thursday – Bundle up for a hike at Roosevelt Island, where you can get a dose of nature and history in one fell swoop. The trails are easy for little ones to tramp, and you can explore the Memorial Plaza to learn about the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. The entrance to the park is located right off the GW Parkway, just past the Roosevelt Bridge. It’s accessible only from the northbound lanes. Hours are 6am – 10pm. Admission is free.
Friday – Visit Santa on the Ellipse. His charming little workshop, where guests can take a photo with him, is open 12:30-9:30pm on Fridays (Saturdays & Sundays, too) through December 21. You can read about one of our experiences there in this past KFDC post.
Actually, we tried to visit Santa at the Ellipse this last week and were told that, while Santa’s workshop would be open to visit this year, there would no longer be a Santa. Super disappointing! Would love to know of any other recommended places to visit with the man in red!