We first experienced Enchant, the holiday light extravaganza at Nationals Park, when it debuted in DC in 2019. As I relayed in this review, we all loved it then, finding the 90,000 square foot light maze beautiful, dazzling, and a really fun way to get into the spirit of the season. When we were invited to visit again this year, I was excited to return, though I wondered how my kids would like it now. Three years makes a big difference at their ages, 16 and 13, and what they liked at 13 and 10 could easily change.
I finally found out last night as we spent the early part of Christmas evening there. (I had hoped to get there sooner in the holiday season, but we’ve had a really busy few weeks, then weather thwarted our plans to go last week). Turns out both kids still really enjoyed it, just a bit differently than last time. This year, there was a story book theme that had you searching for stars to put a broken Santa’s Magic Timepiece back together. While Sasha was gungho about the scavenger hunt a few years ago, she wasn’t so interested this time.
But we all had a fantastic time exploring the sprawling maze of illuminated areas on the ballpark field. There’s something about the twinkling scenes, some of them interactive, with delightful music playing, all where the Nats play that really is, well, enchanting.
Along with the maze, there is also ice skating (extra cost), concessions including yummy warm beverages, a “village” with shops to browse, areas for warming up, and plenty of photo ops. There are other experiences like photos with Santa, though they are no longer being offered.
You can get a better idea of what Enchant is all about in my post from a few years ago — I still think it’s a great holiday season activity if you’re up for a splurge. And just because Christmas is over, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some holiday magic.
Enchant
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through January 1
Admission: $25+/adult, $23+/age 3-17
Specials to Note:
* On Wednesday, admission is FREE for children!
* A Family-4 Pack is available that gets you 20% off admission
* Night Owl tickets for admission from 8:30pm on start at $25
More scenes from our from our visit there…
Winter break is starting! Have you made plans?
Imagination Stage will have weekday matinees throughout the whole week, December 26-30! Bring the kids, bring the neighbor’s kids, bring the cousins from out of town and their kids. Make it a play-date!
Mo Willems’ hilarious musical, based on the book, is a fantastic addition to your holiday plans. Tickets start at $12 — that’s less than a ticket to see a movie!
Filed under 2022, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Weekdays, Winter
[Note: This is a guest post contributed by Canden Arciniega from DC by Foot.]
Every year, Georgetown takes on a new GLOW with temporary light installations designed by visual artists from all over the world. DC by Foot offers a walking tour that explores both the Georgetown Glow art and permanent street art and murals in the neighborhood.
TOUR DETAILS:
* Runs Wednesday – Sunday through January 22, 2023, including on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
* Select dates are pay-what-you-want while others are ticketed. Tickets are $35/adult, $20/youth (4-16), and kids under 4 are FREE. Ticketed groups are smaller and come with your own glow sticks!
* Starts outside Four Season’s Hotel and ends at Potomac & M Streets NW.
Four reasons why the Georgetown Glow Tour is great for kids:
1. It’s interactive! DC by Foot’s guides don’t lecture memorized facts, so the tours are engaging and fun, even for the youngest visitors. And with small groups on the tour, you’ll have time to interact with the different light installations. For 2022, the tour ends at the Cloud Swing, a set of actual swings that light up clouds above when you swing high enough! You’ll also see Picto Sender Machine, a low-resolution screen where you can record a video message.
2. It’s only 1.5 hours and 1 mile. As much fun as the tour is, kids’ attention spans are only so long. The tour is a highlight 1.5 hours with only one mile of walking. [NOTE: It is NOT stroller friendly due to stairs and Georgetown sidewalks.]
3. It starts at 5:30pm. There isn’t a lot to enjoy about early sunsets (except maybe sneaking bedtime a bit earlier than usual). But with early nightfall, DC by Foot starts the tour at 5:30pm, making it a great family activity that won’t keep everyone out too late!
4. It ends outside the best macron shop in Georgetown. We’re all okay with bribes, right? Stop at Olivia Macaron shop for a tasty (but small and non-messy) colorful treat after the tour.
See more about DC by Foot’s Georgetown Glow Tour and reserve your tickets here!