1. For an evening outing, head to the Ellipse to visit the National Menorah and National Christmas Tree, lit nightly starting at sundown. The tree is surrounded by America Celebrates, a display of smaller trees that showcase one-of-a-kind ornaments made by people across the country that represent every U.S. state, territory, and DC. The tree will be lit through January 1, and it’s free to visit. The Ellipse is located between the White House and Constitution Ave. Access the holiday display at 14th Street NW, or walk up from Constitution Ave. and walk around to the entrance.
2. Miracle on Half Street is today’s installment of the 12 days of Capitol Riverfront. Today from 4-8pm, the Half Street corridor of the Ballpark District will come alive with winter activations, including a Letters for Santa mailbox for kids and kids-at-heart to drop off their wishes for the year, plus winter snow and Instagrammable backdrops. Visit Half Street to see the festive sites, drop off your letters to Santa, then enjoy specials from restaurants along the corridor, including
3. For a creative way to get your letters to Santa, here’s something fun this weekend: The Station at Riverdale Park is hosting a FREE virtual Letter to Santa Watercolor Workshop. Register for it now, then pick up your complimentary crafting kit at The Station, PLUS a $10 gift card from a participating restaurant from from 11am – 2pm. Later at 4pm, tune in for a workshop with a local artist and maker. Can’t make the workshop live? They’ll send a recording to all registrants. And Santa will be here before you know it, so you can drop off your letter at participating restaurants at The Station and share on Instagram (tag @thestationrp) to be included in a drawing for a $50 gift card to Burtons Grill at The Station!
4. Holiday cookie recipes that even Eater editors agreed looked and sounded the best.
5. Do you guys follow Twitch and Allison on IG? They are the cutest, and their dances are such fun pick-me-ups. Love this one from a few weeks ago (just like Levi and me 😂).