DC Christmas Trees | KidFriendly DC

1. If you enjoy seeing Christmas trees at iconic sites around DC, don’t miss the one at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Great Hall, one of our city’s most stunning spaces, it’s decorated with pretty lights and “book” ornaments representing each state. Of course, the Library of Congress makes for a great outing anytime. A local and national treasure, the largest library in the world and one of our city’s most fascinating places should be a staple on any DC must-visit list. It’s currently open to the public Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and timed-entry tickets are needed. You can reserve them for free here.

2. If you have outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations in DC, take care of them before December 31! Mayor Bowser’s Ticket Amnesty Program allows those tickets to be paid without the doubled penalty if they are past the due date; at the end of the amnesty period, all penalties will be added back to all tickets.

3. Lit Hub’s 48 Favorite Books of 2021. What were your favorite reads this year? (Share in the comments!)

4. The Washington Post shared ways to help survivors of the recent tornadoes in Kentucky, Illinois, and beyond.

5. An amazing, hilarious blog post about the worst meal ever — at a Michellin starred restaurant.

Where to go first?! So much fun to be had in every direction.

It’s rare that I come home from an outing and immediately get on my computer to post about it here on the blog. Usually, I put it on my very long list of places and activities to write about and get to it… eventually.

But today was different. We had such a great time at Ticonderoga Farms for their Winter Christmas Festival — not to mention, there’s limited time left to enjoy it this season — that here I am, not even home 20 minutes, blogging about our visit there. Yep, it was that much fun.

So, this was actually my first time at Ticonderoga. (I could have sworn we’d been before, but I must have had it confused with another Virginia farm.) But I think I’m right to assume that the Winter Festival includes much of the same farm attractions as their fall fest, just with Christmas trees for sale (choose from the lot or cut down your own) and appearances by Santa. Here’s a recap in pictures of our day there and a peek at some of the fun.

Jumping with pure joy

The “wobbly bridge” spans a pond where ducks hang out

Wheeee! You’ve got your pick of slides to whiz down.

Peek-a-boo! Sash found a nice hiding place in an old firetruck

The bamboo maze includes doorways and a nice leafy canopy overhead

Hanging with the goats

Chow time

“Hey, lady…take a picture, it’ll last longer”

Chickens, too! (They also have a couple of peacocks.)

The lovely playground area includes an old-school seesaw (ie, no handles…hold on tight, kids!)

All tired out, in a good way

And just because it was so much fun (grown-ups welcome, too!), another jumping pillow shot

What these pictures don’t include are even more things to play in and on, like swings, teepees, and tunnels. There are also fire pits where you can warm up and roast marshmallows for s’mores (kits are available at the concession stand), hayrides, and small “mountains” to climb. And my shots don’t begin to capture how pretty it is there. The scenery is gorgeous and peaceful — even with lots of kids running around shrieking with joy.

The Winter Christmas Festival at Ticonderoga Farms runs again tomorrow, December 2, and for two more weekends, December 8-9 and 15-16. Hours are 10am – 4pm. Admission is $5.95/person, free for 23 months and under. Concessions are available at extra cost and include hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, chips, apple cider, hot chocolate and tea, cold drinks, and a few other treats.