Christmas time in Washington, DC

Bob and I enjoyed a chilly (well--cold) but romantic Saturday evening in DC. We started off with metro ride and then a brisk walk to the National Zoo. The snow flurries began almost as soon as we got off the train. Our mission was to see Zoo Lights--the Christmas light display that we had heard so much about. We entered the zoo and began strolling and indeed, the lights were very nice as promised. Although the real animals were asleep in their cozy beds, they all were represented as light displays throughout the zoo. There were snowflake lights, icicle lights, and musical lights. There were Christmas carolers and games for the kids. With plenty of hot popcorn, and a hot drink, it made for a pleasant evening for strolling and enjoying the lights of the season. Among our fellow passengers on the metro was a group of teen-age Santa Clauses and Santa Clausettes--who we saw strolling around the zoo and they looked like they were having a great time. The 30 degree temps helped to encourage romance as couples strolled along holding hands or walking arm in arm.

Thankfully, the snow didn't develop into anything more than a few flurries, which tapered off and finally quit before we left the zoo.

After leaving the zoo, we took another brisk walk back to the metro, hopped aboard and headed to the Mall where we strolled along and enjoyed the beautiful Christmas lights on trees and buildings. We started off by the Botanical Gardens, the US Capitol and the Capitol Christmas tree, then strolled along past the museums, the Washington Monument and finally, we arrived at the White House and the National Christmas tree. We opted not to wait in the incredibly long line of people that snaked it's way to the National Christmas tree, allowing visitors a close-up glimpse of the tree and the model train. We chose the "good enough" view from the fence. It was very pretty, though.

Then, it was time to head back to the metro for the journey home. That's the cool thing about DC, you are never far from a metro stop. As we walked along we saw the National Theater and The Warner Theater. Since we've been to several shows we feel we know that section of town fairly well. The Ford's Theater is in that same neighborhood and so is one of my favorite places: a Barnes and Noble. Also, in that neighborhood is one of our favorite places to eat: The Elephant and Castle. But, on this trip, we were just interested in getting to the metro station and a chance to sit down once we got back on the train.

And so, our evening was coming to a close but what a great evening it was. Nothing fancy, just walking and looking at Christmas lights, but so much fun.