Holidays
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Christmas in DC: Top Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
I can’t believe it is already about to be Christmas already – this year has flown by! There are lots of fun things to do in DC to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. Here is my list of festive ways to celebrate the holidays! National Christmas Tree I always said the National Tree used to be the ugliest Christmas tree when they used net lighting, making it look like a cone. They seem to have done away with the nets though and it is much better! The National Christmas Tree is a must see during the holiday season, surrounded by smaller trees for each state decorated with ornaments created…
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Holiday Gift Ideas
I always plan to shop for the holidays throughout the year so that I am not scrambling last minute. Yet every year, I inevitable end up rushing to buy everything in December! Here are some gift ideas for those of us who (like me) may need some last minute inspiration! Gifts for the Home Life as we know it has changed over the past two years and we are all spending a lot more time at home than we used to. It only seems appropriate to give some gifts that make the it a bit more cozy or fun! Gifts for the home seem ideal this year. Kitchen Supplies This…
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Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, DC
The Washington, DC Downtown Holiday Market is an annual outdoor shopping “village” which supports local small businesses and entrepreneurs. The market is an especially great way to shop local while still remaining socially distant! Located on F street between 7th and 9th in NW DC, the Downtown Holiday Market is open from November 19 until Christmas Eve eve (December 23) from noon to 8pm. Previously the market was located along the sidewalk, but they have expanded the market the last two years by blocking off road traffic on F street to allow for wider aisles. Rather than walking between stalls, the layout is more of a loop around outward…
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Lille at Christmas: Visiting the Marché de Noël de Lille
Every year, Lille hosts a Christmas Market complete with a giant ferris wheel! From the end of November until New Year’s you can enjoy Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. Marché de Noël de Lille is the largest Christmas market in Northern France! Apparently this tradition is centuries old. Grand Place A 164ft Ferris Wheel stands in Grand Place during the holiday season, in addition to a Christmas Tree and other decorations. Riding the Ferris Wheel is absolute must – the views from the top are unreal! Definitely wrap up if you’re going to ride the Ferris Wheel because it can be quite windy up there! I rode the…
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Holiday Magic in Paris: Experiencing the City of Lights at Christmas
I recently posted about Paris in the fall. However, Paris is especially magical at Christmas-time. By mid-November, Paris is completely decked out for the holidays. The city is covered in lights and decorations, everywhere you go! There is a ton to do in the City of Light near the holidays. Here are some of my favorites: Galeries Lafayette As if Galeries Lafayettes wasn’t already stunning enough, every year it has a new Christmas Tree design. The year I spent Christmas in Paris, the tree was made out of recycled paper! The interactive window displays were all made with the recycled materials theme. The tree was very intricate, with polar bears…
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Strasbourg, Alsace: The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg is on the eastern border of France in the Alsace Region. This city has gone back and forth between being part of France and part of Germany, which has created an interesting blend of both the culture and the architecture. Strasbourg is well-known for its annual Christmas market, or Christkindelsmärik. Strasbourg isn’t a large city, and the Christmas market is spread across town. The best way to explore the markets is definitely by foot. There is plenty of vin chaud / gluhwein (mulled wine) to help warm up! There are also fires to stand by scattered around the markets. One of my favorite parts is the decorated Rue Mercière…
