With just a few days left until winter break, the holiday season is in full swing! No matter how you celebrate, there are many great ways to spend your winter right in your home city. 

The Washington Harbour Ice Rink: With the ice rink being open until the end of winter, you have plenty of time to check it out. Ice skating is not only a super fun activity to do with your friends but also a great way to spend time outside. Just make sure to bundle up before you go!

The Downtown Holiday Market: The holiday market, open until December 23, is not to be missed. In front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, you can see plenty of shopping booths to buy holiday presents, amazing food, and live music that adds so much to this very festive experience. It is great for people of all ages and free to check out!

Holiday Lights at Mount Vernon: Right across the potomac lies Mount Vernon, the estate of the first U.S. President, George Washington. After sunset you can see the lovely place by candlelight, where a guided tour of the estate is in order and learn many facts about its history! This is such a fun way to experience a historical landmark and spend a nice winter evening. 

Lights Across the City: Throughout most of DC, a light exhibit isn’t hard to come by. Whether it’s just a walk around a neighborhood or going to a planned event like Yard Lights in the Navy Yard or Enchant at Nationals Park, DC has lots to offer when it comes to holiday lights and it will surely get you into the holiday spirit. •