It’s Christmastime in the city!
Lots of great Christmas traditions, like taking a stroll and checking out the lights, are best celebrated in cities. Here are some of my favorites:
Photo by Tim Evanson on Flickr.
Model trains: Toy trains have been associated with Christmas for a long time, and no one can resist a great Christmas village with it’s very own train. One reason may just be that they make great gifts, but model trains have long been a part of Christmas decorations and elaborate store displays. Union Station always has an excellent train.
Caroling: The tradition of going singing Christmas songs started in Victorian England as a way to bring cheer to neighbors. Caroling works best when the group can walk easily from house to house, similar to the trick-or treat test.
Lights: Christmas light displays are pretty epic these days. There are not only homes to check out, but also professional light displays. Both can really brighten short, dark days.
Zoo Lights is a big favorite, but there are also new displays like Georgetown’s Glow, an art installation. My favorite lights are the ones atop the Australian Embassy: Surfing Santa is a real DC tradition.
Photo by Andrew Wiseman on Flickr.
Christmas Trees: In the District we have the ultimate tree, the White House Christmas Tree. One of our contributors, Canaan Merchant, noted to me that “it’s unique to DC when you go to see the tree but you have to wind your way through a protest in front of the north lawn!”
Strolling: Old Town Alexandria has it’s Scottish Walk to pay homage to its Scottish founders. Outside of DC, my favorite stroll may be Troy, NY’s Victorian Stroll, which celebrates the small city’s history.
Jewish Christmas: Why do Jewish people eat Chinese food on Christmas? It’s not because it’s the only option. It’s a tradition because because many American Jews can trace their ancestry to New York City circa 1920, and in those days all New Yorkers ate Chinese Food. It probably also helped that Jews in particular settled near Chinese immigrants in New York.
Photo by Wally Gobetz on Flickr.
What are your favorite Christmas traditions in DC or other places?
If you need anything more to get into the holiday mood, just press play on Bing Crosby’s “Silver Bells.”