George Washington himself chose the location for the city that bears his name, and which serves as the seat of government for the United States of America. Over the course of 200 years, Washington, D.C. has grown with the nation, and it now represents the very best of America. From its majestic monuments to its incomparable museums, from the Mall to the steps of the Capitol, Washington offers visitors one-of-a-kind attractions.

The majestic Capitol building stands at the center of the city, allowing unobstructed views of the city's most famous attractions. The giant open space of the Mall is marked off by the various museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest cluster of museums in the world. The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and space exploration, from the Wright brothers first biplane to the Apollo moon mission and beyond. Visitors also line up for the Natural History museum to learn about the sciences and to view the famous Hope Diamond. The Smithsonian Institution also includes the world-famous Sackler, Freer and Hirshhorn galleries. Art lovers should also appreciate the nearby National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American Art.

Looking past the mall, the Washington monument stands 505 feet above the city. It was the tallest man made structure in America from its completion until the early 1900's. Behind this monument is the reflecting pool and the trio of memorials dedicated to remembering President Lincoln and the wounded and killed of the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. New to the area of the tidal basin, and facing the Jefferson Memorial, a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt lies on the Potomac River. Not far from there, the new National Holocaust Museum hosts millions of visitors each year.

The offices of the various government agencies take up most of the space of the city, and most offer free tours to the public. The White House also offers free tours to the public, and the lines can sometimes stretch around the block to visit "the people's house." Just outside of the city, the National Zoo houses thousands of animals on 163 acres of park. Among its residents are two giant pandas given to the United States as gifts from the People's Republic of China. Across the river in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands amidst the somber majesty of Arlington National Cemetery, where John and Robert Kennedy are also buried.

Washington has many other distractions from politics. Washington's theatre life is thriving; it is second only to New York in number of theatre seats. The National Symphony and other musical companies play full schedules. As a temporary home to diplomats from around the world, Washington's restaurant offerings are the finest and most diverse around.

The beauty and grandeur of the nation's capital continue to captivate the millions of American and foreign tourists who visit Washington, D.C. each year.

City Information

 

Business Hours

Banks are generally open weekdays 9-3. On Friday many stay open until 5 or close at 2 and open again from 4 to 6. Very few banks have lobby hours on Saturday. Museums are usually open daily 10-5:30; some have extended hours on Thursday. Many private museums are closed Monday or Tuesday, and some museums in government office buildings are closed weekends. The Smithsonian often sets extended spring and summer hours for some of its museums (tel. 202/357-2700 for details). Stores are generally open Monday-Saturday 10-7 (or 8). Some have extended hours on Thursday and many-especially those in shopping or tourist areas such as Georgetown-open Sunday anywhere from 10 to noon and close at 5 or 6. Holidays Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).

Customs & Duties

Arriving In the United States Non-U.S. residents ages 21 and older may import into the United States 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kilograms of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, and gifts worth $100. Meat products, seeds, plants, and fruits are prohibited. For additional information, contact the U.S. Customs Service (inquiries, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/927-6724; complaints, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229; registration of equipment, Resource Management, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/927-0540).

Emergencies

Dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance in an emergency. Hospital Emergency Rooms The hospital closest to downtown is George Washington University Hospital (901 23rd St. NW, tel. 202/994-3211, emergencies only). Doctors & Dentists Prologue (tel. 202/362-8677) is a referral service that locates doctors, dentists, and urgent-care clinics in the greater Washington area. The D.C. Dental Society (tel. 202/547-7615) operates a referral line weekdays 8-4. Late-Night Pharmacies CVS Pharmacy operates 24-hour pharmacies at 14th Street and Thomas Circle NW (tel. 202/628-0720) and at 7 Dupont Circle NW (tel. 202/785-1466). Embassies and Consulates Australia Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202/797-3000, 202/797-3040). Canada Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202/682-1740, 202/682-7726). New Zealand New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/328-4800, 202/667-5227). United Kingdom British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/588-7800, 202/588-7850).

Mail

Every address in the United States belongs to a specific zip-code district, and each zip code has five digits. Some addresses include a second sequence of four numbers following the first five numbers, but although this speeds mail delivery for large organizations, it is not necessary to use it. Each zip-code district has at least one post office, where you can buy stamps and aerograms, send parcels, or conduct other postal business. Occasionally you may find small stamp-dispensing machines in airports, train stations, bus terminals, large office buildings, hotel lobbies, drugstores, or grocery stores, but don't count on it. Most Americans go to the post office to buy their stamps, and the lines can be long. Official mailboxes are either the stout, royal blue steel bins on city sidewalks or mail chutes on the walls of post offices or in large office buildings. A schedule posted on mailboxes and mail slots should indicate when the mail is picked up. Sending Mail Home First-class letters (under one ounce) sent within the United States cost 33 cents; postcards are 20 cents. A one-ounce letter to Canada takes a 48-cent stamp and a postcard 45 cents; for Mexico, you'll need a 40-cent stamp for a half-ounce letter and 40 cents for a postcard. Airmail letters (under a half ounce) to other overseas destinations cost 60 cents, and postcards are 55 cents. For 60 cents, you can also buy an aerogram--a pre-stamped sheet of lightweight blue paper that folds into its own envelope. Receiving Mail If you wish to receive mail while traveling in the United States, have it sent c/o General Delivery at the city's main post office (be sure to use the right zip code). It will be held there for up to 30 days. You must pick it up in person, and bring identification with you. American Express offices in the United States do not hold mail.

Money

Currency The basic unit of U.S. currency is the dollar, which is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins are the copper penny (1 cent) and four silver coins: the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), and the half-dollar (50 cents). Silver $1 coins are rarely seen in circulation; a "golden" dollar coin was introduced in 2000. Paper money comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. All these bills are the same size and green in color; they are distinguishable only by the dollar amount indicated on them and by pictures of various famous American people and monuments. For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. To avoid lines at airport exchange booths, get a bit of local currency before you leave home. In general, U.S. banks will not cash a personal check for you unless you have an account at that bank (it doesn't have to be at that branch). Only in major cities are large bank branches equipped to exchange foreign currencies. Therefore, it's best to rely on credit cards, cash machines, and traveler's checks to handle expenses while you're traveling. Exchanging Money In the United States, it is not as easy to find places to exchange currency as it is in European cities. In major international cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, currency may be exchanged at some bank branches, as well as at currency-exchange booths in airports and at foreign-currency offices such as American Express Travel Service and Thomas Cook (check local directories for addresses and phone numbers). The best strategy is to buy traveler's checks in U.S. dollars before you come to the United States; although the rates may not be as good abroad, the time saved by not having to search constantly for exchange facilities far outweighs any financial loss. Money Orders, Funds Transfers Any U.S. bank is equipped to accept transfers of funds from foreign banks. It helps if you can plan dates to pick up money at specific bank branches. Your home bank can supply you with a list of its correspondent banks in the United States. If you have more time, and you have a U.S. address where you can receive mail, you can have someone send you a certified check, which you can cash at any bank, or a postal money order (for as much as $700, obtained for a fee of up to 85¢ at any U.S. post office and redeemable at any other post office). From overseas, you can have someone go to a bank to send you an international money order (also called a bank draft), which will cost a $15-$20 commission plus airmail postage. Always bring two valid pieces of identification, preferably with photos, to claim your money.

Packing

Washington is basically informal, although many restaurants require a jacket and tie. Area theaters and nightclubs range from the slightly dressy (John F. Kennedy Center) to extremely casual (Wolf Trap Farm Park). For sightseeing and casual dining, jeans and sneakers are acceptable just about anywhere. In summer, you'll want shorts and light shirts. Even in August, though, you might still want to have a shawl or light jacket for air-conditioned restaurants. Good walking shoes are a must. In January and February, you'll need a heavy coat and snow boots. Electricity The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Passports & Visas

Entering the United States Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom who plan to stay in the United States for fewer than 90 days do not need entry visas. A valid passport, a return-trip ticket, and proof of financial solvency are required; you'll be asked to fill out the Visa Waiver Form, I-94W, upon entry. Travelers who plan to stay more than 90 days can apply for the appropriate visa at the United States embassy or consulates in their home country. Canadian citizens need valid identification but neither a passport nor a visa to enter the United States. At Home If you live in the U.K.: U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (01891/200290; calls cost 49p per minute, 39p per minute cheap rate) for U.S. visa information. U.S. Embassy Visa Branch (5 Upper Grosvenor Sq., London W1A 1AE) for U.S. visa information; send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Write the U.S. Consulate General (Queen's House, Queen St., Belfast BTI 6EO) if you live in Northern Ireland. Write the Office of Australia Affairs (59th fl., MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Pl., Sydney NSW 2000) if you live in Australia. Write the Office of New Zealand Affairs (29 Fitzherbert Terr., Thorndon, Wellington) if you live in New Zealand. Passport Offices The best time to apply for a passport or to renew is during the fall and winter. Before any trip, check your passport's expiration date, and, if necessary, renew it as soon as possible. Australian Citizens Australian Passport Office (131-232). Canadian Citizens Passport Office (819/994-3500 or 800/567-6868). New Zealand Citizens New Zealand Passport Office (04/494-0700 for information on how to apply; 04/474-8000; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand for information on applications already submitted). U.K. Citizens London Passport Office (0990/210410) for fees and documentation requirements and to request an emergency passport. Embassies and Consulates Australia Australian Embassy (1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202/797-3000, 202/797-3040). Canada Canadian Embassy (501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202/682-1740, 202/682-7726). New Zealand New Zealand Embassy (37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/328-4800, 202/667-5227). United Kingdom British Embassy (3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202/588-7800, 202/588-7850).

Sightseeing Tours

Boat Tours D.C. Ducks (1323 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, tel. 202/966-3825) offers 90-minute tours in their converted World War II amphibious vehicles. After an hour-long road tour of prominent sights, the tour moves from land to water, as the vehicle is piloted into the waters of the Potomac for a 30-minute boat's-eye view of the city. Tours run continuously from 10 AM to 4 PM from March through November. Prices are $24ults, $14 senior citizens, $12 ages 12 and younger. The enclosed boat The Dandy (Prince St., between Duke and King Sts., Alexandria, VA, tel. 703/683-6076 or 703/683-6090) cruises up the Potomac past the Lincoln Memorial to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown. Lunch cruises board weekdays starting at 10:30 AM and weekends starting at 11:30 AM. Dinner cruises board Monday-Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 7:15 PM. A $21 "midnight cruise" boards at 11:30 PM April-October at Washington Harbour in Georgetown or in Alexandria. Prices are $26-$30 for lunch and $48-$56 for dinner. The Spirit of Washington (Pier 4, 6th and Water Sts. SW, tel. 202/554-8000) offers lunch cruises Tuesday-Saturday at 11:30 AM and a Sunday brunch cruise at 1. Evening cruises board at 6:30 PM and include dinner and a floor show. Adult "Moonlight Party" cruises board Friday and Saturday at 11:15 PM. Prices range from $21 per person for the moonlight cruise to $55 for dinner on Friday or Saturday night. A sister ship, the Potomac Spirit, sails to Mount Vernon, mid-March-October, Tuesday-Sunday. During peak tourist season (mid-June-August), boats depart at 9 AM and 2 PM. From mid-March through mid-June and September through October, boats leave at 9 AM only. Prices are $22 adults, $19.75 senior citizens, $13.25 children 6-12. Bus Tours Tourmobile buses (tel. 202/554-7950 or 202/554-5100), authorized by the National Park Service, stop at 18 historic sights between the Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery; the route includes the White House and the museums on the Mall. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-11. Old Town Trolley Tours (tel. 301/985-3021), orange-and-green motorized trolleys, take in the main downtown sights and also foray into Georgetown and the upper northwest, stopping at out-of-the-way attractions such as Washington National Cathedral. Tickets are $24 or adults, $11for children 4-12, free for children under four. All About Town, Inc. (519 6th St. NW, tel. 202/393-3696) has half-day, all-day, two-day, and twilight bus tours that drive by some sights (e.g., memorials, museums, government buildings) and stop at others. Tours leave from the company's office at 7:45 AM March-September and at 8:15 AM October-February. An all-day tour costs $30 for adults, $15 for children. Gray Line Tours (tel. 301/386-8300) has a four-hour tour of Washington, Embassy Row, and Arlington National Cemetery that leaves Union Station at 8:30 AM and 2 PM (at 2 PM only November-March; adults $22, children 3-11 $11); tours of Mount Vernon and Alexandria depart at 8:30 AM (adults $20, children, $10). An all-day trip combining both tours leaves at 8:30 AM (adults $36, children $18). Personal Guides Personal tour services include Guide Service of Washington (733 15th St. NW, Woodward Bldg., Suite 1040, Washington, DC 20005, tel. 202/628-2842); A Tour de Force (Box 2782, Washington, DC 20013, tel. 703/525-2948); and Guide Post, Inc. (11141 Georgia Ave., Suite A-8, Wheaton, MD 20902, tel. 301/946-7949). Sunny Odem (2530D South Walter Reed Dr., Arlington, VA 22206, tel. 703/379-1633) offers custom photography tours. Special-Interest Tours Special tours of government buildings-including the Archives, the Capitol, the FBI Building, the Supreme Court, and the White House-can be arranged through your representative's or senator's office. Limited numbers of these so-called VIP tickets are available, so plan up to six months in advance of your trip. With these special passes, your tour will often take you through rooms not normally open to the public. Government buildings and offices that have regularly scheduled tours include: the Government Printing Office (H and North Capitol Sts. NW, tel. 202/512-1995), which offers free tours Tuesday-Thursday at 10 AM; the Old Executive Office Building (Pennsylvania Ave. and 17th St. NW, tel. 202/395-5895), which is open for tours Saturday 9-noon; and the Naval Observatory (34th St. and Massachusetts Ave. NW, tel. 202/653-1507 or 202/653-1541 for group reservations), which offers tours every Monday night, except on Federal holidays. In addition, tours of the opulent 18th-and early-19th-century State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms (23rd and C Sts. NW, tel. 202/647-3241) are given weekdays at 9:30, 10:30, and 2:45; the Voice of America (330 Independence Ave. SW, tel. 202/619-3919) offers free 45-minute tours Tuesday-Thursday at 10:40, 1:40, and 2:40; and the Washington, DC, Post Office (Brentwood Rd. NE between Rhode Island and New York Aves., tel. 202/636-1200) has free tours weekdays between 9 and 4, and does not admit children under 7. Reservations are required for tours of all of these sites except the Naval Observatory, which admits the first 90 people in line at the observatory's south gate across from the New Zealand Embassy. It's wise to make your reservations a few weeks before your visit. The Washington Post (1150 15th St. NW, tel. 202/334-7969) offers free 50-minute guided tours for ages 11 and up on Monday from 10 to 3. Make reservations well in advance of your trip. Every second Saturday in May, a half-dozen embassies in Washington open their doors as stops on a self-guided Goodwill Embassy Tour (tel. 202/636-4225). The cost is $25, which includes refreshments, a tour booklet, and free shuttle bus transportation between embassies. Scandal Tours (tel. 800/758-8687) offers a 90-minute tour of Washington's seamier locales. Tours leave from the Pavilion at the Old Post Office Building on Saturday at 1. The cost is $27 per person, and reservations are required. Walking Tours The Black History National Recreation Trail links a group of sights within historic neighborhoods illustrating aspects of African-American history in Washington, from slavery days to the New Deal. A brochure outlining the trail is available from the National Park Service (1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20242, tel. 202/619-7222). The National Building Museum (tel. 202/272-2448) sponsors several architecture tours including the "Construction Watch Tour" ($7), which accompanies architects and construction-project managers to buildings in various stages of completion, and "Site Seeing" tours ($60 including bus transportation and a boxed lunch), which are led by architectural historians and visit various Washington neighborhoods and well-known monuments, public buildings, and houses. The Smithsonian Resident Associate Program (tel. 202/357-3030) routinely offers guided walks and bus tours of neighborhoods in Washington and communities outside the city. Many tours are themed and include sights that illustrate such things as Art Deco influences, African-American architecture, or railroad history. The D.C. Foot Tour (Box 9001, Alexandria, VA 22304, tel. 703/461-7364) is a walking tour of major historic sites. Capital Entertainment Services (3629 18th St. NE, Washington, DC 20018, tel. 202/636-9203) offers African-American history tours.

Telephones

The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Washington, D.C., is 202. All U.S. telephone numbers consist of 10 digits--the three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you're calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1" then all 10 digits. If you're calling from a distance but within the same area code, dial "1" then the last seven digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of U.S. area codes is printed in the front of most local telephone directories. Four special prefixes, "800," "888," "877," and "900," are not area codes but indicators of particular kinds of service. "800," "888," and "877" numbers can be dialed free from anywhere in the country--usually they are prepaid commercial lines that make it easier for consumers to obtain information, products, or services. The "900" numbers charge you for making the call and generally offer some kind of entertainment, such as horoscope readings, sports scores, or sexually suggestive conversations. These services can be very expensive, so know what you're getting into before you dial a "900" number. Credit-Card Calls U.S. telephone credit cards are not like the magnetic cards used in some European countries, which pay for calls in advance; they simply represent an account that lets you charge a call to your home or business phone. On any phone, you can make a credit-card call by punching in your individual account number or by telling the operator that number. Certain specially marked pay phones (usually found in airports, hotel lobbies, and so on) can be used only for credit-card calls. To get a credit card, contact your long-distance telephone carrier, such as AT&T, MCI, or Sprint. Directory & Operator Information For assistance from an operator, dial "0". To find out a telephone number within the same area code you're calling from, dial 411; in a few places it is necessary to dial 555-1212. If you want to charge a long-distance call to the person you're calling, call collect by dialing "0" instead of "1" before the 10-digit number, and an operator will come on the line to assist you (the party you're calling, however, has the right to refuse the call). International Calls International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number (the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes). To have an operator assist you, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator. The country code for Australia is 61; New Zealand, 64; and the United Kingdom, 44. To reach Canada, dial 1 + area code + number. Long-Distance Calls Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice. For details, contact AT&T (800/225-5288), MCI (800/888-8000), or Sprint (800/366-2255). Public Phones The most common pay phone in operation today is the coin-operated type. To use one, pick up the receiver, deposit your money (the minimum amount is posted on the machine), and then dial the number. An automated message will alert you to deposit more money, if needed. Telephone-card phones, so popular elsewhere in the world, are becoming increasingly common. Grocery stores, newsstands, and other establishments sell the disposable phone cards, available in varying amounts from $5 and up. To activate the card, dial the code number and follow the instructions printed on the card.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers. Coat-check operators usually expect $1; bellhops and porters should get 50 cents to $1 per bag; hotel maids in upscale hotels should get about $1 per day of your stay. On package tours, conductors and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole; check whether this has already been figured into your cost. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver-guide $1 if he or she has been helpful or informative. Ushers in theaters do not expect tips.

Visitor Information

In the Washington Area Contact the Washington, D.C., Convention and Visitors Association (1212 New York Ave. NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, tel. 202/789-7000, fax 202/789-7037), the D.C. Committee to Promote Washington (1212 New York Ave. NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20005, tel. 800/422-8644), and the National Park Service (Office of Public Affairs, National Capital Region, 1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20242, tel. 202/619-7222, fax 202/619-7302). The White House Visitor Center, in Baldridge Hall in the Dept. of Commerce at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, has information on White House tours and special events. National Park Service information kiosks on the Mall, near the White House, next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and at several other locations throughout the city can provide helpful information. Dial-A-Park (tel. 202/619-7275) is a recording of events at Park Service attractions in and around Washington. Dial-A-Museum (tel. 202/357-2020) is a recording of exhibits and special offerings at Smithsonian Institution museums. If you're planning to visit sites in the surrounding areas, contact the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment/Tourism Development (Office of Tourist Development, 217 E. Redwood St., 9th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, tel. 410/767-3400, fax 410/333-6643) and the Virginia Division of Tourism (901 East Byrd St., Richmond, VA 23219, tel. 804/786-4484 or 804/847-4882, fax 804/786-1919). The Virginia-Maryland Travel Center (1629 K St. NW, tel. 202/659-5523, fax 202/659-8646) can book accommodations at Virginia B&Bs (tel. 800/934-9184). At Home In the U.K. In the United Kingdom, also contact (tel. 020/8392-9187, fax 020/8392-1318). In Canada Canadian travelers can contact Travel USA (tel. 905/890-5662 or 800/268-3482 in Ontario).

When to Go

Washington has two delightful seasons: spring and autumn. In spring, the city's ornamental fruit trees are budding, and its many gardens are in bloom. By autumn, most of the summer crowds have left and visitors can enjoy the museums, galleries, and timeless monuments in peace. Summers can be uncomfortably hot and humid (local legend has it that Washington was considered a "tropical hardship post" by some European diplomats). Winter witnesses the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and countless historic-house tours, but the weather is often bitter, with a handful of modest snowstorms that somehow bring this Southern city to a standstill. If you're interested in government, visit when Congress is in session. When lawmakers break for recess (at Christmas, Easter, July 4, and other holiday periods), the city seems a little less vibrant. Climate Average maximum and minimum temperatures for Washington are as follows: Jan.-Feb., 31-47°F (-1-8°C); Mar.-Apr., 47-67°F (8-19°C); May-June, 58-85°F (14-29°C); July-Aug., 68-88°F (20-31°C); Sept.-Oct., 52-79°F (11-26°C), Nov.-Dec., 32-56°F (0-13°C). Festivals and Seasonal Events Washington has a lively calendar of special events; listed below are some of the most important or unusual. Winter Mid-Nov.-late Dec. A Christmas Carol returns year after year to historic Ford's Theatre (tel. 202/347-4833). Dec. Christmas celebrations start early in the month. Major events are listed below. Early Dec. The Washington National Cathedral's Open House celebrates the season's holidays with bagpipers, choral sing-alongs, and seasonal decorations in the Gothic-style cathedral (tel. 202/537-6200). Dec. 6 The 25th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk salutes Alexandria's Scottish heritage with a parade, bagpipers, house tours, crafts, and children's events (tel. 703/838-4200). Dec. 13-14 Old Town Christmas Candlelight Tours visit historic Ramsay House, Gadsby's Tavern Museum, the Lee-Fendall House, and the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria. Included in the tour are music, colonial dancing, and light refreshments (tel. 703/838-4200). Mid-Dec. The People's Christmas Tree Lighting on the west side of the U.S. Capitol celebrates its 34rd anniversary this year. Military bands perform (tel. 202/224-6645). Mid-late Dec. The Nutcracker is performed by the Washington Ballet at Warner Theatre (tel. 202/362-3606). Mid-Dec.-mid-Jan. U.S. Botanic Gardens' Annual Winter Flower Show bursts forth with more than 1,000 of the traditional holiday red, white, and pink poinsettias as well as a display of Christmas wreaths and trees (tel. 202/225-7099). Mid-Dec.-Jan. 1 The National Christmas Tree Lighting/Pageant of Peace is accompanied by seasonal music and caroling. In mid-December (usually the second Thursday) the president lights the National Christmas Tree (on the Ellipse just south of the White House) at dusk. For the next few weeks the Ellipse grounds are the site of nightly choral performances, a Nativity scene, a burning Yule log, and a display of lighted Christmas trees representing each of the country's states and territories (tel. 202/619-7222). Dec. 24-25 The Washington National Cathedral Christmas Celebration and Services include Christmas carols, pageants, and seasonal choral performances (tel. 202/537-6200). Late Dec. White House Christmas Candlelight Tours are evening tours (5-7 PM) of the White House lavishly adorned with traditional Christmas decorations. Tours are free but highly popular and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive early (tel. 202/456-2200 or 202/619-7222). Early Jan. Washington Antiques Show at the Omni Shoreham Hotel is an established, high-quality presentation for buyers and browsers (tel. 202/234-0700). Mid-Jan. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is celebrated with speeches, dance, choral performances, and special readings. For more information, contact the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (tel. 202/727-1186); the National Park Service (tel. 202/619-7222); or the Smithsonian (tel. 202/357-2700). Mid-Jan. The Chinese New Year Festival explodes in Chinatown, amid a cacophony of firecrackers and a dragon-led parade (tel. 202/638-1041 or 202/724-4091). Robert E. Lee's birthday is marked with 19th-century music and period food at Arlington House, the Custis-Lee mansion in Arlington Cemetery (tel. 703/557-0613). Feb. African-American History Month features special events, museum exhibits, and cultural programs (tel. 202/789-2403 or 202/727-1186). Early Feb. Lincoln's birthday celebrations include a wreath-laying ceremony and a reading of the Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln Memorial (tel. 202/619-7222). Mid-Feb. Frederick Douglass's birthday is celebrated with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia (tel. 202/619-7222 or 202/426-5961). Feb. 17 George Washington's birthday is celebrated with a parade down Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria, a historic-homes tour, and Revolutionary War reenactments (tel. 703/838-4200 or 703/838-5005). Spring Mar. 7-9 The Spring Antiques Show, at the Armory (tel. 301/738-1966; during show, 202/547-9215) hosts more than 185 dealers from 20 states, Canada, and Europe. Mid-Mar. St. Patrick's Day and Festival begins with a parade down Constitution Avenue at 1 PM on March 17. The following days feature theater, folk music, and dance concerts (tel. 202/637-2474). For information on Old Town Alexandria's March 16 parade festivities, call 703/838-4200. Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery goes green as well (tel. 703/557-0613). The Annual Bach Marathon honors Johann Sebastian's birthday. Ten organists each play the massive pipe organ at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church (1 Chevy Chase Circle NW, tel. 202/363-2202) from 1 to 6. Mar. 29 The Smithsonian Kite Festival, for kite makers and kite fliers of all ages, is held on the Washington Monument grounds (tel. 202/357-3030). Mar. 29-Apr. 12 The National Cherry Blossom Festival opens with the traditional Japanese Lantern Lighting ceremony on the 29th (tel. 202/728-1137, 202/646-0366, or 202/619-7222). Apr. Imagination Celebration, an annual monthlong festival for young people at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, draws some of the nation's best children's theater companies (tel. 202/467-4600). Early Apr. The White House Easter Egg Roll brings children ages eight and under, with an accompanying adult, to the White House lawn (tel. 202/456-7041). Mid-Apr. The anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birthday is marked by military drills and a wreath-laying at his memorial (tel. 202/619-7222). The White House Spring Garden Tours are walks around the Jacqueline Kennedy Rose Garden and the West Lawn; public rooms within the White House can also be visited (tel. 202/456-7041). Apr. 19-20 The Georgetown House Tour, now in its 70th year, offers the opportunity to view private homes. Admission includes high tea at historic St. John's Georgetown Parish Church (tel. 202/338-1796). Late Apr. The Smithsonian's Washington Craft Show exhibits one-of-a-kind handcrafted objects by 100 of the country's best artisans (tel. 202/357-2700). Apr. 26 The Alexandria Garden Tour finds six private gardens and another half-dozen historical sights open to the public, with afternoon tea at the historic Athenaeum (tel. 703/838-4200). Apr. 29-May 11 The D.C. International Film Festival is where dozens of foreign and American films premiere. Tickets are required (tel. 202/274-6810). May 2-3 The Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart salutes a different country each year, with flower booths, crafts, and demonstrations (tel. 202/537-6200). Mid-May The Georgetown Garden Tour shows off more than a dozen private gardens in one of the city's loveliest and most historic neighborhoods (tel. 202/333-6896). The Joint Services Open House at Andrews Air Force Base in suburban Maryland features two days' worth of static aircraft and weapons displays, precision parachute jumps, and either the Navy's Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team (tel. 301/568-5995). Malcolm X Day pays tribute to the slain civil-rights leader. A week of workshops and films culminates in a commemoration on May 18, when concerts and speeches are held in Anacostia Park (tel. 202/396-1021 or 202/678-8352). May 25 The Memorial Day Weekend Concert, performed by the National Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 PM on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, officially welcomes the summer to Washington (tel. 202/619-7222). Memorial National Cathedral's Summer Festival of Music features everything from Renaissance choral music to contemporary instrumental fare (tel. 202/537-6200). June 25-29 and July 2-6 The Festival of American Folklife, sponsored by the Smithsonian and held on the Mall, celebrates the music, arts, crafts, and foods of various nations' cultures (tel. 202/357-2700). July 4 The Independence Day Celebration includes a grand parade that marches past many of the capital's historic monuments. In the evening, the National Symphony Orchestra performs for free on the steps of the Capitol; this is followed by a fireworks display over the Washington Monument (tel. 202/619-7222). Mid-July-late Aug. During the Twilight Tattoo Series, the 3rd U.S. Infantry, the U.S. Army Band, the Drill Team, and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play on the Ellipse grounds, between the White House and the Washington Monument, every Wednesday evening at 7 (tel. 703/696-3718). Late July The Hispanic Festival, which takes place on the Mall, celebrates Latin American culture, food, music, dance, and theater. Late July The Virginia Scottish Games, one of the largest Scottish festivals in the United States, includes traditional Highland dance, bagpipes, a national professional heptathlon, animal events, and fiddling competitions on the Episcopal High School grounds (3901 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA, tel. 703/838-4200). Aug. 30 The National Frisbee Festival (National Mall, near Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, tel. 301/645-5043) is the nation's largest noncompetitive assembly of Frisbee lovers. The disk-catching canines almost steal the show from the two-legged pros. Autumn Sept. 7 The Labor Day Weekend Concert features the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol (tel. 202/467-4600). Early Sept. At the John F. Kennedy Center's Open House there are jugglers, musicians, dancers, and other performers on all five stages. Thousands throng to this free event every year (tel. 202/467-4600). Early Sept. Adams-Morgan Day celebrates the African American and Latin American character of this unique neighborhood with live music, crafts, and cuisine (tel. 202/332-3292 or 202/789-7000). Mid-Sept. The Constitution Day Commemoration observes the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Events include a naturalization ceremony, speakers, and band concerts (National Archives, tel. 202/501-5000). Late Sept. The Washington National Cathedral Open House is a chance to share in cathedral-related crafts, music, and activities, including a climb up the central tower (tel. 202/537-6200). Late Sept. Rock Creek Park Day celebrates the park's 107th birthday, with music, children's activities, foods, and arts and crafts. The party runs from noon to dusk (tel. 202/426-6829). Oct. 12-14 The "Taste of DC" Festival presents dishes from a variety of D.C. eateries. Food-tasting tickets are sold on site (tel. 202/789-7000). Mid-Oct. The White House Fall Garden Tours provide an opportunity to see the splendid gardens of the White House, including the famous Rose Gardens and the South Lawn (tel. 202/456-7041). Mid-Oct. The Washington International Horse Show is D.C.'s major equestrian event (tel. 301/840-0281). Oct. 25 The Marine Corps Marathon attracts thousands of world-class runners. It begins at the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Virginia (tel. 703/690-3431). Late Oct. Theodore Roosevelt's birthday is celebrated on Roosevelt Island in the Potomac, with tours of the island, exhibits, and family activities (tel. 202/619-7222). Mid-Nov. Veteran's Day activities include services at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the U.S. Navy Memorial, as well as an 11 AM wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, led by the president or another ranking official (tel. 202/475-0843).