Spending Christmas Day in a new city can be stressful, as every city is different, and it can be difficult to find information on holiday business hours. Washington, DC is a beautiful, festive place to spend the holidays, however, there are a few things that visitors should know in order to plan the perfect Christmas.
The team at BestBus has provided a few essential tips for navigating Washington, DC on Christmas Day whether you are taking a luxury bus from Delaware or New York, or you are spending your first Christmas in the city as an ex-pat.
Christmas Day Transportation Tips
In Washington, DC, the Metro operates every day of the year including Christmas. However, it will run on a holiday schedule which means longer wait times for trains. On the bright side, there’s usually no track maintenance on Christmas, so it may be more reliable than a typical weekend.
You can also use cabs, Uber, or Lyft as there will always be some drivers working on Christmas. Another option is to rent bikes which can be found all over the city. If you’re staying right downtown, walking to your destination is always an option if you’re up for it.
Visit Free Outdoor Attractions
Many of Washington, DC’s iconic monuments and memorials are open to the public for free all year round. Visitors can enjoy a healthy dose of sightseeing on Christmas Day with a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, and many other monuments on the National Mall. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a festive model train exhibit in the U.S. Botanic Garden. However, be prepared for crowds. Since many people in town look for activities on Christmas Day, the Season’s Greetings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden tends to draw a lot of visitors.
Spend the Day at Mount Vernon
This famous site just outside of Washington was the home of George Washington, and visitors are welcome to explore the estate on Christmas Day. In fact, this may be considered the best time to visit Mount Vernon, as the staff opens the third floor of this building for public viewing and displays an early American Christmas scene. Remember that Mount Vernon is a private historic site with an entrance fee, but it’s definitely worth the cost.
Enjoy a Christmas Meal
Big cities like New York and Washington DC are great places to travel to by luxury bus during the holidays, as there is no limit on restaurant options on Christmas Day.
It’s recommended to check OpenTable and Resy a few weeks before Christmas to see which restaurants are open and make reservations as soon as possible. Keep in mind that some restaurants switch to fixed menus on Christmas to simplify things for their kitchen staff. This means the full menu may not be available, but you might find some special holiday dishes instead.
By planning ahead, and making a reservation, visitors can find a number of special Christmas menus in restaurants throughout Washington, DC.
What to Keep in Mind
Many popular attractions in Washington, DC, will be closed on Christmas Day. This includes the Smithsonian Museums and the National Gallery of Art, which are among the city’s top destinations. Federal sites such as the Capitol and the Library of Congress will also not be open, along with many other government-run locations. If you're planning activities for the day, it's a good idea to double-check hours for any federal or public sites, as most follow a holiday closure schedule.
Why Visit Washington, DC, On Christmas?
Spending Christmas in DC offers several advantages. The city is much quieter, with fewer crowds and lighter traffic, which makes it much easier to explore at a relaxed pace. The city's holiday decorations, such as the National Christmas Tree near the White House, give it a magical touch. Restaurants and hotels also may offer special holiday menus and packages for visitors.
Alternatives to Christmas Celebrations
Many people in Washington, DC do not celebrate Christmas and simply wish to carry on with their regular routine on Christmas Day. For travelers who are looking to get some exercise, fitness facilities can be found in the Jewish Community Center. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of the lush, expansive parks in Washington, DC. For entertainment, travelers can also head to a movie theatre on Christmas Day.
Book Your Bus Trip from NYC to Washington, DC, with BestBus!
If you are looking for a luxury bus to travel from Delaware or New York to Washington, DC, look no further than BestBus for a comfortable ride and friendly service. Our modern buses are equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats to ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable journey the whole way. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, a weekend getaway, or a business trip, BestBus is committed to providing reliable and stress-free transportation. For more information or to book a bus ticket, call us at (888) 888-3269 or visit our website today!