Christmas Trees and Monuments
The annual “A Midnight Clear” at the National Botanic Gardens recreates the monuments on the National Mall. This past weekend I took a stroll through the gardens and it was delightful. Besides all the holiday decorations, the display of multicolored poinsettias and tons of wide-eyed kids added to the holiday spirit.
The exhibit starts outside with a large model train exhibit with multiple trains, complete with a suspension bridge so large, you can walk under it.
Inside, in the Garden Court, there’s a large decorated Christmas tree also with a model train and village that will delight the kids.
Around the court are replicas of the major monuments, including the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and more. All of these monument displays are hand-crafted by a couple of artists using only natural plants, trees and materials.
This is a different but fun holiday experience, plus, it’s always toasty warm inside.
U.S. Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Avenue, SW - across from the U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC (map it)
Dates and Times - Daily, through January 6, 2008. Hours - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some evening until 8:00.
Admission - Admission is free. No tickets required.
Nearest Metro Subway Station - Federal Center SW - Orange or Blue lines or use the DC Circulator.
Parking - Weekday street parking is tough, but is easier on weekends when the government employees aren’t on the Hill.
Images - personal collection
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POSTED IN: Attractions, Family Fun, Great Activities for a Date, Great Places to Unwind, Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Monuments & Memorials, Museums, Special Events
3 opinions for Christmas Trees and Monuments
Chandra
Dec 21, 2007 at 12:14 pm
That is truly gorgeous. I wish I could get a tree like the one in the first photo inside my house–love the red-white-and-blue decor. It’s festive and patriotic all at once.
Francesca Smith
Dec 21, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Hey, Jon! OK, this has nothing to do with Christmas trees, but everything to do with the age old holiday dilema - what can I do with all of those pears from Harry & David’s when they ALL ripen on the SAME day??!!
My “Harry & David’s” Pear coffee cake recipe
Turn oven on to 400 degrees
Grease and flour a 9×12 cake pan
Mix together:
2.5 cups low-fat Bisquick
.5 cup melted butter
1.5 cups low fat milk
.5 cup sugar
Spread the mixture in the pan.
Slice the Harry & David pears thinly (leave the skin on) and arrange on top - the more, the merrier!
Sprinkle cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmet (your favorite Christmas spice combination) on top.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.
Enjoy!
Last Chance to see the National Christmas Tree
Dec 24, 2007 at 7:34 am
[…] check out the Christmas trees at the U.S. Botanical Gardens and the US Capitol Tree or head over to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden for some […]
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