From The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Best Nearby Events (Events) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Washington, DC National Tree Lighting Ceremony (Events - Best of the City) 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington  DC  20500 • 202-456-1111 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: Each year, people across the nation watch the District's most famous holiday tradtion, the lighting on the National Christmas Tree by the President and First Lady, on television. But if you're able to make the trip to DC, the ceremony's much more moving in person. The President offers holiday wishes to the crowd, and a military band performance enhances the celebration. Afterwards, be sure to admire the smaller trees representing our states and territories. The trees stay lit and there is a variety of entertainment every day throughout the rest of the month. Tickets available Nov 1, 8pm at the Ellipse Visitor Pavillion. Washington Ballet: Webre's Nutcracker (Events - Best of the City) 1299 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington  DC  20004 • 202-783-4000 • FAX: 202-783-0204 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: Set in colonial America, Webre's Nutcracker is Washington's response to Tchaikovsky's classic ballet. You'll recognize the music from the original version, but George Washington appears as the nutcracker, fighting his enemy King George II. If you're ready for a break from tradition, come enjoy this whimsical twist on a holiday favorite! Galleries of Dupont Circle Open House (Events - Best of the City) Connecticut Avenue NW Dupont Circle, Washington  DC  20009 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: On any given Friday, Dupont Circle is the epicenter of DC's nightlife scene. But on the first Friday of each month, area art galleries up the ante and vie for the attention of passersby as they open their doors to the public. The art set is out in full force, from collectors and aficionados to the artists themselves. Offering up free snacks and wine, the galleries leave their doors open late to attract locals and tourists alike. Restaurant Week (Events - Best of the City) Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington  DC  20001 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: Economic times are tough, but that doesn't mean you have to drop dining out from the budget. During Washington, DC Restaurant Week, nearly 200 of the city's most excellent eateries serve up savory meals for a fraction of regular menu cost. Lunch will set you back $20.09 and 3-course dinners cost $35.09. Posh picks run the taste-bud gamut from Italian and Mexican to Asian and French. Bon appetite! Smithsonian Kite Festival (Events - Best of the City) 3rd St NW and 7th St NW, Washington  DC • 703-416-7223 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: Looking for a green activity in the District? The 43rd annual Kite Festival is highlighting wind power and encouraging kite-flyers to build kites with renewable resources. If watching kites soar with monuments in the background doesn't keep you busy enough, endless activities accompany the festival. Learn the history of kites, build your own kite, or bring a handmade kite and enter the competition. National Cherry Blossom Festival (Events - Best of the City) Tidal Basin, Washington  DC Distance: ~0 ft         Description: More than a million tourists come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossom blooms each year in DC. The annual festival commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees to the city from Tokyo. The key to beating the crowds is knowing exactly what activities are on the calendar. Everything from an opening ceremony and a commemorative walk to art exhibits and fireworks celebrate the beautiful blooms. Smithsonian Craft Show (Events - Best of the City) 401 F St NW, Washington  DC  20001 • 202-272-2448 • FAX: 202-272-2564 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: The craft fair is one of the world's most prestigious juried exhibitions. The show focuses on traditional American crafts, and esteemed judges choose winners in a variety of media, including leather, glass, jewelry, basketry, ceramics and mixed media. Because of the great selection and high quality, this is the ideal place to stock up on gifts or artistic pieces for the home. METRO: Judiciary Square on Red Line Civil War Weekend (Events - Best of the City) 3610 Old Lee Hwy Historic Blenheim Estate, Fairfax  VA Distance: ~0 ft         Description: Held each May, this event caters to Civil War and military buffs who want to see what life was like for people living during that time. The event is named for the Blenheim house, which opens just once a year during the festival to show the public the fascinating scrawling of Civil War soldiers that are still visible in the attic. Also look for pony rides for the kids, craft shows, quilting displays, military demonstrations, and lots of patriotic music. Evening Parade (Events - Best of the City) 8th and I Sts SE US Marine Corps Barracks, Washington  DC  20009 • 202-433-6060 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: The Evening Parade is held each Friday during the summer at the Marine Corps Barracks at 8th and I street. Highlights of the dignified 75 minute event include performances by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the United States Marine Band, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Reservations are required – a written request is accepted for groups of 11 or more, and an on-line reservation is preferred for individuals and smaller groups. Telephone reservations are not accepted. Starting at 8:15, guests without reservations may be offered the remaining unclaimed seats. There's no guarantee you'll get in this way, but it's worth a try. Memorial Day Service (Events - Best of the City) Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington  VA  22211 • 703-607-8000 Distance: ~0 ft         Description: What better place to celebrate Memorial Day than in our nation's capital? Each year on this holiday, when we remember those who have fought for our country, Arlington National Cemetery holds this ceremony, including the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns and at the grave of President John F. Kennedy. Top political figures attend, and the president of the US typically makes a commemorative speech. Patriotic music follows. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.