Williams Bus Tour

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a Christmas tradition that every American looks forward to. All eyes are on the President and First Lady as they light the tree, followed by the President's holiday wishes to the crowd and the millions more watching the event on television. There's a band playing holiday favorites, and in addition to the large tree that is the focal point of the festival, there are also several smaller trees that represent our states and territories. The trees stay lit and this celebration begins a month-long schedule of various entertainment that helps to keep the Christmas spirit high.

When you're in Washington, DC, there's nothing average about anything you do. Even taking a little break from your day at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden is nothing you'd expect from an ordinary park anywhere else in the country. The garden attraction features several amazing sculptures created by such well-known artists as Joan Miro and Roy Lichtenstein. The fountain is another focal point, and you can take in the fresh air as you enjoy a snack from the nearby Pavilion Cafe.

Theodore Roosevelt was one of our nation's most beloved Presidents, but he also was an avid outdoorsman and one of the first advocates of conservation. To honor his passion and concern for the outdoors, the Theodore Roosevelt Island Park was established to not only recognize the efforts of this very public figure, but to also provide a natural setting that Teddy himself would have been proud of. A statue of him with two fountains surrounded by columns rightfully acknowledges his efforts to preserve our natural resources. The park itself is 91 acres of natural beauty that is accessible by footbridge from the parking lot, off the north-bound land of the George Washington Memorial.

Referred to as "America's attic," the National Museum of American History offers an unprecedented collection of items that numbers to nearly three million entries. Everything from Dorothy's ruby red slippers, to one of the first Kermit the Frog puppets, to Julia Child's kitchen, to an astounding 34-foot Star Spangled Banner, are just a few of the numerous highlights. The kids will love the interactive displays, especially the ones that encourage invention and creativity.