This Weekend's Events - Dec 29-30

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.

Maryland

• Winter Lights - Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights/12_main.html
• 35th Annual Festival of Lights - Kensington, http://dctemplelights.lds.org/
• The Garden of Lights - Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm
• Winter Festival of Lights - Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro, http://www.pgparks.com//festival_of_lights.htm
• Symphony of Lights - Merriwether Post Pavilion, Columbia, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/howard_county_general_hospital/_downloads/SOL%20Print%20coupon%20updated%20nov%2019.pdf
• Lights at Adventure Park USA - New Market, http://adventureparkusa.com/events.php
• Winterfest of Lights - Ocean City, http://ococean.com/events/winterfest-of-lights-2012
• Ice! at Gaylord National - National Harbor, Oxon Hill, http://nationalharbor.com/event/ice-at-gaylord-national/
• The Polar Express 4D Experience - National Aquarium Baltimore, http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore/calendar/showtime-4d-polar-express
• Holiday Festival of Trains and Toys - B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore  http://www.borail.org/HFOT.aspx
• Holly Trolleyfest - National Capital Trolley Museum, Colesville, http://dctrolley.org/events.php
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - Olney Theatre Center, http://olneytheatre.org/shows-a-events/cinderella
• Seussical - Imagination Stage, http://imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/shows-playing-now
• Historic Annapolis Gingerbread House Contest - http://www.visitannapolis.org/event-calendar/details/index.aspx?eid=2486
• Busch Gardens Christmas Town - Williamsburg, http://seaworldparks.com/christmastownbgw
• Jolly Express Cruises - Annapolis, http://cruisesonthebay.com/special-cruises/jolly-express/
• Billy Elliott The Musical - Baltimore, http://www.france-merrickpac.com/events/index.html
• Ice Skating at Rockville Town Square - http://rockvilletownsquare.com/at-the-square/ice-rink/
• Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring - http://www.silverspringiceskating.com/

Virginia

• Christmas at Mount Vernon - http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2011-11-25/4546
• Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights - Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights
• Bull Run Festival of Lights - Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run_festival_of_lights
• Dominion Garden Festival of Lights -  Lewis Ginter Gardens, Richmond, http://www.lewisginter.org/news/media-room/DominionGardenFestofLights2012.php
• 100 Miles of Lights - Virginia Coast and Tidewater, http://www.100milesoflights.com/
• Dino Puppet Show - Annandale, http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/rev1_coursedetail.asp?category2=STEW&subject=&facility2=&age=9999&day=9999&Submit2=Search&LOC=M308&TRM=12FA&CDE=3084882201

Washington DC

• ZooLights, National Zoo - http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/zoolights/
• Holiday Miniature Train - Union Station, miniature train through miniature Scandinavian village sponsored by the Embassy of Norway
• How to Catch a Leprechaun - http://keegantheatre.com/
• Ice Skating in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden - http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm
• Ice Skating at Washington Harbour - http://thewashingtonharbour.com/skating/
• Ice Skating at Pentagon Row - http://www.pentagonrowskating.com/
• Irvin Berlin's White Christmas at the Kennedy Center - http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=TNTSB

DC Temple of Lights in Kensington

I remember as a kid, being mesmerized by this magical building towering out of the trees all lit up with an angel on top and thinking, "How do you get in there?" and "It looks like the castle at Disney World". To this day, I can still appreciate the beauty of the architecture and when we moved to the area, it was one of the first things I was excited to show my daughter.

Prior to this holiday season, I had no idea that it had a light display during the holidays (you can't see it from the highway). As I searched for holiday things to do, I found out that not only did they have all the lights in the trees, but also a Visitors Center that displayed several decorated Christmas trees, a life-sized nativity scene outside, a room full of nativity sets from around the world, and a different free concert every night throughout the season. I couldn't wait to check it out and, I must say, it's even more beautiful up close.

We went in the middle of the week because I expected that the weekends would be much more crowded. As I suspected, there were not too many people there and we were able to go through at our leisure and have good seats for the concert. Outside, the trees are completely lit up in all different colors, making it look like something out of a fairy tale and the Nativity scene was complete with camels and a donkey. Inside the Visitors Center, the Christmas trees were all decorated differently, one with dolls from around the world, one with flags from around the world, and others just brightly decorated with beautiful ornaments. The nativity scenes ranged from primitively carved wood to elaborately formed glass and crystal pieces in all different sizes and were from just about any country you could name off the top of your head. There are 2 concerts nightly, one at 7pm and one at 8pm. They are free but you need a ticket to get in. Tickets are handed out 90 minutes prior to the show.

The Visitors Center also attempts to show you what the Mormon religion is all about. There are areas with videos and members (some missionaries from other countries) may take a  few moments of your time to speak with you (completely optional, no pressure) and/or answer any questions you might have about the Mormons. I must say that they are very friendly and not pushy and overbearing, they are not trying to convert you in an hour so don't let this be a deterrent to you visiting and seeing the beautiful display.  If you don't go anywhere else this season, I highly recommend you go to see the Mormon Temple in Kensington, MD.

Kid's View: "I liked it a lot and I thought all the lights were really cool. The nativity sets were neat and I liked looking at them. The Christmas trees with the dolls and the flags from different countries were my favorite trees. The concert was okay. Some of the songs I knew but a lot of them I didn't."

This Weekend's Events - Dec 22-23

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.

Maryland

• Winter Lights - Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights/12_main.html
• 35th Annual Festival of Lights - Kensington, http://dctemplelights.lds.org/
• Winter Wonderland - Harbor East, Baltimore http://www.harboreast.com/events/window-wonderland-a-holiday-arts-exhibit-at-harbor-east/
• The Garden of Lights - Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm
• Lights on the Bay - Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, 5-10pm, $14/car
• Winter Festival of Lights - Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro, http://www.pgparks.com//festival_of_lights.htm
• Symphony of Lights - Merriwether Post Pavilion, Columbia, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/howard_county_general_hospital/_downloads/SOL%20Print%20coupon%20updated%20nov%2019.pdf
• Lights at Adventure Park USA - New Market, http://adventureparkusa.com/events.php
• Winterfest of Lights - Ocean City, http://ococean.com/events/winterfest-of-lights-2012
• Ice! at Gaylord National - National Harbor, Oxon Hill, http://nationalharbor.com/event/ice-at-gaylord-national/
• The Polar Express 4D Experience - National Aquarium Baltimore, http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore/calendar/showtime-4d-polar-express
• Holiday Festival of Trains and Toys - B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore  http://www.borail.org/HFOT.aspx
• Fell's Point Old Tyme Christmas - Baltimore, http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/2012_oldetymechristmas.html
• Holly Trolleyfest - National Capital Trolley Museum, Colesville, http://dctrolley.org/events.php
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - Olney Theatre Center, http://olneytheatre.org/shows-a-events/cinderella
• Seussical - Imagination Stage, http://imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/shows-playing-now
• Historic Annapolis Gingerbread House Contest - http://www.visitannapolis.org/event-calendar/details/index.aspx?eid=2486
• Busch Gardens Christmas Town - Williamsburg, http://seaworldparks.com/christmastownbgw 
• Victorian Christmas - Berlin, http://berlinchamber.org/event-victorian-christmas
• Holiday Train Garden - Lutherville, Dec 22, http://firemuseummd.org/

Virginia

• Christmas at Mount Vernon - http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2011-11-25/4546
• Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights - Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights
• Bull Run Festival of Lights - Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run_festival_of_lights
• Dominion Garden Festival of Lights -  Lewis Ginter Gardens, Richmond, http://www.lewisginter.org/news/media-room/DominionGardenFestofLights2012.php
• Winter Wonderland - Clearbrook Park, Winchester, 540-665-5600
• 100 Miles of Lights - Virginia Coast and Tidewater, http://www.100milesoflights.com/
• 32nd Annual Christmas Luminaria Celebration - Vienna, Dec 22, 5-9pm http://viennamd.org/directory.html
• Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season - Dec 22, 8-11pm, George Mason University, http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar/1103/

Washington DC

• ZooLights, National Zoo - http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/zoolights/
• Holiday Miniature Train - Union Station, miniature train through miniature Scandinavian village sponsored by the Embassy of Norway
• The Nutcracker - Warner Theater, http://warnertheatredc.com/

This Weekend's Events - Dec 15-16

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.

Maryland

• Winter Lights - Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights/12_main.html
• 35th Annual Festival of Lights - Kensington, http://dctemplelights.lds.org/
• Winter Wonderland - Harbor East, Baltimore http://www.harboreast.com/events/window-wonderland-a-holiday-arts-exhibit-at-harbor-east/
• The Garden of Lights - Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm
• Ice! at Gaylord National - National Harbor, Oxon Hill, http://nationalharbor.com/event/ice-at-gaylord-national/
• The Polar Express 4D Experience - National Aquarium Baltimore, http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore/calendar/showtime-4d-polar-express
• Holiday Festival of Trains and Toys - B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore  http://www.borail.org/HFOT.aspx
• Fell's Point Old Tyme Christmas - Baltimore, http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/2012_oldetymechristmas.html
• Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival - Baltimore, http://www.lyricoperahouse.com/
• Holly Trolleyfest - National Capital Trolley Museum, Colesville, http://dctrolley.org/events.php
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - Olney Theatre Center, http://olneytheatre.org/shows-a-events/cinderella
• Seussical - Imagination Stage, http://imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/shows-playing-now
• The Nutcracker - The Puppet Co Playhouse, Glen Echo Park, 11:30am & 1pm
• Winter's Eve - Dec 15, 6-9pm, Glen Echo Park, http://www.glenechopark.org/
• It's a Wonderful Life - Dec 15, 8pm, Black Rock Center for the Arts, http://www.blackrockcenter.org/show/show_items/view/167
• Ceremony of Carols by National Philharmonic - Dec 16, 3pm, Black Rock Center for the Arts, http://www.blackrockcenter.org/show/show_items/view/168
• Family Christmas Sing-a-Long - Dec 16pm, 4pm, Strathmore,  http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/view.asp?id=8793
• Rockville Concert Band's Holiday Concert - Dec 16, 3pm, F.Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, http://www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre/calendar.html?DISPLAYMODE=DisplayEvent&DETAILEVENT=C9DD3F1B68A04ECEBA55E90630BFDE24
• Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - Dec 16, 3pm, 7:30pm, Strathmore, http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/view.asp?id=8472
• Historic Annapolis Gingerbread House Contest - http://www.visitannapolis.org/event-calendar/details/index.aspx?eid=2486
• Nutcracker on Ice - Dec 15, 12pm, Columbia Ice Rink, http://www.columbiafsc.com/

Virginia

• Christmas at Mount Vernon - http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2011-11-25/4546
• Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights - Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights
• Civil War Christmas at Sully - Dec 15, http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully/
• The Christmas Attic's Holiday Advent Calendar Art Celebration - http://www.christmasattic.com/images/Events/Press%20Release.pdf
• Christmas Movie Festival - Dec 16, 11-9pm, http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/default.aspx?page=christmas

Washington DC

• The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg - Kennedy Center, http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=KNTBA
• ZooLights, National Zoo - http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/zoolights/
• The Joy of Christmas Concert - The National Cathedral, 4pm, http://www.nationalcathedral.org/events/CCSJoy2012.shtml#.UMo4O2-X-So

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

On this day, the anniversary of the attack of Pearl Harbor, I thought it fitting to post my thoughts on our recent visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

We've all heard stories and seen movies depicting the epic tale but I don't think you really get the full impact of the event until you are actually standing there, looking at the harbor, the moors for the ships that went down, the numerous lists of servicemen, ships, submarines, civilians, etc that were lost on that infamous day and the various memorials erected in their honor.

Upon entering the site you can see the harbor, the giant anchor of the USS Arizona, and several areas to explore including the Walk of Remembrance, the USS Bowfin (submarine) and sections of other submarines, the USS Missouri (battleship), small planes, a section which had missiles, torpedoes, harpoons, big guns, several museums and a theater. Memorials included the Lost Submarine Memorial which also has a time capsule to be opened in June 2050. We explored each of these areas, learning much.

Afterwards, we headed to the theater which is the beginning of the USS Arizona tour. Here we saw a film explaining what led up to the attack, plus details and actual footage of the attack.  It was very informative and very well done. It explained a lot of things and it made me sad as I imagined how family members who had lost loved ones here might have felt watching this. When the film ended, we boarded a Navy launch which took us over to the USS Arizona Memorial. As we crossed Pearl Harbor, we were reminded that the soldiers that died on the ship remained on that ship and, as this was their final resting place, we should give it the respect it was due. (I think that was a given.)  Entering the memorial, looking up through the open ceiling at the clear blue sky and then looking down into the water at the remains of the ship with the souls at rest therein, made the experience eerie and peaceful at the same time. Seeing the wall of names, the flowers and wreaths, the remains of the ship spanned by the Memorial, made it all a very "real" and moving experience.

 I highly recommend this as a "must do" if you visit Oahu, Hawaii. There are tour companies that you can purchase this tour from but entrance to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona are free of charge. If you want to ensure a spot, you can purchase reservations through the National Parks Service for a $1.50/person. Tours of the Bowfin and Missouri have an additional fee.

We should all have a profound respect for those who have fought and continue to fight for our country and our freedoms, for their bravery and selflessness, and for their families who also make these enormous sacrifices so that we can all be safe.

This Weekend's Events - Dec 8-9

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.

Maryland

• Winter Lights - Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights/12_main.html
• 35th Annual Festival of Lights - Kensington, http://dctemplelights.lds.org/
• Winter Wonderland - Harbor East, Baltimore http://www.harboreast.com/events/window-wonderland-a-holiday-arts-exhibit-at-harbor-east/
• The Garden of Lights - Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, http://www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm
• The Nutcracker - The Puppet Co Playhouse, Glen Echo Park, 11:30am & 1pm
• Ice! at Gaylord National - National Harbor, Oxon Hill, http://nationalharbor.com/event/ice-at-gaylord-national/
• Holly Trolleyfest - National Capital Trolley Museum, Colesville, http://dctrolley.org/events.php
• Rockville City Ballet's Nutcracker - http://www.rockvillemd.gov/events/calendar/event/2012-12-2/the-nutcracker-presented-by-rockville-civic-ballet/EE2C84BC06D4E755E90CE8272E8B6F3A
• The Polar Express 4D Experience - National Aquarium Baltimore, http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore/calendar/showtime-4d-polar-express
• Holiday Festival of Trains and Toys - B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore  http://www.borail.org/HFOT.aspx
• Fell's Point Old Tyme Christmas - Baltimore, http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/2012_oldetymechristmas.html
• The Chanukah House - Baltimore, http://www.thechanukahhouse.com/
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - Olney Theatre Center, http://olneytheatre.org/shows-a-events/cinderella
• Seussical - Imagination Stage, http://imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/shows-playing-now
• Hanukah Happening - Congregation Har Shalom, 11510 Falls Road, Potomac 12-2pm
• Classical Joy from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra - Strathmore, Dec 9, 3pm & 7pm
• Handel's Messiah, The National Philharmonic @ Strathmore - Dec 8, 8pm, Kids 7-17 free! http://nationalphilharmonic.org/
• Model Train & Gingerbread House Show - http://www.sandyspringmuseum.org/
• Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival - Baltimore, http://www.lyricoperahouse.com/
• Annapolis Christmas Lights Boat Parade - 6-8pm http://www.eastportyc.org/index.php/welcome-parade-lights

Virginia

• Christmas at Mount Vernon - http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2011-11-25/4546
• Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights - Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights
• Holiday Celebration in Leesburg - Dec 8, Parade & Sing-a-long starts at 10am http://www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=572
• 150th Anniversary of The Battle of Fredericksburg Reenactmanet Events - http://fredericksburg150.org/
• Herndon Model Train Show - 11-4pm, Herndon Municipal Center Lobby
• Super Science Saturday, The Wright Brothers - Dec 8, 10am-3pm, Air & Space Museum, Chantilly, http://airandspace.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=3883

Washington DC

• The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg - Kennedy Center, http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=KNTBA
• ZooLights, National Zoo - http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/zoolights/
• Gingerbread House Class - The Fairmont Washington, Dec 8, 10:30am & 12pm
• Handel's Messiah at the National Cathedral - Dec 8 & 9, 4pm, $25
• Holiday Market - F Street between 7th and 9th, NW