It’s Christmas in Washington, D.C.—With New Friends

There is something magical about Washington, D.C. at Christmastime. The twinkling lights, grand monuments dressed for the season, festive markets, beautiful music, and the unmistakable feeling that Christmas is all around us.

But what makes this trip truly special is who we share it with.

Every Beatrice Bradley experience is thoughtfully designed to give us time to explore, laugh, linger over meals, share stories, and turn introductions into friendships. We’ll experience the traditions and wonder of Christmas in our nation’s capital while creating the kind of memories that feel like they were made with old friends—even when we’ve only just met.

Come for Washington at Christmas. Come home with new friends.

Overall Trip Highlights

• Stay in a Beautiful Downtown Hotel Steps from the Christmas Market – Enjoy a festive home base in the heart of Washington, D.C., surrounded by holiday lights, decorated storefronts, restaurants, and seasonal celebrations.
• Private Guided Tour of Washington’s Most Iconic Monuments – Experience the stories behind the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, and other landmarks that make our nation’s capital unforgettable.
• Visit Arlington National Cemetery & Participate in a Wreath-Laying Ceremony – Experience one of the most meaningful moments of the trip as we honor those who served, witness the Changing of the Guard, and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Explore the Magnificent Washington National Cathedral – Step inside one of the most beautiful churches in America, filled with soaring Gothic architecture, intricate stonework, remarkable stained glass, and centuries of history.
• Experience Washington’s World-Famous Museums – Enjoy time to explore the Smithsonian museums that interest you most, including the National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and more.
• Wander Through Washington’s Christmas Markets – Sip something warm, browse handcrafted gifts, discover local vendors, and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas in the city.
• See Washington Sparkle on a Christmas Lights Tour – Bundle up with new friends as we explore the capital after dark, stopping at beautifully decorated landmarks and hearing the stories and traditions behind Washington’s Christmas celebrations.
• Visit Washington’s Iconic Christmas Trees – Experience some of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, including spectacular trees, glowing displays, and festive gathering places throughout the capital.
• Celebrate the Season with Festive Meals & New Friends – Share wonderful meals, laughter, and conversation as acquaintances quickly begin to feel like friends.
• Experience America’s History During the Most Magical Time of Year – Washington is impressive any time of year, but decorated for Christmas, it becomes something entirely different—grand, nostalgic, patriotic, and beautifully festive.
• Travel Solo Without Ever Feeling Alone – From the moment our Beatrice Bradley hosts greet us, we experience Washington together, making it easy to relax, join in, and enjoy Christmas with a wonderful group of women.

Day One – Welcome to Washington, D.C. at Christmas

The moment we arrive, Christmas begins.

Washington, D.C. is glowing for the season—grand buildings wrapped in lights, beautifully decorated streets, Christmas music in the air, and festive markets filling the heart of the city. Best of all, we get to experience it together.

Please fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport before 3:00 PM. Our Beatrice Bradley hosts will be ready to welcome us, help us get settled, and make those first introductions easy. Before long, names turn into conversations, conversations turn into laughter, and the trip begins to feel less like traveling with strangers and more like Christmas away with new friends.

After checking into our beautiful downtown hotel, we’ll gather for a wonderful welcome dinner and then step right outside our front door to experience one of Washington’s festive Christmas markets.

Highlights

• A Warm Beatrice Bradley Welcome From the Moment We Arrive – Our hosts are there to help take the uncertainty out of arrival day, make introductions, and help everyone settle comfortably into the group.
• Stay in the Heart of Downtown Washington, D.C. – Our beautiful hotel puts us right in the middle of the Christmas magic, giving us easy access to festive attractions, restaurants, historic sights, and seasonal celebrations without spending our trip constantly commuting across the city.
• Christmas Markets Just Outside Our Hotel – No bus ride. No complicated transportation. We simply step outside and find ourselves surrounded by twinkling lights, local artisans, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, warm drinks, and the unmistakable atmosphere of Christmas in the capital.
• A Special Welcome Dinner Together – Our first evening includes time around the table to relax, enjoy a wonderful meal, share stories, and begin building the friendships that make a Beatrice Bradley trip so different.
• Our First Night Exploring Washington at Christmas – After dinner, we can enjoy the festive energy of downtown, browse the Christmas market, admire the decorations, and simply take in the excitement of being together in one of America’s most iconic cities.
• Everything Is Designed to Make Arrival Day Easy – From a convenient airport arrival to our centrally located hotel and first evening activities just steps away, Day One is intentionally relaxed, welcoming, and full of Christmas atmosphere.
• Travel Solo, Arrive to a Group – Many of our women arrive on their own, but nobody stays on their own for long. This first evening is where introductions begin becoming friendships.

Fun Fact:🎄 Washington’s National Christmas Tree tradition dates back more than 100 years. President Calvin Coolidge participated in the first national Christmas tree lighting ceremony in 1923, beginning a holiday tradition that continues in our nation’s capital today.

Day Two – Washington, D.C. Icons, History & Christmas Magic

We’ll start the morning with breakfast together before heading out for a full day of exploring the very heart of Washington, D.C.

Today is our grand introduction to the capital—a private guided tour created just for our group, filled with American history, unforgettable monuments, moving memorials, beautiful architecture, and stories that bring each stop to life.

Instead of simply driving past the sights, we’ll have time to step out, explore, take photos, hear the history, and truly experience the places that have shaped our country.

Throughout the day, we’ll enjoy our meals together, giving us plenty of time to relax, talk, laugh, and continue getting to know the women around us.

After dinner, the Christmas magic continues. We’ll return to our hotel and have the opportunity to step outside and enjoy the festive Christmas market right at our doorstep.

Highlights

• Full-Day Private Washington, D.C. Tour – Our group will travel with a knowledgeable private guide who brings Washington’s history to life with stories, context, and insights we simply wouldn’t get exploring on our own.
• U.S. Capitol – Take in one of the most recognizable buildings in America and learn more about the history and traditions connected to the seat of the United States Congress.
• Lincoln Memorial – Stand beneath the towering statue of Abraham Lincoln while looking out across the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument—one of the most powerful views in the city.
• Jefferson Memorial – Visit this beautiful memorial along the Tidal Basin and learn more about Thomas Jefferson’s role in the founding of our nation.
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial – Walk through a memorial unlike any other in Washington, with outdoor rooms, sculptures, quotations, and water features representing different chapters of FDR’s presidency.
• World War II Memorial – Experience this striking tribute honoring the millions of Americans who served during World War II, surrounded by fountains, stone pillars, and meaningful symbolism.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial – Pause at one of Washington’s most moving memorials and see the famous black granite wall honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
• Time to Stop, Explore & Take It All In – This is not a rushed drive-by tour. Our day is designed to give us time to step out, hear the stories, take photographs, reflect, and appreciate the significance of each place.
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Together – Meals are part of the experience, giving us a chance to relax between stops and share stories from the day with our new friends.
• Return to Our Downtown Hotel for Christmas Market Time – After a full day of history and sightseeing, we can step right outside our hotel and enjoy festive lights, holiday vendors, seasonal treats, and the energy of Christmas in Washington.
• A Full Day Without the Planning Headaches – Transportation, touring, major stops, meals, and evening entertainment are all thoughtfully coordinated so we can simply enjoy the day.

Fun Fact: 🇺🇸 The National Mall is often called “America’s Front Yard.” It stretches through the heart of Washington, D.C. and is home to many of the monuments and memorials we’ll experience today.

Day Three – Honor, History & A Christmas Classic

Today blends some of the most meaningful places in Washington, D.C. with one of the most beloved traditions of the Christmas season.

After breakfast together, we’ll begin at the magnificent Washington National Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and impressive churches in America. During our private tour, we’ll take in soaring Gothic architecture, glowing stained-glass windows, intricate stonework, and the cathedral dressed for Christmas. Our guide will share the stories, traditions, and history that make this remarkable place so special.

From there, we’ll travel to Arlington National Cemetery for one of the most moving experiences of the trip. Surrounded by thousands of white marble headstones, we’ll reflect on the generations of Americans who served our country and witness the precision and solemnity of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Tonight, Christmas takes center stage.

We’ll head to historic Ford’s Theatre for a festive performance of A Christmas Carol. Experiencing Dickens’ timeless story in one of Washington’s most famous theaters is a beautiful way to end a day filled with history, remembrance, and the spirit of the season.

Highlights

• Private Tour of Washington National Cathedral – Explore one of America’s most extraordinary houses of worship with a knowledgeable guide who will share its history, architecture, symbolism, and national significance.
• See the Cathedral Dressed for Christmas – Experience the soaring sanctuary, magnificent stained glass, seasonal greenery, and beautiful holiday details that make the cathedral especially memorable during Christmastime.
• Explore Remarkable Gothic Architecture – From hand-carved stone to intricate stained-glass windows and towering arches, there is something extraordinary to discover in nearly every corner.
• Visit Arlington National Cemetery – Walk through one of the most sacred and historic places in America, where more than a century of military service and sacrifice is remembered.
• Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Witness this precise and deeply moving ceremony performed by the U.S. Army’s Tomb Guard, honoring unidentified American service members who gave their lives for our country.
• Time for Reflection and Remembrance – Arlington is more than a sightseeing stop. We’ll have time to appreciate the significance of the grounds, historic gravesites, and stories of courage represented throughout the cemetery.
• Enjoy Meals Together Throughout the Day – Between these incredible experiences, we’ll have time to sit down, relax, talk about what we’ve seen, and continue enjoying the friendships forming within our group.
• An Evening at Historic Ford’s Theatre – Step inside one of the most famous theaters in American history and experience the atmosphere of this remarkable Washington landmark.
• See A Christmas Carol Live on Stage – End the day with Dickens’ beloved Christmas story, filled with tradition, music, emotion, and the timeless reminder of generosity, friendship, and the true meaning of the season.
• History by Day, Christmas Magic by Night – Few days capture Washington quite like this one: national history, American sacrifice, magnificent architecture, and a classic Christmas performance all woven into one unforgettable experience.

Fun Fact: 🎭 Ford’s Theatre first opened in 1863 and remains one of Washington, D.C.’s most historic cultural landmarks. Today, it continues to operate as a working theater, allowing visitors to experience both American history and live performances under the same roof.

Day Four – American Treasures, Christmas Lights & a Festive Farewell

Our final full day in Washington brings together history, Christmas traditions, and one last beautiful evening with new friends.

We’ll begin with time at the National Archives Museum, where some of the most important documents in American history are preserved. This is our chance to stand before the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights—an unforgettable experience in the heart of our nation’s capital.

From there, we’ll enjoy lunch at the Pavilion Café, overlooking the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Those who feel adventurous can lace up a pair of skates and take a festive spin around the rink, while others can relax, watch the skaters, and enjoy the beautiful winter setting.

After lunch, we’ll continue soaking up Christmas in the city with time to explore the holiday market, browse artisan gifts, sample seasonal treats, and enjoy the music and energy of downtown Washington.

As evening falls, the city becomes even more magical. We’ll head toward President’s Park to see the magnificent National Christmas Tree, surrounded by beautifully decorated trees representing the states and territories. With thousands of lights glowing against the Washington skyline, this is one of those Christmas moments that feels truly special.

We’ll end the evening with a festive farewell dinner—sharing favorite memories, plenty of laughter, and celebrating the friendships that have formed during our Christmas adventure together.

Highlights

• Visit the National Archives Museum – Stand just feet away from the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights while exploring the stories behind the documents that helped shape America.
• Freedom to Explore at Our Own Pace – The National Archives is located close to our other activities, allowing us flexibility to spend as much or as little time inside as we’d like without feeling rushed.
• Lunch Overlooking the National Gallery Ice Rink – Enjoy lunch at the Pavilion Café while taking in one of Washington’s prettiest winter scenes, with skaters circling the rink in the Sculpture Garden.
• Optional Ice Skating in the Heart of Washington – For those who want to join in, lace up and enjoy a festive spin around the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Prefer to stay warm? Grab a seat and enjoy watching the fun with friends.
• Explore a Festive Washington Christmas Market – Browse rows of local vendors featuring handmade gifts, artwork, jewelry, seasonal foods, and unique treasures that make wonderful Christmas keepsakes.
• Taste the Flavors of Christmas – Enjoy the sights and scents of the season with warm drinks, pastries, roasted treats, and other festive favorites as we wander the market together.
• See Washington Come Alive After Dark – As daylight fades, we’ll experience the capital glowing with holiday lights, decorated landmarks, and the unmistakable beauty of Christmas in the city.
• Visit the National Christmas Tree at President’s Park – Experience one of Washington’s most beloved Christmas traditions, with the enormous National Christmas Tree shining near the White House.
• See the State and Territory Christmas Trees – Surrounding the National Christmas Tree are smaller trees representing every U.S. state and territory, each decorated with ornaments that tell a little story about home.
• A Christmas Lights Experience to Remember – The evening is designed for us to slow down, take photos, admire the lights, and enjoy one last magical Christmas night together in Washington.
• Festive Farewell Dinner Together – End our final evening around the table, sharing favorite moments, laughing about the week, exchanging contact information, and celebrating the new friendships we’re taking home with us.
• One Last Night of Christmas With New Friends – The sights may bring us to Washington, but the people we experience them with are what make the memories last.

Fun Fact:🎄 The National Christmas Tree tradition began in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge participated in the first national tree lighting. Today, the celebration at President’s Park includes trees representing every U.S. state and territory, making it one of Washington’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Day Five – Until We Travel Together Again

We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before it’s time to say goodbye to Washington, D.C.—and to a Christmas experience filled with history, laughter, beautiful traditions, and new friendships.

By now, the women who arrived as strangers may feel a whole lot more like old friends. We’ll share hugs, exchange contact information, talk about favorite moments from the trip, and start asking the most important question: Where should we go together next?

Please plan your departure from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Highlights

• One Last Breakfast Together – Gather around the table one more time to laugh, reminisce, and enjoy the friendships formed throughout the week.
• A Relaxed Departure Morning – Our final morning is intentionally simple, giving us time to pack, enjoy breakfast, and say goodbye without rushing through one last activity.
• Leave Washington With More Than Memories – We came to experience Christmas in our nation’s capital, but the real gift is often the women we met along the way.
• Travel Solo. Never Feel Alone. – From arrival through departure, the Beatrice Bradley experience is designed so women can travel independently while still feeling part of something special.

Fun Fact:🎄 Some of the best Beatrice Bradley friendships continue long after the trip ends. Women often stay in touch, share photos, and begin planning their next adventure together before they even get home.

A Note About Your Itinerary

This itinerary is intended to give you a wonderful preview of the experiences we have planned. Your final itinerary will b