FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2007

FALL & WINTER FESTIVAL EVENTS

Oct. 26-28: Boo at the Zoo
In its ninth year, costumed guests celebrate Halloween at the National Zoo with hands-on activities, interpretive talks with zoo-keepers and of course, trick-or-treating.

Oct. 28: Marine Corps Marathon
Known as "The People's Marathon," the 26-mile course travels pastmany DC attractions including the Capitol, Union Station, National Mall and the Kennedy Center.

Nov. 10: Operation Secret Slumber
Children ages 9-13 are recruited to 'spy school' during an overnight adventure-filled mission. Disguised trainees will attempt to crack codes, interrogate real spies and more.

Nov. 6-11: Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25th Anniversary
A series of commemorative events mark the milestone anniversary, including a music and poetry tribute, a Reading of the Names Ceremony, patriotic musical performances and family-friendly events.

Nov. 18: Major League Soccer Championship
The first venue to host the championship event three times, Washington, DC's RFK Stadium will draw soccer fans for the MLS Championship Cup this fall.

Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Washington Craft Show
One of only three of its kind in the U.S., Washington, DC's annual craft show brings together established and emerging artists to present their latest collections for the home, office and to wear.

Nov. 23-Dec. 9: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Once a year, visitors can tour rarely shown rooms of the grand Mansion, meet First Lady 'Martha Washington' and enjoy caroling and refreshments around a campfire.

Nov. 23-Dec. 2: DC Sales Tax Holiday
The tax holiday grants an exemption from the 5.75 percent sales tax on school items, clothes, shoes and accessory items costing $100 or less.

Nov. 22-Feb. 28: Holiday Homecoming
DC's annual winter celebration brings together fantastic hotel savings with inspiring holiday events. A complete list of winter festivals, events and special offers is available on the Holiday Homecoming website.

Dec. 6: National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace
An annual holiday tradition for 84 years, the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday celebration. Each night during December, visitors and locals gather at the Ellipse for free outdoor concerts.

Dec. 7-23: Downtown Holiday Market
For the third year, the popular holiday market will take place on 7th and F Streets NW and feature an outdoor showcase of jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles made by local artisans along with live music and homemade snacks.

Dec. 15-16: Russian Winter Festival at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens celebrates Russian holiday traditions with folktales, cultural performances, music, hands-on arts projects for kids and self guided family tours of the museum's Russian art collection.

Jan. 13: 20th Annual Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents a multicultural concert tribute to Dr. King at the Kennedy Center.

Mar. 16: 37th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
This annual celebration brings Irish culture, costumed dancers and music to Constitution Avenue. The parade steps off at noon.

Mar. 20-22: NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
Georgetown University will host the 70th Annual NCAA Men's Basketball Championship's first and second rounds at the Verizon Center.

Mar. 24: Annual White House Easter Egg Roll
This annual tradition dates back to 1878 and President Rutherford B. Hayes. Tickets are required for the event and are usually distributed the weekend prior, with some reserved for the morning of the event.

Mar. 29-Apr. 13: National Cherry Blossom Festival
This is Washington, DC's signature springtime event, celebrating the 96th anniversary of the gift of the trees. The parade and Sakura Matsuri Japanese street festival take place Apr. 12.

Mar. 29: 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
One of the kite world's premier events, kite fliers from across the U.S. and around the world gather on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

Apr. 24-May 4: Washington, DC Independent Film Festival
In its 10th year, this award-winning festival will exhibit more than 100 indie films, including features, shorts, documentaries, animations, as well as student films from around the globe. Galas, seminars, a music festival and other events will take place throughout the festival.

Apr. 27: Shakespeare's Birthday Open House
Folger Shakespeare Library's annual celebration of the Bard's birthday invites visitors to enjoy stage combat workshops, tours and treasure hunts in Folger's reading rooms, jugglers, jesters, music, song and dance.

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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.