“A lot of groups are on lower budgets these days,” said Alison Okobi, director of catering. “We have noticed dessert buffets becoming more popular, as well as different food stations or small plates rather than a full sit-down dinner.”
{mosads}Jennifer Elena, vice president of Crosby-Volmer International Communications, said that the hotel tries to cater to all of its guests for holiday events. “We even have gingerbread house making we set up for kids if requested,” she said.
Most of the Christmas trees are from a tree decorating contest that the international intern management trainees participate in every year.
The Willard Intercontinental
The Willard InterContinental has its annual holiday lobbying, a free live music program this month with performances nightly through the 31st (except the 24th through the 28th). This week’s performances are:
December 9 — The Colonial Singers
A group of 21 singers from West Potomac High School in Fairfax County, Va., who perform 18th century music and dance in Colonial America clothing.
December 10 — Washington Chorus Outreach Singers
Outreach ensemble for the Grammy award- winning chorus.
December 11 — Washington Women’s Chorus
Performing works ranging from the 11th century chants to classical and contemporary composers.
December 12 — Capitol Hill Chorale
An ensemble of 10 women performing an eclectic mix of music.
December 13 — Washington Chorus Outreach Singers
Outreach ensemble for the Grammy award- winning chorus.
The hotel will also include 20,000 LED lights, outfitting trees along Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th to 16th streets, as well as the Willard’s courtyard trees and wreaths. This effort is part of the hotel’s sustainability efforts.
The Gaylord National Harbor Hotel
The Gaylord National is having a month-long celebration, “Christmas on the Potomac,” which is probably one of the most elaborate festive exhibits one can imagine. In addition to ICE!, the Gaylord has a 60-foot glass Christmas tree and 2 million Christmas lights. Also, it snows every evening inside the hotel.
This is a great place to take the entire family and let them all do what they’re interested in. There’s gingerbread house-making, brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and wine and cheese classes.
If you decide to stay as a guest at the resort for the weekend, the hotel offers “dive-in” movies, Christmas movies aired nightly at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel’s indoor pool. Also, there are seasonal spa treatments for Mom and Dad.