
“Dear PoPville,
Do you know of any neighborhoods in DC that do over the top Christmas lights? I was thinking it could be a fun driving activity.”

“Dear PoPville,
Do you know of any neighborhoods in DC that do over the top Christmas lights? I was thinking it could be a fun driving activity.”

“Dear PoPville,
I saw that the lights were back on at the 9:30 Club tonight. It brought me (and many others) a lot of joy to see them. But we were wondering if you know why they’re back on and whether we can expect to see more of them!”
This is of course their annual Christmas display. (more…)

100 Maryland Avenue, SW
Thanks to Karen for sending the Christmas display update at the Botanic Garden: “Props to USBG. Looks like at least four double doorways are temporary window displays. Will be back to see at night. No one there this morning.” (more…)

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Fridays & Saturdays | Nov. 27 through Dec. 19 |6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
ZooLights will not be held on-site at the Zoo this year. Instead, the 24-foot ZooLights Express truck, festively decorated with light displays and featuring “Panda Claws,” will hit the road Nov. 27 to Dec. 19 and visit one Washington, D.C., ward each Friday and Saturday night from 6-8 p.m.”
See all the routes here.
Cait asks: “Beyond the 6-8 PM window, does anyone understand how this is working? Are they doing a loop?”
Zack replied: “Friends of the Zoo told @allinsea the truck will loop (even where the route isn’t a loop) more than once over the two hours.” (more…)

Photo by Joseph Leonardo
“Dear PoPville,
Was wondering if you knew about annual holiday gift drives (adopting a family for Christmas, local toys for tots such things)?”

“Dear PoPville,
Do you have any leads on where to buy Christmas trees this year? I’m guessing the big box stores will have their normal sales, but I’m hoping to find somewhere local where at least part of the purchase price goes back to a community cause.”
From The Salt Line:
“8th Annual Christmas Tree Lot benefitting The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation. Holiday shoppers may relax and rejoice, as TSL will open early to coincide with the 12PM Grand Opening on Friday, November 27, 2020. And, mark Saturday, December 5, 2020 [10AM-12PM] on the calendar for a day of family fun as the countdown to Christmas continues – DC firefighters will be visiting TSL and sharing an opportunity for kids to check out a fire truck, a Christmas wish for many now coming true! (more…)

Photo by Victoria Pickering
“Dear PoPville,
Tis the season to start preparing for the holidays. I am wondering if people have charitable or non-profit organizations through which they typically buy holiday wreaths and garlands and such? Wreaths, garlands and poinsettias were fairly popular holiday season fundraisers when I was growing up in the Midwest, but a cursory Internet search for the DC region wasn’t very fruitful. I know there are several local tree farms that set up Christmas tree pop-ups around the city, but am specifically looking for other types of holiday plant decor.”
and
“We have a six month old and are taking covid precautions very seriously. Disappointed that for his first Christmas we are not comfortable doing a traditional picture with Santa. Hoping your readers know if some alternatives are out there as people continue to get creative and find fun workarounds! Wondering if maybe any tree lots or local photographers have photo set ups/back drops/installations for cute Christmas inspired photos minus the human Santa?“

Photo by Phil
“Dear PoPville,
Round up of all the best local shops for holiday shopping? This year I really want to do my best to buy holiday gifts at local stores. What stores that are doing holiday gifts, baskets, etc. at all price ranges do you recommend?”
Allie also asked yesterday:
“#DC friends and strangers! This is my first holiday living in the city! Share your favorite local maker, baker, or store in the District to help me find the best holiday gifts and #buylocal” (more…)

From Medium Rare:
“Given the new rules for smaller holiday gatherings , If you know anyone over 70 that will be alone for Thanksgiving in the DMV area , we will deliver them a free Thanksgiving dinner . Email us name , address and cell phone. [email protected] “

Photo by Erin
Thanks to Julie for passing on from the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
“Navy Yard to Fire Cannon on November 11
we wanted to make sure that the community knew about the plans for shore batteries at the Navy Yard to fire on November 11 at 11:00am for the National Salute.”