Tis the season to be jolly, and tis the season to ride the rails. If anyone is planning on visiting the nation’s capital during the holiday season, there is one place to visit. Many have seen it on TV. Washington DC’s National Christmas tree is a sight no one should miss out on. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City is one thing. It’s gorgeous and lit up and sparkling in the night. Celebrating Christmas in Washington DC is whole other story. It’s time to head to Washington DC and let the Christmas spirit take to the rails.
Going to Washington DC by train is very easy. Making an Amtrak reservation even easier than that. Going to Amtrak.com or calling 1-800-872-7245 are all it takes. Patrons have the choice of traveling on the Acela or a Northeast Regional train. Whichever is more desirable, the decision is a toss of a coin. Amtrak’s Acela Express includes First Class and Business. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional trains include Business class and a Quiet Car. In the Quiet car, passengers must remember to keep their conversations short and cell phones off or on vibrate. Since the Quiet Car is part of Coach Class, there is no additional charge.
Once your reservations are made, tickets can be obtained in one of four ways. They can be mailed home if purchase more than than ten days prior to your traveling. They can also be picked up at the ticket window at any major Amtrak terminal, at a Quik Trak kiosk, or via email. The e-ticket is brand new on board Amtrak's trains. A crew member scans the QR code on the printout.
Washington DC’s Union Station is a gorgeous building. Everywhere in the terminal, the halls are decked out in garland, wreaths, and all it’s holiday splendor. Getting to the National Christmas tree is very simple. It’s a quick ride on Washington’s Metro subway. The National Christmas tree is located very near the Ellipse, outside the White House, bordering the National Mall. A number of Metro stations are located in the area. The Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, McPherson Square, and Farragut West are located within walking distance of the National Christmas tree. The stations follow each other. Union Station is on the red line. Passengers can ride the red line to Metro Center. The White House is ten minutes away on foot. If taking a stroll on the National Mall, enjoying the winter air, or visiting the museums are on the to-do list, the Smithsonian station is the station of choice. In Washington DC, the best fare card option is purchasing a one-day pass. The cost is $14.00 per pass. It is active from the time of issue to the hour of departure.
The National Christmas tree is nothing like the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City. It has its very own flavor. It’s decorated with vertical light strands, and the biggest ornaments anyone can imagine. Every year, the tree looks different. The tree looks absolutely glamorous. Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring their cameras. It’s a moment which families will treasure forever. During the off-season, the tree is still there, sitting behind a black iron fence. It’s just as beautiful without its lights and ornaments. It’s definitely a memorable site to visit. The feeling of being an American can’t be any better.
When the day draws to a close, it’s time to head back to Union Station. While waiting to board the train, visitors can take the time to do some shopping in Union Station’s mall. Some of the biggest merchant names are featured. Visitors are encouraged to look around and load up on any gifts they cannot seem to find at home.
Taking the train is the greatest means of transportation on the eastern seaboard. During the Christmas season, visiting the National Christmas tree is the best reason to ride the rails. Trains and Christmas have that special connection in our lives. Seeing the snow on the ground and the ice on the rivers adds to that cozy railroad winter atmosphere. Gentlemen of all ages may remember on Christmas Day, seeing under the tree, seeing a new locomotive or railcar they asked Santa for. It might even be that new train set they wished for. A train doesn’t just travel around a Christmas tree. A train can also take people to a tree. During the Christmas season, a train brings bring families and the American spirit together. The train is not just a favorite form of transportation, but a carrier of good tidings to all.
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