Alexandria, Va.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights 2013
On Saturday, visit Alexandria's historic harbor to watch dozens of extravagantly decorated boats parade along the Potomac River. Boats will be judged in a variety of categories, including "Best in Show," "Thinking Outside the Christmas Box," and "Hardiest Souls." Boats will be led by Alexandria's fireboat, the Vigilant, and Washington's fireboat, the John Glenn, and Santa will arrive at the docks by boat.
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will take place Saturday, Dec. 7. Admission is free. Dockside festivities will begin at 3 p.m., with the parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information, go to alexandriava.gov.
Williamsburg, Va.
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
If you've yet to make it to a holiday theme park this season, the timing couldn't be better now that Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is open. One of the more elaborate holiday parks, Christmas Town features a full-size Santa's Workshop, a Mistletoe Marketplace with local artisans and crafts, a Polar Pathway light display and a live penguin exhibit. The entire park will be decorated with lights, including some rides that underwent holiday makeovers.
Skip the one-day-ticket and buy a Fun Card at the same price. For $30, you can enjoy unlimited visits to the park throughout the holiday season. Children under the age of 3 are free. For more information, go to christmastown.com/va.
Philadelphia
'No Reservations'
For those who wish to avoid the typical holiday trips, consider heading up to Philadelphia to see humorist Joshua Piven's new theatrical number "No Reservations." Author of "The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook," Piven's original storyline is a modern approach to the Christmas narrative, designed to poke fun at the "celebrity-obsessed, media-saturated culture" of today's holiday season.
'No Reservations' runs through Dec. 15 at the Skybox@The Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom St., Philadelphia. TIckets are $25. For more information, visit joshuapiven.com
Washington
Logan Circle Holiday House Tour
Visit the historic area of Logan Circle this weekend for the annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour, which features stops that include elegant rowhouses and contemporary penthouses. This year, the tour will feature 10 locations and will be self-paced. Take your time navigating throughout the neighborhood for a relaxing day in the city.
The tour will run Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30. The starting point will be at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. N.W. (at P Street). Tickets are $30 per person. More information at logancircle.org
Oxford
Christmas on the Creek
Looking to stay in state? Head to Talbot County this weekend to visit Oxford for "Christmas on the Creek." The annual event offers a host of sparkling Colonial charm with a tree lighting, live a capella performances, a visit from Santa and other holiday activities. The weekend includes the Historic Homes & Inns Tour of Oxford, offering a peek inside historic sites around town, including the Robert Morris Inn and the Bratt Mansion.
Christmas on the Creek runs Friday through Sunday. Tickets for "An A Capella Christmas" are $12. Historic home tours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. For more information, visit oxfordmd.net