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The Willard InterContinental Washington, otherwise known as the Willard, has been a famous staple of Washington D.C. for over 200 years. In fact, author Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote in the 1860s that “the Willard Hotel more justly could be called the center of Washington than either the Capitol or the White House or the State Department.”
It has had many famous guests and residents like Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Emily Dickenson, Gypsy Rose Lee, Walt Whitman, Harry Houdini, P.T. Barnum, the first group of Japanese ambassadors, and Martin Luther King, Jr. In fact, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his “I Have A Dream” speech here.
This hotel is also reported to be haunted. That is why it is included in this Washington D.C. Haunted Bar Tour. And by the way, if you’d like to learn more about this hotel’s history, then you should get The Willard Hotel: An Illustrated History.
But beyond the history, it is also just a great hotel. It is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel located in downtown Washington, D.C. That alone is a reason you’d want to book a stay here.
But during the holiday season, the hotel is even more special. It is so beautifully decorated, especially the gigantic Christmas tree in the lobby.
But there are also great festivities going on at the hotel.
Holiday Caroling
The Willard InterContinental Has a great Holiday Nightly Caroling Program. It takes place in the lobby from December 1st to December 23rd. The performances take place from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM and then again from 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM. This tradition has been going on for over twenty years and features highly accomplished choral and vocal ensembles. It is one of the best of its kind in the D.C. area. You can go to the lobby’s pop-up Moet & Chandon bar, sip some champagne, and enjoy the holiday music. What better way to get you in the Christmas spirit?
Holiday Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley
A cherished holiday tradition for many years has been Willard InterContinental’s Holiday Afternoon Tea. it takes place among the beautiful Christmas trees and holiday decor at Willard Peacock Alley, where you can enjoy a live harp playing. It is such a wonderful experience that Travel Channel even named it one of the top ten places to do Afternoon Tea like a Royal.
The Holiday Afternoon Tea takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM during December (with the exception of December 24th and December 30th).
Willard Christmas Day Brunch
A holiday brunch at Willard InterContinental has been a tradition spanning multiple generations for many D.C. area families. Now this year, it could become a tradition for your family.
Executive Chef Gyo Sana and Willard’s culinary team will be creating a wonderful Christmas brunch this year. It is highlighted by Slow-Roasted Prime Rib and Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb, plus all the holiday fixings. And of course, you’ll have to stop by the Sweets & Treats Buffet in the iconic Peacock Alley featuring desserts created by the pastry team of Willard’s. There are also kid-friendly options as well. And all of this takes place in the luxurious Willard and Crystal Ballrooms and Willard Peacock Alley.
The Willard Intercontinental Discount Prices
Looking for discounted nightly room rates for Washington D.C. The Willard Intercontinental? You can find special offers and deals for the hotel here.