Holidays Around The World: A Global Holiday Tour of Washington, DC

Holidays Around the World: A Global Holiday Tour of Washington, DC

Presented by DC Tours & Events

Step into a festive journey that spans the globe — without leaving Washington, DC. Join licensed tour guide and author Lauri Williamson for a joyful, 2.5–3 hour bus tour celebrating holiday traditions, stories, and cultural insights from around the world. This tour is about discovery, learning, and global connection, with a few small seasonal treats along the way.

Tour Agenda: Holidays Around the World

• 
  
• Start at The Willard Hotel
  Begin your journey by viewing the hotel’s beautiful holiday decorations and learning a bit of the hotel's history as we introduce the tour’s global holiday theme.
• On the Bus
  Travel through Washington, DC while enjoying storytelling about U.S. and international holiday traditions. A curated playlist of global holiday music sets a festive tone.
• Embassy of the Philippines
  Step inside the embassy and hear from representatives about Filipino holiday customs and festive traditions.
• Arcay Chocolates (Venezuela)
  Discover Venezuelan holiday celebrations and cultural traditions with insights from local experts.
• AMA Italian Restaurant
  At AMA, enjoy a taste of Italy’s holiday season with freshly made pumpkin spice gelato from this highly rated DC eatery, known for its thoughtful, sustainable Northern Italian cuisine.
• Ethiopic (Ethiopian Restaurant)
  Explore Ethiopian holiday customs, music, and traditions in a modern, welcoming setting beloved by locals and visitors alike and rated best Ethiopian restaurant in DC 2025.
• Embassy of Lebanon
  Not just the embassy, we'll be invited into the Ambassador's residence. Experience Lebanese holiday traditions and celebrations through cultural storytelling.
• Return / Optional DC Holiday Market Stop
  Conclude the tour at the starting point, but you will have the option to depart near the DC Holiday Market, where you can continue enjoying the lights, sounds, and festive spirit of the season.

Important Information

• Tour Focus: This tour celebrates culture, traditions, and global holiday joy — no politics.
• Some embassies may require a government-issued photo ID for entry — please bring yours just in case.
• Tour duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours.
• Accessibility: The bus is not wheelchair accessible.
• Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow for check-in.
• Photography: Photos are welcome, but some embassies may have restrictions inside — please follow staff instructions. We may take photos during the tour for promotional purposes — by joining, you consent to being photographed.
• Weather: Dress comfortably for mild walking and bus travel. Updates will be sent via email if extreme weather affects the tour.
• Allergies / Dietary Considerations: Small seasonal treats may be offered; this is not a food-focused tour.
• Refunds: will be allowed up to 3 days prior to the event.

• Responsible Behavior: Guests are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly throughout the tour, following all instructions from venue staff.
• No Alcohol or Drugs: Consumption of alcohol or illegal substances is not permitted during the tour.
• Embassy Etiquette: While visiting embassies, please be attentive, respectful, and follow all guidance from staff.
• Bus Courtesy: Please remain seated when the bus is moving..
• Children & Supervision: Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Safety First: Any unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the tour without refund.