While it may seem as if every other living, breathing creature on earth is
celebrating Christmas, you're not. For you, December 25 is just another day
on the calendar. There is no jolly big man in a red suit trying to stuff
himself down your soot-coated chimney, no presents under the tree, no
sumptuous ham dinner with relatives from Ohio. But don't fret — from ice
skating to laser tag to helping out the needy, here are some of the best
(and cheapest) things to do on Christmas Day.
Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink
Ready to strap on some skates, make like Michelle Kwan and try out that
triple axel you've been dying to land? Christmas Day, when most people will
be home opening light-up Power Ranger sneakers or emptying stockings filled
with eggnog-scented Chapstick, is the perfect time to try those moves you
picked up from Olympic reruns. You will have to trek out to Virginia if you
want to find an open outdoor ice rink on Christmas Day, but it's certainly
worth the haul. The nearest rink that will be open is the Pentagon Row Ice
Skating Rink in Arlington, located right along the Pentagon Row shops.
Managers predict that the rink won't be too crowded on Christmas, so have no
fear, you'll get your time to shine on the ice.
Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink is located at 1201 South Joyce Street in
Arlington. Open Dec. 25 from 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is $7 and skate
rental is $3. Call (703) 418-6666 for more information.
Church of Latter-Day Saints Light Show
You've been transfixed by its ethereal glow ever since you were five years
old, but never had the opportunity to explore the Cinderella-like castle
that peeks through the trees beside the Beltway. Those white marble spires
are surrounded by 52 acres of land, giving the Mormon Temple in Kensington
ample space to put on its impressive light show. The show boasts over
450,000 multi-colored lights covering trees and even a live nativity scene!
On Christmas night, the temple expects one-third of the usual crowd, so you
can wander the lighted paths like the whole show is just for you. End your
promenade with a presentation by the Sister Missionaries.
The Church of Latter-Day Saints is located at 9900 Stoneybrook Drive in
Kensington. The lights are on from dusk to 10 p.m. through Jan. 2. Nightly
musical performances begin at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission is free. Call
(301) 587-0144 for more information.
The District Chophouse and Shepherd's Table
While others partake in the gluttony often associated with modern-day
Christmas, December 25 is the ideal day to do something for others. The
fourth-annual "Miracle on Seventh Street" held at the District Chophouse, a
popular downtown eatery, is the perfect opportunity for any Good Samaritan.
In conjunction with the Youth Services Division of the Metropolitan Police
Department and the Child and Family Services Agency, the Chophouse hosts 400
homeless guests for a full meal on Christmas Day, all served by volunteers.
You can either work behind the scenes in the kitchen or wait tables in the
dining room.
The District Chophouse is located at 509 Seventh Street, NW. Various
shifts are available on Dec. 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Positions are
limited and you must register on the web site before the event. Call (202)
347-3434 or go to http://www.rockbottomrestaurantsinc.com for more
information.
Another option is the Shepherd's Table, where they are always looking for
more handy helpers. This local homeless shelter has been serving the Silver
Spring area since 1983 and provides services well beyond those of an
ordinary soup kitchen. They need help every day of the year, especially on
Christmas. They can put you to work cooking, distributing food or helping
with any one of the many services offered at the shelter.
Shepherd's Table is located at 8210A Colonial Lane in Silver Spring.
Call (301) 585-6463 for more information.
Shadowland
Dodging laser beams, taking refuge behind columns for safety, hiding in the
depths of the shadowy, maze-like room, mounting an ambush against the other
team — laser tag is a glorious game. And a great way to stay warm. Gather
your favorite group of non-Christmas-celebrating comrades and head on up to
Shadowland for a day (or least at a couple of hours) of good-quality
non-denominational fun.
Shadowland is located at 624 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg. Open
Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. A 30-minute game costs $7.75 for each player.
Call (301) 330-5546 for more information.