If you are visiting DC during Christmas and searching for a restaurant where you can enjoy your holiday meal here are my top five suggestions. And be sure to make a reservation soon because they will no doubt be busy.

1. Citronelle. Latham Hotel, 3000 M Street, NW, Washington, DC. (202) 625-2150. Michel Richard's Citronelle is one of DC's premier restaurants and offers some of the most titillating meals your palate will experience. A James Beard 2007 Award winner, this restaurant will not disappoint.

2. Dupont Grille. 2500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. (202) 482-6000. Located in the Jurys Hotel, Dupont Grille will offer a traditional turkey dinner, only you don't have to do the dishes.
3. Fahrenheit at the Ritz-Carlton. 3100 South St., NW, Washington, DC. (202) 912-4100. Fahrenheit is one of Georgetown's hot spots. It is sophisticated, but accessible and offers a lovely Christmas meal. Call today or visit Opentable.com to make a reservation.
4. Willard Room at the Willard Hotel. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC. (202) 628-9100. The Willard Room is an elegant way to spend any meal. For Christmas meal fit for a king, $125 per adult; $50 per child. Open 12:00 noon -9:00 p.m. on Christmas day.
5. Les Halles Washington. 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. This traditional French brasserie is open on Christmas and offers a French feast of creamy garlic soup, stuffed leg of lamb or roasted halibut for approximately $60 per person depending on your dining selections.

Bethesda Winter Wonderland 2009 is upon us. Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with free winter wonderland activities including a winter concert, live ice sculpting presentations, a student choral concert and visit from Santa Claus. The events take place December 4 -5, 2009. . .read more

White House Christmas Ornaments look beautiful on a Christmas tree and make great souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. This tradition started in 1981 during the Reagan Administration with the first ornament fashioned after a weather vane. Mrs. Reagan hung the ornament on the tree in the blue room. Since 1981, each year for the past 29 years, a new White House Christmas Ornament has been designed and sold to the general public. . .find out about the 2009 White House Christmas Ornament

The US Botanic Garden is ready for the holidays and looks absoultely gorgeous. This is a great place to take the kids. They will love the trains and minature displays. And don't forget to visit the new storybook garden complete with Snow White's cottage and the Owl and the Pussycat's beautiful pea green boat. Additional updates to the miniature National Mall landmarks include the Obama children's swing set and another new addition: the National Museum of the American Indian. And for the holidays, on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the Conservatory is open until 8 p.m. and offers free live performances of seasonal music. See the US Botanic Website for the schedule of performances.

Read more.

Photo by Karen Hart.