Cathedral in Bloom

D.C. boasts enough attractions and events to keep you busy for days, but no place captures the holiday spirit like the Washington National Cathedral. The second largest in the United States, the impressive Gothic-style church welcomes visitors of all faiths to attend a service or simply tour the building. But don't expect the cathedral to be fully decked out until Christmas Eve.

Members of the Flower Guild plan months in advance to produce the massive Christmas displays that grace the altars, pulpit, and lectern. They use mounds of amaryllis, dried hydrangeas, roses, kissing balls, wreaths, fruit, and greenery of every description, as well as more than 500 pots of poinsettias to deck the halls. Every single leaf is natural.

For a complete list of holiday events, contact the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation, 901 Seventh Street NW., Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20001; www.washington.org or (202) 789-7000.