Missing for the holidays

We’re grateful to have some holiday events come back in this second year of the pandemic, but we are also keenly missing a few free events that used to enliven the December days and nights. Here are photos to remember three events that are taking a break during the pandemic – Santarchy, ZooLights, and KrampusNacht. All of them are planning to come back in 2022.

Santarchy

Santarchy is an event that takes place in cities all over the world. In D.C., it is an informal gathering of Santas that come to the Mall and walk around spreading cheer and sometimes treats for children along the way.

©Miki Jourdan
©Victoria Pickering
©Miki Jourdan
©Miki Jourdan
©Miki Jourdan
©Victoria Pickering

ZooLights

The National Zoo has held ZooLights for 13 years. All during December, the zoo is open at night and more than 500,000 LED lights decorate the pathways and visitors can spot lighted animals everywhere.

©Angela N.
©Angela N.
©Victoria Pickering
©Victoria Pickering
©Angela N.
©Angela N.
©Angela N.

Last year, the Zoo tried to bring some of the ZooLights magic to the community, driving a lighted panda-filled truck through many areas of the city, although the truck had several breakdowns and delays. The truck is not going out this year.

2020 ZooLights truck riding through the neighborhood. ©Angela N.

KrampusNacht

KrampusNacht takes over H St. NE on a December night for fun and to raise money for charity. Information about their on-line charity fundraiser for this year is on their site.

©Rob Klug
©Rob Klug
©Miki Jourdan
©Miki Jourdan
©Rob Klug
©Rob Klug

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