A Weekend of Christmas Things Around Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is one of the top city breaks in the US and positively shines during the holidays. While I thoroughly enjoy the festive sights and events around my home town, I’ve have really enjoyed taking a weekend during December to experience the sparkle in another city.
*This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on my site at no additional cost to you.
This past year, we chose our nation’s capital for our holiday city break. We re-discovered the iconic, historical landmarks that we’ve toured previously, this time dressed up in holiday cheer and hosting seasonal events. In this post, I will share the top things to see and do during a weekend visit to Washington D.C., and how prepare so you have access to the most popular sights.
Where to stay
I think the holidays are the perfect time to indulge in a luxury hotel stay, especially if you happen to go light on your own decorations at home. We originally planned to stay at The Mayflower Hotel, but just a few weeks before our trip, we decided to upgrade to the St. Regis. And, honestly, there really wasn’t much of a difference in price.
Chances are, regardless of where you stay in Washington D.C., you will end up relying on some form of transportation other than your feet. However, just because you have a rental car doesn’t mean you will want to drive it around the city. In most cases, the hassle of parking will motivate you to take public transportation or an Uber.
In that case, it is smart to chose a hotel that is within walking distance to at least some of the main attractions on your itinerary. When a taxi or Uber is required, you want to minimize the distance because those fares will start to add up. A centrally located hotel makes sense. Downtown, Penn Quarter, the West or East End, Mt. Vernon Triangle, Dupont Circle, or the Southwest Waterfront are all reasonable locations. The Georgetown neighborhood is also a great choice.
Above photos: St. Regis, Washington DC
Weekend itinerary
Top things to see & do
Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | Access: FREE
The first stop on our Washington D.C. itinerary was Union Station, a historic railroad terminal that has been beautifully restored. It is a bit out of the way from other central DC attractions, which is why we decided to head here first. From Union Station, you can hop on the metro or a bus to take you whatever area you want to focus on next.
Above photo: Union Station, Washington DC
Union Station is decorated inside and out with giant wreaths and traditional red & green decorations. The annual Norwegian Holiday Tree in the Main Hall is a must-see. It is presented to the people of Washington D.C. in recognition of the strong friendship between Norway and the United States.
Various holiday events and weekly concerts take place throughout the season at Union Station. If you happen to be there on an uneventful day, like we were, you can still grab lunch and sit in the Main Hall for a bit. The full events calendar can be found here.
Above photos: Union Station, Washington DC
The National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 | Access: Tickets
The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is commonly known as The National Cathedral. It was built in the tradition of the great medieval churches of Europe and features impressive Gothic architecture and numerous works of art. Although it is an Episcopal Church, it welcomes individuals of all faiths and serves as a great church for national purposes.
Above photos: National Cathedral, Washington DC
A visit to The National Cathedral is deserving of a spot on any Washington D.C. itinerary, but is especially wonderful to visit during the holidays. The birth of Christ is celebrated through many concerts and events, including organ recitals, vocal ensembles, and performances by the Cathedral Choir. The event calendar and ticket information can be found here.
We toured the Cathedral during the self-guided sightseeing hours, which included access to the exhibits, main and lower levels, and Tower Observation Gallery. There are also many other themed guided tours, tower climbs, and group tour options available.
Above photos: Tower Observation Gallery at the National Cathedral, Washington DC
The exhibit on the lower level was the Cathedral creche collection called, “Born this Happy Morning” in which more than 100 depictions of the Nativity from around the world were on display for visitors. The exhibit is an annual display, but each year it is curated to include different Nativity sets from its collection of over 600 sets.
Above photos: Nativity scenes at the National Cathedral, Washington DC
Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007 | Access: Timed-entry garden tickets
From the National Cathedral, we took a quick 6-minute Uber ride to Dumbarton Oaks Museum & Gardens in Georgetown. On a nicer day, this would be about a half hour walk.
Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in the Georgetown neighborhood, once the residence of wealthy U.S. diplomat Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss. The house has been converted into a museum showcasing collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art.
Above photos: Dumbarton Oaks Museum
The Dumbarton Oaks Museum is surrounded by its extraordinary gardens. It is easy to forget where you are as you walk along the paths through terraced gardens, iron gates, reflecting ponds, and woodland landscape. You might expect something like this at a European country home, and yet here this is in the middle of Washington D.C.
Above photos: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
Although I’m sure Dumbarton Oaks Gardens is a bigger draw during the Spring and Summer when the gardens are in bloom, it is still a lovely visit during December when the holly drapes over the walls and you can feel the structure of the landscape.
Opening hours during the winter season (November 1 – March 14) are abbreviated. So, be sure to check times on the Dumbarton Oaks website before you go.
Above photos: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
Georgetown
From Dumbarton Oaks, we walked south along 31st Street NW into the thick of the Georgetown residential neighborhood. On-foot is the perfect way to admire the Federal-style architecture and charming Christmas decorations bestowed on nearly every front door.
Above photos: Georgetown at Christmas
En route, we also passed Tudor Place, Church of Christ, and the famous Newton D. Baker House where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis resided following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. There are many other historic homes throughout the Georgetown neighborhood, some of which are landmarked and others only identifiable with a good walking map. But, as far as Christmas things are concerned, the neighborhood is best enjoyed by freely wandering.
Above photos: Georgetown at Christmas
There is so much to see and do in Georgetown that could easily fill up an entire day. The busy sidewalks of M Street NW are lined with wreaths on every lamp post and store windows full of enticement.
Above photos: Georgetown Cupcake
Other sights in Georgetown to include if you have time:
- Take a food tour of Georgetown’s bakeries and famous cupcake shops.
- Visit the Old Stone House, a former clock shop built in 1766.
- Walk along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (Lock 4 is especially nice).
- Stroll down Blues Alley for live jazz music.
- Find Cady’s Alley and discover the hidden shops and restaurants.
- See the historic buildings of Georgetown University including Healy Hall, a National Historic Landmark and flagship building of the main campus
Above photos: The Old Stone House (left); along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (right)
Georgetown Waterfront Park
3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007 | Access: FREE
Georgetown’s Waterfront Park on the shore of the Potomac River is a 10-acre park and recreational area that includes waterfront dining, river cruises, water taxis, and art installations. We went here to hunt for GLO exhibits. GLO DC is a seasonal, curated exhibition of public light art installations. We found most of them and also caught views of Kennedy Center on the opposite side of the river.
Above photo: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Zoo Lights at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 | Access: Event requires tickets
A holiday tradition for many DC families and visitors is the annual Zoo Lights event at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The event runs from Thanksgiving through the end of December and includes live music performances, concessions, and dozens of glowing animal lanterns in amongst the colorful Christmas light displays. It is important to note that the live zoo animals are not out during Zoo Lights. If you want to see the animals, you’ll have to visit earlier in the day.
Above photos: Zoo Lights, Washington DC
This is an ideal Christmas activity for families. If you don’t have a large light display in your home town, this is definitely worth attending. That being said, it is not an over-the-top experience. We had debated going to Zoo Lights or Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon, and I ended up wishing we had done the latter.
Above photos: Animal lanterns at Zoo Lights, Washington DC
Tidal Basin
West Potomac Park, Washington DC | Access: FREE
We started the second day of our weekend city break with a walk from our hotel down towards the National Mall and Tidal Basin, Most first time visitors are interested in seeing as much of the National Mall, museums, and memorials as possible. But for a weekend visit, you may have to narrow down your list.
Above photo: Eisenhower Executive Office Building (right)
Since we had previously visited Washington D.C., we were most interested in enjoying the buildings decked out in holiday decorations and re-discovering the memorials surrounding the Tidal Basin. Walking the entire National Mall and Tidal Basin is do-able, but not for us (lol). It is A LOT of walking!
There are numerous memorials and sculptures surrounding the Tidal Basin. The most famous are the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Above photos: World War II Memorial
Above photos: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (left); Washington Monument (right)
Above photoL: Lincoln Memorial
Above photos: Jefferson Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA 22211 | Access: FREE
If you are interested in visiting Arlington National Cemetery, the best place to work it into your itinerary is following a visit to the Lincoln Memorial. The Arlington Memorial Bridge spans the Potomac River connecting the Tidal Basin at the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington. It is a bit of a walk (about a mile), but the walk across the bridge is quite nice. Alternatively there is a Capital Bikeshare station located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial where you can rent a bike to make the roundtrip.
Above photos: Arlington National Cemetery
We visited Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America, which is the wreath laying event where volunteers lay handmade wreaths on each of the tombstones in the cemetery. It sounds like a somber occasion, but it is surprisingly joyful as those that served our country are honored.
Wreaths Across America takes place every year on the second Saturday in December. To sponsor wreaths and/or to volunteer, visit the Wreaths Across America website.
Above photos: Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery
Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress
10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540 | Access: Timed-entry tickets
As a self-professed lover of old world libraries, a visit to the Library of Congress was the highest priority on my DC to-do list. The Library of Congress is a law research library that serves Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States. It also happens to be the oldest Federal cultural institution in the US, established in 1832.
Above photo: Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress
Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. So, while you’ll have to plan in advance, the good news is that tickets are free and provide access to the Great Hall, Main Reading Room, Gutenburg Bible exhibit, Thomas Jefferson’s Library, art galleries and other exhibits. Timed-entry tickets can be requested up to 30-days in advance here.
Above photo: Reading Room at the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress
Above photos: The Great Hall & Mezzanine of the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress
We explored every inch of the Thomas Jefferson Building and I can’t stress enough the importance of allowing yourself enough time to really enjoy it. IMHO, it is one of the best places to visit during the holidays when the mezzanine of the Great Hall is decorated with a stunning Christmas tree.
Above photos: Christmas tree at the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress
US Botanical Garden
100 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20001 | Access: FREE
On the same end of the National Mall as the Library of Congress and US Capitol Building, is the hidden gem of the US Botanic Garden. The gorgeous glass conservatory and outdoor gardens are free to visit year round, including its annual Season’s Greenings celebration.
Above photos: US Botanical Garden
During the holidays, the Botanic Gardens features thousands of poinsettias, gingerbread-like DC landmarks made from plant materials, model trains, and festive evergreens. The length of a visit really depends on how interested you are in the extensive programming and exhibits — or if you just want to make a pass through each of the themed garden galleries.
Above photos: US Botanical Garden
Capitol Christmas Tree
West Lawn, US Capitol, Washington DC 20515 | Access: FREE
While I was planning out our visit to DC, I had the hardest time figuring out which side of US Capitol Building featured the Christmas tree. Embarrassing to admit, but it is the West Lawn, which faces the National Mall. The opposite side of the Capitol Building (facing the Library of Congress) is used as the Visitor Entrance. In case anyone else is confused by this, I hope that helps!
A visit to the US Capitol Christmas tree is a must during the holidays. Every year, a different tree is selected from a National Forest to decorate the lawn and celebrate the Christmas season. The time-honored tradition of the tree lighting happens during the first week of December, and remains lit through New Years’.
Above photo: Capitol Christmas Tree
The best time to see the Capitol Christmas Tree is in the evening when the lights sparkle. However, during the day, the West Lawn is a fun place to hang out. The view of the National Mall from Capitol Hill is only second to the view from the top of the Washington Monument.
Above photos: Capitol Christmas Tree
US Capitol Building
First St SE, Washington, DC 20515 | Access: Timed-entry tickets
I’m not sure our tour of the US Capitol Building ranks up there as a top Christmas attraction, but we did it and it was amazing! Not super Christmas-y, but definitely an unmissable landmark. The building dates to 1826 and has been used ever since as the working building of the US Congress.
Above photos: The Rotunda, US Capitol Building
Guided tours of the Capitol include the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. The National Statuary Hall has markings on the floor showing the desk locations of various well-known leaders. It was my favorite and the most historically interesting aspect of the tour.
Above photos: National Statuary Hall, US Capitol Building
Although it is possible to join a tour as a “walk-in,” it is advisable to make a reservation in advance through the online booking tool here. Tours are approximately one hour, but you may want to allow some additional time to explore the Visitors’ Center and gift shops.
Above photos: A chandelier hanging in the Small Senate Rotunda (left); General George Washington Resigning His Commission by John Trumbull, one of four revolutionary period scenes in the US Capitol Rotunda (right)
A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater
511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 | Access: Tickets
Attending a performance of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at the famed, historic Ford’s Theater is a beloved tradition by many Washington D.C. families and visitors. This story of redemption has been re-told on stage annually for the last 20 years. Of course, the venue makes it all the more special.
Above photos: Ford’s Theater
Ford’s Theater was the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865. While the theater continues to promote the theater arts, it also has dedicated itself to honoring the life and legacy of President Lincoln through education and a museum exhibit.
Above photo: Ford’s Theater stage and Lincoln balcony
The White House
Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW | Access: Request tour
Naturally, a tour of The White House during the Christmas season is the crème-de-la-crème attraction. We submitted our request via our State Representative and followed all of the instructions. Unfortunately, we did not secure a space. It is really the luck of the draw when it comes to these limited-space tours. Visit the White House website here for complete information on how to request a tour. Just know there are no guarantees.
If you don’t make the cut for a tour, you can still see the outside of The White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW (opposite Lafayette Square) or from E Street NW (opposite The South Lawn). Additionally, The White House Visitors’ Center is open to all for a look at some of the historical items from past Presidents. It pales in comparison to an actual tour, but it’s better than nothing.
Above photoL The While House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW
The White House Christmas Tree
White House Ellipse, Washington DC 20500 | Access: FREE
The National Christmas Tree against the backdrop of the White House is a quintessential DC photo op during the holidays. It is free to visit and is located on the north side of The White House in the President’s Park on the White House Ellipse. We visited in the morning, which made for slightly anti-climatic visit since the lights and atmosphere are not the same as visiting during the evening. On the plus side, there weren’t any crowds or lines to deal with.
The Christmas tree is surrounded by trees from the States & US Territories that have been hand-decorated with ornaments crafted by various schools and children’s organizations.
Above photo: The White House Christmas Tree
CityCenterDC
825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | Access: FREE
CityCenterDC is an upscale shopping area consisting of 5-city blocks of boutiques, cafes, park-like plazas, and residential apartments. During the holidays, the entire area is decorated with lights, art installations, and a perfectly decorated 75-foot Christmas tree.
Above photos: CityCenter DC
Don’t miss the lights on Palmer Alley. Even during broad daylight, the ambiance here is so festive and magical. We mostly just window shopped and added to our Christmas Wish Lists as we wandered around. But, if you haven’t wrapped up your Christmas shopping yet, this is a great place to make a special purchase.
Above photo: Palmer Alley, CityCenter DC
Downtown Holiday Market
F St NW &, 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 | Access: FREE
Just a couple blocks away from CityCenterDC, the Downtown Holiday Market is located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery in Penn Quarter. This marketplace has been running for the last 20-ish years and features local vendors and performers.
Above photo: Downtown Holiday Market
On a Sunday afternoon in mid-December, this place was packed! Clearly, DC has a thriving local arts & crafts scene. Families were out in droves enjoying the live entertainment and street food. It was much bigger than I expected – like a huge block party with the added bonus of picking up a few unique gift items.
There are several additional holiday marketplaces in and around the DC-area. A quick Google search or look at the Washingtonian events calendar will highlight more options.
Above photos: Downtown Holiday Market
Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave NW &, 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20408 | Access: FREE
The Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art is always a fun walk-thru regardless of the season. During the winter months, the center of the garden is transformed into an ice skating rink. Skating while surrounded by oversized art, grand architecture, and national landmarks — what could be better?
It is wise to check opening hours and the event calendar prior to your visit. The rink is closed during inclimate weather and private events. More info on admission fees, skate rentals, and lessons is available here.
Above photo: Ice Skating Rink in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art
If skating is not your thing, the Sculpture Garden is still a wonderful, uncrowded place to visit to enjoy modern sculpture. This is also a nice “breather” between museums where you can relax and contemplate your next move.
Above photos: Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art
Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560 | Access: FREE
The last stop on our weekend itinerary was the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It is hard to visit Washington D.C. without visiting at least one of the iconic museums along the National Mall. Although the museums are not unique attractions to the Christmas season, most of the museums have decorations in the lobby and holiday-inspired event programming. The National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum have always been my two favorites, but this visit we decided to go with Natural History.
Above photos: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
The entire museum is incredible. But, we all have our favorite exhibits. Mine is the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, which includes the famous Hope Diamond.
Above photos: Museum of Natural History Hall of Geology, Minerals, and Gems
Another reason why the museums are great for holiday and winter itineraries is because they are not weather-dependent. Regardless of the chill, wind, rain, or snow, you can always duck into a museum and have a great experience!
Above photo: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Where to eat
Like most metro-areas, Washington D.C. has a plethora of dining options. For our Christmas visit, I was really determined to find restaurants that had festive decorations and seasonal menus. Below are the places we decided on, along with a couple additional options to consider.
Filomena
1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007
Filomena is an amazing Italian restaurant located in the heart of Georgetown. We chose it for our first dinner in DC while we exploring the neighborhood. Any time of the year, this is a great go-to place for traditional Italian cooking. During the holidays, this place exudes Christmas. The decorations are over-the-top, which exactly what I was looking for!
Above photos: Filomena Restaurant
The word is out though. So, it is essential to make reservations for Filomena well in advance. We arrived just a tad early, and had to wait for our reservation time as there was no wiggle room or empty tables. Thankfully, Filomena also has a great little bar for patrons to wait out their table time.
The food here is so good and the portions are extremely generous. My husband and I could have easily shared an entree. Both of us ended up over-stuffing ourselves and we still walked out with leftovers.
Above photo: Filomena Restaurant
The Hamilton
600 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
The Hamilton is a bar & grill restaurant in close proximity to The White House, making it a great spot to eat before or after a White House tour. The food is mostly American, but the menu also has a great selection of Japanese dishes, including sushi.
The ambiance was warm and eclectic. There is an old world vibe about it (wood paneling, cozy booth seating), but also a ton of contemporary decor (colorful modern art, wall murals). We loved it! If you end up here later in the day, there is also a live music venue downstairs. Reservations are recommended.
Above photos: The Hamilton Bar & Grill
Hank’s Oyster Bar
1624 Q St NW STE 100, Washington, DC 20009
I’m always motivated to find a great oyster place when traveling. ‘Twas oyster season and I couldn’t resist. Hank’s Oyster Bar has multiple locations in the DC-area, but the original location in Dupont Circle was best for us.
Another draw for us was Hank’s seasonal menu offering of “The Feast of the Seven Fishes,” which they reprise every December. If this is new to you, The Feast is a traditional Italian seafood dinner whereby seven types of fish are served in a multi-course dinner. Hank’s also hosts other Christmas events such as Santa Tea, family brunches, and other special live entertainment.
Above photos: Hank’s Oyster Bar, Dupont Circle
Champagne Brunch at the St. Regis
923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington DC 20006
Since we were staying at the St. Regis, this was an easy choice for our Sunday Brunch. The hotel’s Alhambra restaurant has an ornate ambiance, which is exactly what you want when brunching on vacation. The service was impeccable and our food was delicious. If it matters to anyone else out there, it also has a relatively calm and quiet dining room, which again, is exactly what you want the morning after a night on the town.
Above photos: Brunch at the St. Regis
Other Dining Recommendations
While researching and planning our trip, I found a few other very tempting dining options. I strongly advise to make reservations well in advance because these places are popular and book up quickly.
Le Diplomate: Le Diplomate is a Parisian-style brasserie that is widely known for its festive and warming the ambience during the holiday season. Not only is it decorated with swaths of pine garlands and strings of lights, but the menu features holiday-inspired specials such as Smoked Trout Rillettes, Turkey Roulade, Filet de Boeuf Rossini, and Buche de Noel Foret-Noire.
The Old Ebbert Grill: The Old Ebbert Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington D.C. It is similar to The Hamilton in that it is close to the White House and has a historic vibe about it. During the holidays, two ginormous nutcrackers flank the entrance and it is all very dapper.
Above photo: Old Ebbert Grill
Christmas Tea at The Willard InterContinental Hotel: This five-star hotel property serves a High Christmas Tea that is a popular tradition for many locals. The St. Regis also has a similar offering. The experience will make you feel like royalty as you snack on fancy sandwiches and miniature desserts. Afterwards, you can take Instagram-worthy photos in the elaborately decorated lobby.
Above photos: The Willard InterContinental
Other ideas & travel tips
Getting around Washington D.C.
Downtown Washington D.C. and the National Mall are very tourist-friendly areas that can be easily navigated with your phone GPS whether you are walking, biking, or driving. We decided against a rental car for our quick weekend visit. However, if you are planning on visiting the suburbs, a car is a good idea.
If you are without your own car, there are several options to get around.
- On foot: If you carefully plan your itinerary, it is easy to walk from place-to-place. There are plenty of visitors who are solely on-foot for their entire visit. Keep in mind that the entire National Mall is 2.5 miles from Capitol Hill on the east side to the Lincoln Memorial on the west side, and roughly 5 miles round trip. It’s a lot of walking!
- Scooter: There are scooters everywhere. Download a couple scooter apps to your phone and set-up your account before your trip so you can easily unlock a scooter when you find one. We used Veo and Lime.
- Bicycle: We had planned to bike across the Arlington Memorial Bridge, but ended up walking instead. I’m glad we had the bikes as an option though. Capital Bikeshare has bike stations all over the DC area that you can unlock and ride from place-to-place, or rent for the entire day.
- Uber: We relied on Uber quite a bit during our visit for distances that were too far to walk or where we were pressed for time. Ubers are readily available. But, you may have a wait time during rush hour or after popular events.
- Metro/Bus: Washington D.C. has public transportation via underground metro (subway) and bus. We didn’t ever utilize these options. But, again, good to know they are there. Maps, fares, and schedules can be found here.
- DC Circulator: The DC Circulator is an inexpensive shuttle bus with several routes in central DC, catering mostly to tourists visiting the National Mall and major attractions. Rides are only $1. If you are planning a full schedule, this is a great option that will save your feet!
Guided Tours
If you are not comfortable going on your own or are interested in having a knowledgeable local point out the sights, I have added a few tour options below.
Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!
Your email address will not be published. Please allow 24 hours for your comment to post.