Brighten the holiday season with these holiday tree lightings around the city.
Santa’s checking his list and he’s checking it twice, but are you? Here’s a list of holiday tree lightings in Washington, D.C., so that you can check them off your list.
CityCenterDC Tree Lighting | 10th Street NW and H Street NW | Saturday, November 30
Courtesy of CityCenterDC
Located right in the middle of the city, CityCenterDC’s sixth annual holiday tree lighting will take place on November 30 (December 1 if it gets rained out). Ring in the holiday season with a joyful musical performance by The Washington Chorus, delightful balloon artists, wonderful face painters, dazzling 25-foot reindeer, and many more extravagant holiday activities. NBC’s Eun Yang will host the event as you count down to the beautiful lighting.
Union Station Holiday Extravaganza | 60 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Tuesday, December 3
Courtesy of Union Station Redevelopment Corporation
Get ready for a holiday celebration at Union Station! The 23rd annual Norwegian tree lighting ceremony will commence on December 3, bringing joy to everyone that attends. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the Main Hall of Union Station as the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Washington Performing Arts, and WHUR 96.3 kick off the festivities. Then, Norway’s Ambassador to the United States, Kare R. Aas and Member of the Norwegian Parliament Linda Helleland will light up the 32-foot Norwegian holiday tree. This year, the decorations on the tree will address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how the world attempts to achieve them. Although the event is free, registration via the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation site is strongly encouraged.
Fairmont Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony | 2401 M Street NW | Tuesday, December 3
Courtesy of Fairmont
Jingle all the way to the Fairmont in Georgetown for a free tree lighting on December 3. At 5:30 p.m., the lobby and courtyard will be twinkling with beautiful lights and a magnificent Christmas tree. During the festivities, you can also warm up with some free hot chocolate and soft delicious cookies while listening to the Georgetown Visitation Madrigals performing your favorite Christmas classics. Children can also partake in the event by decorating holiday cards and hanging out with Santa Claus and the hotel’s canine ambassador, Georgie. You’re encouraged to bring a couple of toys to donate at the event as these donations will help share the love and joy with over 500 children.
Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting | U.S. Capitol Building | Wednesday, December 4
Courtesy of Architect of the Capitol
Every year since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided the Capitol with a Christmas tree. This year, the tree is traveling all the way from the Carson National Forest in New Mexico to bring cheer to everyone in D.C. The tree is making its long trek across the country. You can track its travels on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Facebook.
National Christmas Tree Lighting | The White House | Thursday, December 5
Courtesy of National Park Service
Now for the lighting you’ve all been waiting for—the National Christmas Tree! As the start of a three-week holiday tradition, the National Christmas Tree Lighting brings together guests from all over the world to listen to live performances and usher in the holiday season. This year is the 97th lighting ceremony, and although performances have yet to be announced, we know it’ll be the perfect celebration. In order to attend, you need a lottery ticket, but if you didn't manage to snag one, you can still watch the ceremony on television. The lighting ceremony will be broadcast on December 9 at 8 p.m. on REELZ and 9 p.m. on Oviation.
Which one of these tree lightings will your family be attending? Take loads of pictures of the sparkling lights and share the joy with us!
