Thanksgiving is swiftly approaching and the holiday season is just around the corner! Everyone has their own pace for making that transition, but nothing marks it quite as definitively as holiday tree lighting ceremonies.
Thankfully, D.C. has several different lighting ceremonies at varying dates and times, so there is bound to be one right for you! To make the decision a bit easier, Secret D.C. has rounded up four of the best D.C. area holiday tree lighting ceremonies and festivities you don’t want to miss!
1. National Harbor Holiday Tree Lighting
National Harbor kicked off the holiday spirit on Saturday, November 9, lighting its Christmas tree to kick off its Holidays at the Harbor series. It was the second annual lighting for National Harbor’s new 60-ft. RGB tree, which now will illuminate the evening skies each night through December 28 alongside the sounds of a holiday medley performed by the United States Air Force Band.
2. CityCenterDC’s Holiday Tree Lighting
The holiday season is descending upon the District, and CityCenterDC is helping kick it off with its 11th annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 30! Days after Thanksgiving, as Washingtonians begin to swap out their autumn ornamentation for winter decorations, CityCenterDC will be helping the transition as it lights its 75-foot tree. It will stop you in your tracks!
3. U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting
This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree comes from Alaska’s National Forests, and is embarking on a long journey to reach the district. The festive lighting ceremony of this stunning 80-foot tree is taking place on the Capitol’s West Front Lawn at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3. We’re excited to celebrate 60 years of this cherished holiday tradition!
4. 102nd Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 102nd Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place Thursday, December 5 at the Ellipse in President’s Park. Just shortly after Thanksgiving, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will help Washingtonians and visitors alike kick off the holiday season. The first National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place in 1923 under President Calvin Coolidge and now the tradition has officially been going on for over 100 years!
If you haven’t gotten tickets to see the tree lighting live, you will be able to view the National Christmas Tree Lighting special on TV on Friday, December 20.
5. Library of Congress Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 12th, head over to the Library of Congress for a gorgeous tree lighting ceremony set in the Great Hall. The lighting will start at 4:30pm with live speakers and afterwards, the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building is open for extended hours. Every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m, visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour snacks and drinks available for purchase in the Great Hall while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs.
Where: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington