The Lighting of a National Christmas Tree in front of the White House in Washington, DC has been a holiday tradition in the United States since 1923. The current tree, a 40 foot Colorado Blue Spruce, was transported to the White House in 1978 from York, Pennsylvania. Each year the National Christmas Tree is lit to signify the beginning of the holiday season. It is decorated with ornaments and bows displayed in protective plastic bubbles that are provided from each state. Surrounding the tree are 56 smaller Christmas trees representing the fifty states, five U.S. territories, and our Nation’s Capitol. These trees, known as the Pathway of Peace, began as a holiday tradition in 1954.

Come visit the National Christmas Tree this year and start your own holiday tradition. You can view the tree and the Pathway of Peace every night through January 1st from dusk to 11:00pm and be entertained by local choirs and dancers on the Ellipse stage. Performances are from 6:00pm-8:30pm weekdays and 4:00pm-8:30pm on the weekends. Holiday displays such as a large scale train and manger scene are also on display surrounding the illuminated National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace.

2. VISIT THE MANY HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

The Washington DC area has numerous organizations that put on spectacular Christmas Light displays that will leave you speechless. From the National Zoo to the Mormon Temple, car and walking tours to Olde Town's Boat Parade, there are endless opportunities to see these amazing displays. Truly one of the best holiday traditions in our Nation's Capitol these are the perfect event to put you in the holiday spirit and are great for families. For a list of area displays visit our Holiday Light Displays in Washington DC page.

3. TAKE A CANDLELIGHT TOUR

Similar to Washington DC's holiday light displays many museums and historic areas in our Nation's Capitol offer candlelight tours around the holiday season. A great time to spend with family and friends these educational tours will give you a bigger appreciation of Washington DC and are usually accompanied with holiday music and storytelling. Mount Vernon has perhaps the most celebrated and recognized candlelight tour in the Washington DC area compete with Christmas caroling, holiday décor and 18th century holiday cooking.

4. SEE A HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE

The holiday season brings many classic Christmas performances to the Washington DC area. Numerous groups, schools, and performing arts organization put on great shows that will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit. This year the Warner Theatre will feature the Washington Ballet performing The Nutcracker while Ford's Theatre will show A Christmas Carol. The Washington DC area also has many shows geared towards families, some of which are interactive and teach young children many different holiday traditions. For a list of area performances visit our Holiday Performances in Washington DC page.

5. SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK WEEKEND

Visit Olde Town Alexandria December 2nd and 3rd for the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and you will see hundreds of Scottish men and women dressed in their native clothing. All activities are held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial and end with the famous parade through Olde Town December 3rd at 10:30am. Scottish clansmen parade throughout the city with their bagpipes along with pipe and drum bands. You will also enjoy Scottish dancers, dignitaries, re-enactments, a children’s tea party, and Celtic concerts. All proceeds from the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend go to help the non-profit organization Campagna Center which serves children and families in need.

6. GO TO A HOLIDAY CONCERT

The holidays are the perfect time to attend a concert in the Washington DC area. The National Symphony performs throughout the month of December at the John F Kennedy Center. The Washington National Cathedral also has festive holiday concerts throughout the month that are perfect for family outings. If you are looking for a more personal environment with free musical performances head over to the Botanic Garden on Tuesday and Thursday nights between 6:00pm-8:00pm or the Willard Hotel.

7. THE NATIONAL HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY

Located on the Ellipse, the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony has been a tradition held at the White House since 2001. The annual reception is hosted by the President and First Lady during the eight-day Jewish holiday and has musical performances that accompany the lighting of the Menorah. This year Hanukah begins at sunset Tuesday, December 20th and ends at sunset Wednesday, December 28th. Hanukkah celebrates religious freedom and hope and the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony is a must see event for anyone who is Jewish in the Washington DC area. Parking near the White House is very limited so the best way to get to the Ellipse is by Metro. Standing room tickets are free.