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Every Christmas tree worth visiting in the D.C. area

By Michelle Goldchain Updated
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By Michelle Goldchain Updated
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated with the most recent information.

The trees, the lights, the holiday cheer—what's not to love about this time of the year? In case you're looking for locations to be pleased, check out the below map of publicly available Christmas trees. From the National Christmas tree to Del Ray's Market Square tree, there are a myriad of options to check out for free.

If there's a tree that seems to be left out, be sure leave a comment, email, or give Curbed DC a big shout.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

National Christmas Tree

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The tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree has persisted since 1923. Every year, the decorations are unique, sponsored by a different organization from each state. During the tree lighting ceremony, famous singers and other performers entertain the crowds that congregate near the Ellipse of The White House. Past entertainers have included Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, and Garth Brooks. This year, the lighting will happen Thursday, November 30.

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20500
Photo via Mark Wilson/Getty Images Staff

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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At the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, D.C. residents and tourists will be able to visit a tree from the Kootenai National Forest in Montana. At this year's tree lighting ceremony on December 6, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan will light the tree. The ceremony for the Capitol Christmas Tree, otherwise known as "The People's Tree," has been hosted since 1964. Every year, a different national forest provides a tree for the ceremony.

US Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515
2022268000
2022268000
Photo via Alex Wong/Getty Images Staff

Also featured in:

Library of Congress Tree

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A photo posted by Lilia (@lilia_tullin) on

101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20540
(202) 707-6400
(202) 707-6400

CityCenterDC Tree

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A photo posted by CityCenterDC (@citycenterdc) on

825 10th Street NW, Retail PMO, Washington, D.C. 20001

U.S. Botanic Garden Holiday Display

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A photo posted by Wil W (@wilworksdc) on

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 225-8333
(202) 225-8333

Also featured in:

Union Market Tree

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A photo posted by Audrey Schultz (@maudreyis) on

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(301) 652-7400
(301) 652-7400

Also featured in:

Monroe Street Market Tree

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716 Monroe St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017

Del Ray Tree Avenue

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2308 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

The National Harbor Tree

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Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Also featured in:

City Market at O Tree

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800 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

The Fairmont Tree

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For the fourteenth year in a row, this West End hotel will host a tree lighting ceremony in the building's courtyard. This year, it will be hosted on November 28 at 5:30 p.m. While you bundle up for the cold weather, be sure to expect complimentary hot chocolate and cookies along with live music.

2401 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 429-2400
(202) 429-2400
Fairmont Hotel Photo via Google Street View

Also featured in:

Union Station Tree

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Inside the center of Union Station, those with holiday cheer will be able to find a decorated tree on November 29. At 6 p.m. that day, the tree will be lit by the Ambassador of Norway. There will also be a live performance by the Norwegian artist Jardar Johansen and the Carolers of Greater Washington.

50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 289-1908
(202) 289-1908
Photo courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Embassy

Also featured in:

Capitol Riverfront Tree

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At Canal Park, the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District will host their annual holiday tree lighting on December 1 at 5 p.m. with caroling, ice skating, and Santa Claus included.

200 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Rhode Island Row

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A post shared by Ellen Jansen (@elle_jans) on

2300 Washington Place NE, Washington, D.C. 20018

Cathedral Commons

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With giveaways and free photos with Santa Claus, this tree lighting is sure to be a blast. There will also be live performances and s'mores. Be sure to visit on December 1 at 6 p.m. when the tree is lit.

3401 Idaho Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Christmas Tree Photo via Shutterstock/Gajus
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Link copied to the clipboard.

National Christmas Tree

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20500

The tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree has persisted since 1923. Every year, the decorations are unique, sponsored by a different organization from each state. During the tree lighting ceremony, famous singers and other performers entertain the crowds that congregate near the Ellipse of The White House. Past entertainers have included Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, and Garth Brooks. This year, the lighting will happen Thursday, November 30.

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20500
Photo via Mark Wilson/Getty Images Staff

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

US Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515

At the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, D.C. residents and tourists will be able to visit a tree from the Kootenai National Forest in Montana. At this year's tree lighting ceremony on December 6, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan will light the tree. The ceremony for the Capitol Christmas Tree, otherwise known as "The People's Tree," has been hosted since 1964. Every year, a different national forest provides a tree for the ceremony.

US Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515
2022268000
2022268000
Photo via Alex Wong/Getty Images Staff

Library of Congress Tree

101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20540

A photo posted by Lilia (@lilia_tullin) on

101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20540
(202) 707-6400
(202) 707-6400

CityCenterDC Tree

825 10th Street NW, Retail PMO, Washington, D.C. 20001

A photo posted by CityCenterDC (@citycenterdc) on

825 10th Street NW, Retail PMO, Washington, D.C. 20001

U.S. Botanic Garden Holiday Display

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

A photo posted by Wil W (@wilworksdc) on

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
(202) 225-8333
(202) 225-8333

Union Market Tree

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

A photo posted by Audrey Schultz (@maudreyis) on

1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(301) 652-7400
(301) 652-7400

Monroe Street Market Tree

716 Monroe St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
716 Monroe St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017

Del Ray Tree Avenue

2308 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
2308 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

The National Harbor Tree

Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Oxon Hill, MD 20745

City Market at O Tree

800 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
800 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

The Fairmont Tree

2401 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

For the fourteenth year in a row, this West End hotel will host a tree lighting ceremony in the building's courtyard. This year, it will be hosted on November 28 at 5:30 p.m. While you bundle up for the cold weather, be sure to expect complimentary hot chocolate and cookies along with live music.

2401 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 429-2400
(202) 429-2400
Fairmont Hotel Photo via Google Street View

Union Station Tree

50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Inside the center of Union Station, those with holiday cheer will be able to find a decorated tree on November 29. At 6 p.m. that day, the tree will be lit by the Ambassador of Norway. There will also be a live performance by the Norwegian artist Jardar Johansen and the Carolers of Greater Washington.

50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 289-1908
(202) 289-1908
Photo courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Embassy

Capitol Riverfront Tree

200 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

At Canal Park, the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District will host their annual holiday tree lighting on December 1 at 5 p.m. with caroling, ice skating, and Santa Claus included.

200 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Rhode Island Row

2300 Washington Place NE, Washington, D.C. 20018

A post shared by Ellen Jansen (@elle_jans) on

2300 Washington Place NE, Washington, D.C. 20018

Cathedral Commons

3401 Idaho Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

With giveaways and free photos with Santa Claus, this tree lighting is sure to be a blast. There will also be live performances and s'mores. Be sure to visit on December 1 at 6 p.m. when the tree is lit.

3401 Idaho Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Christmas Tree Photo via Shutterstock/Gajus