clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Alex Wong/Getty Images

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

View as Map

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.

Read More
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

Copy Link

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.

Photo via Mark Wilson/Getty Images Staff

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Copy Link

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.

Photo via Alex Wong/Getty Images Staff

Library of Congress Tree

Copy Link

A photo posted by Lilia (@lilia_tullin) on

CityCenterDC Tree

Copy Link

A photo posted by CityCenterDC (@citycenterdc) on

U.S. Botanic Garden Holiday Display

Copy Link

A photo posted by Wil W (@wilworksdc) on

Union Market Tree

Copy Link

A photo posted by Audrey Schultz (@maudreyis) on

Monroe Street Market Tree

Copy Link

Del Ray Tree Avenue

Copy Link

The National Harbor Tree

Copy Link

City Market at O Tree

Copy Link

The Fairmont Tree

Copy Link

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.

Fairmont Hotel Photo via Google Street View

Union Station Tree

Copy Link

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.

Photo courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Embassy

Capitol Riverfront Tree

Copy Link

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.

Rhode Island Row

Copy Link

A post shared by Ellen Jansen (@elle_jans) on

Cathedral Commons

Copy Link

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.

Christmas Tree Photo via Shutterstock/Gajus

National Christmas Tree

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.

Photo via Mark Wilson/Getty Images Staff

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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.

Photo via Alex Wong/Getty Images Staff

Library of Congress Tree

A photo posted by Lilia (@lilia_tullin) on

CityCenterDC Tree

A photo posted by CityCenterDC (@citycenterdc) on

U.S. Botanic Garden Holiday Display

A photo posted by Wil W (@wilworksdc) on

Union Market Tree

A photo posted by Audrey Schultz (@maudreyis) on

Monroe Street Market Tree

Del Ray Tree Avenue

The National Harbor Tree

City Market at O Tree

The Fairmont Tree

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.

Fairmont Hotel Photo via Google Street View

Union Station Tree

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.

Photo courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Embassy

Capitol Riverfront Tree

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.

Rhode Island Row

A post shared by Ellen Jansen (@elle_jans) on

Cathedral Commons

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.

Christmas Tree Photo via Shutterstock/Gajus