Begin your holiday journey beneath one of DC’s most captivating sights, the National Mistletoe. Designed by local artist My Ly, this modern installation marks the start of your walk through the city’s festive heart. Uncover how Washington’s Christmas traditions evolved from presidential ceremonies to public art that keeps the spirit of the season alive.
Walk through the gleaming glass corridors of CityCenterDC and discover one of the capital’s most elegant Christmas trees. This stop captures the sophistication of a modern city celebrating an old tradition. Hear how public Christmas displays became a cherished American custom, reflecting the nation’s growth and ever-changing style.
Surrounded by twinkling lights and winter greenery, Franklin Park invites you to step into a timeless holiday scene. Once a Civil War campsite, it’s now a place of community and celebration. Learn how Washington’s parks and squares became the stage for early public Christmas gatherings and how those traditions continue to bring the city together.
Step into Washington’s oldest and most beloved restaurant, where warm lights and Victorian charm fill the air. Revisit how DC’s earliest residents celebrated Christmas, when evergreen garlands, oysters, and candlelight defined the season. Feel the nostalgia of a capital discovering its own festive identity.
Just steps from the White House, The Willard glows with timeless elegance each December. Step inside its stunning lobby to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and take in the hotel’s famously ornate holiday décor. The atmosphere often includes soft live music or visiting carolers. Once everyone’s cozy again, continue on toward the new WWI Memorial.
Pause in a quieter corner of the city to explore stories of Christmas during wartime. From handwritten letters to small gifts between soldiers, to the extraordinary 1914 Christmas Truce, this stop highlights the resilience of hope even in the darkest chapters of history. It’s a grounding moment.
End at the National Christmas Tree, glowing beside the White House since 1923. Around it, find 56 smaller trees, each decorated to represent a U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia, forming the “Pathway of Peace.” From this spot, see the National Menorah, one of the largest in the world, rising just across the lawn on the Ellipse. With both symbols shining side by side, this final stop beautifully reflects the diversity of winter traditions celebrated in the nation’s capital.
Please note, hot cocoa is not included with a free child's ticket.
