Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia

Christmas tree lighting ceremonies are a great way to kickoff the holiday season with family and friends. Here is the schedule of events in the Washington, DC Capital region.

In Washington, DC

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 3, 2009, 5 p.m. The White House Ellipse. Tickets are required. (202) 208-1631. Nationally known entertainers and a military band perform and the President brings a message of peace to the nation and the world.

Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 8, 2009, 5:00 p.m. West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol. Listen to holiday music by a section of The United States Marine Band (The President's Own), and carols sung by the Congressional Chorus.

In Maryland

National Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting
November 27, 2009, 5-7 p.m. Waterfront Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland. The waterfront community will kick off the holiday season by lighting up the sky with fireworks and a 65ft Christmas tree decorated with 20,000 lights. Sip some hot chocolate and enjoy story-telling, an ornament-making workshop and holiday music.

Rockville Town Square Holiday Open House
December 3, 2009, 6:30-9 p.m. Rockville Town Square, Rockville, Maryland. The Holiday Open House features Santa's Arrival, the Holiday Tree Lighting, FREE photos with Santa, refreshments, holiday music and more! FREE Horse & Carriage Rides with a donation to the Holiday Toy & Gift Drive benefiting needy families through the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission.

City of Gaithersburg's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 5, 2009, 6-8 p.m. City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 South Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, Maryland. (301) 258-6350. Gather with the Gaithersburg community and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a holiday sing-a-long, tree lighting, take-your-own-photo-with-Santa, and free hot chocolate.

Historic Waters House - Montgomery County Historical Society
December 6, 2009, 4:30-6 p.m., 12535 Milestone Manor Lane, Germantown, Maryland. (301) 515-2887. Enjoy refreshments, sing carols and see the neighborhood tree lit at this free community event. Please bring an unwrapped toy for area charities.

In Virginia

City of Alexandria's Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 27, 2009, 7-9 p.m. Historic Market Square, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 838-5005. Enjoy musical entertainment with greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus.

Reston Town Center Christmas Tree Lighting and Sing Along
November 27, 2009. 6 p.m. Market Street & Fountain Square, Reston, Virginia. Enjoy a full day of celebration with the Reston community with the Annual Race for the Kids, a thanksgiving parade, visits with Santa, the tree lighting and carriage rides.

Manassas Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas, Virginia (703) 361-6599. Enjoy sidewalk carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, ice skating, refreshments and more.

Historic Leesburg Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4, 2009, 6 p.m. Town Green, 25 W Market St. Leesburg, Virginia (703) 777-1368.