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 6, 2012, 4:30 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 4, 2012, 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.
- Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting at Union Station
December 4, 2012, 6:00 p.m. First St. and Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington DC. Due to renovations inside Union Station, this year's tree lighting ceremony will be held outside the West Hall, on the porch facing First Street. The Children's Chorus of Washington sing Christmas carols and the Embassy of Norway will serve refreshments.
- Christmas Tree Lighting at the Fairmont
November 29, 2012, 5:30 p.m. 2401 M Street, NW. Holiday refreshments, holiday card decorating, entertainment by the Georgetown Visitation Madrigals, presentation of colors by U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. Family photos with Santa and Rudolph. Free and open to the public. Guests are asked to bring a toy for Toys for Tots.
In Maryland
- National Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting
November 23, 2012, 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
November 29, 2012, 6:30-9:30 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 1, 2012, 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.
In Virginia
- City of Alexandria's Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 23, 2012, 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 23, 2012. 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.
- Light up the Village at Shirlington
November 27, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Families are invited to take photos with Shirlington’s Santa Claus and participate in activities for children. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village will also be available.
- Manassas Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 2012, 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.
- Leesburg Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 2012, 6 p.m. Town Green, 25 W Market St. The event includes performances from local elementary schools, high schools, words from the mayor, council and guest speaker. Join in a holiday sing-a-long and stay in town for the evening for Leesburg’s First Friday event - local businesses and merchants will be open late to host some holiday cheer.
