The National Christmas Tree

Every year since 1923, a Christmas tree has stood in front of the White House, adorned in decorations from all 56 states and territories.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Washington DC
The White House
The White House is one of the most easily recognizable buildings on earth, yet shrouded in mystery and power.
National Security Council HQ
The famous site of the NSC's cover-up of the Iran-Contra paper trail.
James A Garfield
Learn about James Garfield, who was assassinated after only a few months in office.
William McKinley
The 25th president of the United States, and the 3rd president to get assassinated when in office.
John F. Kennedy
JFK is famous for the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis, as well as being assassinated early in his presidency.
Old Ebbitt Grill
This DC establishment was the favorite after-hours drinking spot of Presidents Andrew Johnson, Warren Harding, and Teddy Roosevelt. The saloon was also home to Presidents McKinley, Cleveland, and Grant.

Related Tours

Magical Christmas Lights: Washington DC Private Walking Tour

Experience Washington DC as you never have before on this Christmas lights private walking tour when the sun sets and the monuments and memorials are illuminated.

On your tour, you will:

  • Admire the United States Capitol with its season illumination;
  • Find out which National Forest provides the grand tree for the US Capitol - a tradition stretching back to 1964;
  • Pass by the Sculpture Ice Rink for amazing views of the National Gallery of Art;
  • See the monuments of DC standing majestically and brightly lit as holiday cheer spreads throughout the city;
  • Enjoy the spectacular lights of the iconic National Christmas tree at the White House;
  • Learn about the enduring traditions of the city and the unique way each First Family has celebrated the holidays;
  • Stroll through the Downtown Holiday Market, shopping for trinkets, ornaments, and presents;
  • Treat yourself to a warming hot cocoa or spiced cider as you shop your way through each stall.


Washington DC is inspiring year-round, but when the holiday lights are strung new magic hangs in the crisp, winter air - a collective joy overtakes residents and visitors alike. It's simply the most wonderful time of the year to be out and about in DC.

On your private walking tour, your guide will not only show you the spectacular lights on display throughout the national mall but will also share with you the history of Christmas in Washington DC, which spans further back than the tradition of the National Christmas Tree, which began in 1923.

While your holiday walking tour will be filled with stories that remind us of the magic of the season, your guide will also be sharing the history of the monuments and how the city came to be. Your tour ends with a visit to the Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter, where you will be free to continue at your own pace and of course purchase any handmade Christmas gifts!

We invite you to join us in this spectacular city lights private tour made just for you this wonderful season.

Please note: This tour does not run after December 23rd. 

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