Trees and menorahs will light the evening skies this month and next, often as part of larger celebrations with drinks, food, live performances and inflatables. Here are spots to enjoy the season of light.
View this post on Instagram
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Each year since 1970, the tree decorating the Capitol’s West Lawn has hailed from a national forest. This year’s 53-foot red fir, named Silver Belle, comes from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and was “chosen for its perfect form, striking blue-green foliage and strong, sturdy branches—a must-have feature, as it will be adorned with 10,000 handmade ornaments throughout the holiday season,” says the website. See the tree light up Dec. 2, 5-5:30 p.m. First and East Capitol streets, Washington, D.C
Ballston’s Singing Tree Market
Ballston’s Singing Tree is a favorite holiday tradition. Listen to its festive tunes while browsing handcrafted gifts and sipping free hot cocoa and cider on Dec. 3, 2-6 p.m. The Arlington Children’s Chorus will perform 4:30-5:30 p.m., with the tree lighting immediately afterward. Welburn Square, 901 N. Taylor St., Arlington (Ballston)
Rosslyn Cheer 2025: Light the Plaza
A 24-foot evergreen will brighten Central Place Plaza starting Dec. 4. The tree-lighting celebration runs 5-7 p.m. and includes festive music raffles and a cash bar. This event is free to attend and just one of several activities that are part of this year’s Rosslyn Cheer holiday season lineup. 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
National Christmas Tree
This event has been a tradition at President’s Park outside the White House ever since Dec. 24, 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a 48-foot balsam fir decorated in 2,500 red, white and green lights. Details surrounding this year’s lighting event on Dec. 4 are TBD, but you can visit the tree once it opens to the public through Jan. 1, 2026. The main tree and dozens of smaller ones surrounding it will illuminate at sunset each evening, with lights off at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
Melwood’s Annual Miracle on 23rd Street
Kick off the holiday season with this free community event Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m., at Melwood Arlington, which supports children, youth and adults with disabilities. In addition to the tree lighting, there will be photos with Santa, s’mores, a video gaming truck, a snowball fight and crafts. New this year is a holiday market featuring select small businesses operated by people with disabilities and kids. Admission is free, but please bring a nonperishable donation for Melwood’s food drive. 750 23rd St., South, Arlington (Aurora Highlands)
Shipgarten Tree Lighting Ceremony
Gather around a fire pit, sip a hot drink from the Winter Wonderland menu and watch the tree light up Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. The whole shebang runs from 1-6 p.m. and includes live music, a snowball toss, a marshmallow run relay, free photos with Santa (dogs included) and Christmas caroling. Bring the kids to enjoy 20-plus holiday-themed inflatables, plus a crafting station with Mrs. Claus. Adults can stay after-hours (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) to keep the party going with a live DJ. 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off
On Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Alexandria’s Del Ray community will light a menorah (a bit ahead of the first night of Hanukkah on Dec. 14) and a Christmas tree. Afterward, stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue to marvel at the local storefronts’ hand-painted holiday windows. Mount Vernon and Oxford avenues, Alexandria
National Menorah Lighting
This annual event attracts more than 5,000 attendees each year, including Cabinet officials, members of Congress and other public figures. In addition to lighting the Hanukkah menorah, the celebration includes musical performances by the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington and traditional Hanukkah foods. Presented by American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), it will take place Dec. 14, 3:30-5:30 p.m., the first night of Hanukkah. Watch the event live here or request free tickets here. South of the White House and north of Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Light Up Arlington
Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will host a Hanukkah celebration, Dec. 16, 6 p.m., that includes lighting a 9-foot menorah. The event also will feature latkes (potato pancakes), hot cocoa, doughnuts, gelt (chocolate coins) and dreidels. Admission is free, but spaces are limited so registration is required. 1307 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Hanukkah Glow and Dance Party at Mosaic District
The Pozez Jewish Community Center is hosting a Hanukkah party at Mosaic District on Dec. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dance with glow sticks and enjoy the menorah lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax,