Best Christmas Tree displays in Washington DC

When planning a holiday visit to Washington DC, one of the best things to do is a visit to all the amazing Christmas tree displays in the city. 

There are so many beautiful Christmas Trees to admire all around the city, that will surely get you in the Christmas mood!

On the blog, I will share where to find the best Christmas Tree displays in Washington DC.

Most of the Christmas Trees are located within the National Mall, and you can easily see most of them on a day trip to DC.

READ MORE: Top things to do in Washington DC during the holidays

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Map of all the Christmas Tree displays in Washington DC

Washington DC is such a walkable city, and most of the Christmas Tree displays I share are within walking distance of each other.

This map shows a sample walking route that you can follow, as well as the location of each Christmas tree I listed.

You can follow this route, or make it your own and start at any point you choose. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers.

Capitol Christmas Tree 

One of our all-time favorite Christmas trees in Washington DC is located at the United States Capitol. 

Known as “the people’s tree”, the Capitol Christmas Tree is one of the most beautiful in the city.

Every year, a different National Forest is chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree and it’s always decorated beautifully with handmade ornaments.

• When: Dec. 5 will be lit nightly from sundown till 11pm 
• FREE EVENT 
• Location: The Capitol Building First St. SE, Washington DC 20004

Canadian Embassy’s Christmas Tree

Another one of the best Christmas Trees in Washington DC and one of the most beautiful is located at the Embassy of Canada’s Rotunda. 

Their Holiday Tree is one of the prettiest, with garlands and wreaths decorating the entryway. 

The Christmas tree and wreaths are donated by the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, and have been an annual tradition for over 25 years!

The Canadian Embassy is located at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree is another favorite located directly across from the White House. What makes this tree so special are the 56 other Christmas trees that are decorated with handmade ornaments made by students from all US States and territories. 

It is absolutely beautiful and is a must-see when visiting DC during the holidays. This tradition has been going on yearly since 1923, with President Calvin Coolidge, to share in a message of hope and peace.

• When: Dec. 5-Jan. 1 from 10am-10pm (stays lit from 4:30-10pm Sun-Thurs-till 11pm on Fridays)
• FREE EVENT
• Location: White House Ellipse
• Visit the website here

Wharf Christmas Tree

One of the most unique Christmas Trees in Washington DC is the Wharf Christmas Tree located at the DC Wharf. 

The 40ft. Christmas tree is located on District Square, and is decorated with glass fishing floats which is just so beautiful!

 On Dec. 3, 2022, along with the Holiday Boat Parade, you can visit with Santa here as well. Bring your camera and take your FREE photos with Santa, then watch as the boats compete for the best holiday display that ends in a fireworks show!

READ NEXT: How to spend the day at the DC Wharf with kids

Indoor Christmas Tree Displays in Washington DC

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Willard Intercontinental Christmas Tree

Another must-see Christmas Tree in DC is located in the lobby of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel.

This grand Christmas tree is decorated so beautifully, plus the hotel has a fun gingerbread display as well. Don’t miss the outdoor Christmas tree, which is just as beautiful as well!

You can even make reservations for their holiday afternoon tea, which is a must-do during the holidays in the city. Just make sure to reserve seats in advance as they usually get sold out quickly!

Union Station Christmas Tree 

Another indoor Christmas tree to visit in Washington DC is located at the Main Hall inside Union Station. 

The Union Station tree is presented to the city by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, on behalf of the citizens of Norway, and symbolizes gratitude for the assistance Norway received during WWII and appreciation for the strong friendship between the two countries.

Union Station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

US Botanic Garden Christmas Tree 

Don’t miss a visit to the US Botanic Garden during the holidays. Not only do they have the outdoor holiday train display, but their outdoor Christmas tree display is so pretty as well.

This year the trees are decorated with natural ornaments and it’s so beautiful! Don’t forget to visit the indoor gardens and admire the DC monuments and landmarks made completely of plant materials!

• When: Nov. 24 -Jan.23, 2023 (10am-5pm) Closed on Christmas Day!
• FREE EVENT
• Location: United States Botanic Gardens (The gated outdoor gardens)

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Other Christmas Trees worth seeing in the Washington DC area

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See the National Harbor Christmas Tree

Just a short drive from Washington DC is the 56ft. tall National Harbor Christmas Tree, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

From the end of November till the end of December, there is a nightly Holiday Light Show that goes every half hour from sundown till 9pm.

It’s a fun show for the whole family, and on weekends there is usually some snow to go along with the light show as well.

Don’t miss the FREE Fireworks Show on Saturdays at the National Harbor starting at 5:30pm.

READ MORE: Christmas on the Potomac at the National Harbor

Visit Old Town Alexandria’s Christmas Tree

Another Christmas Tree worth seeing is just outside of DC in Old Town Alexandria.

Visit the Market Square and be in awe of the giant Christmas tree, it’s especially beautiful all lit up at night along with the lighted garlands surrounding the tree.

There’s also another smaller Christmas tree you can visit located on the Waterfront as well.

READ MORE: Top things to do in Old Town Alexandria during the holidays

Visit the Mosaic District Christmas tree

Another festive place to visit is the Mosaic District in Fairfax VA. During the holidays, the Mosaic District hosts a few Christmas events including the lighting of their Christmas tree, and a Santa Firetruck parade.

The Christmas tree is a unique one, with a little walk-thru space at the bottom of the tree!

The Mosaic District Christmas tree is located on Strawberry Park and there’s usually a parade followed by a meet and greet with Santa at the Target lobby, and every weekend after that till Dec. 24, 2022.

Tyson Corner Christmas Tree

Another Christmas tree worth mentioning is the Christmas Tree and light displays at Tysons Corner Center.

This year’s tree is not a real Christmas Tree but a beautiful light display with a sleigh so you can take some great family holiday photos. There are also many other holiday light displays to admire and fire pits to keep warm.

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