Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

Let our experts guide your run to the White House

A Capital Christmas

Washington, D.C., shines brightest when Santa comes to town.

Scott Suchman

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Let's Celebrate

The holiday season officially begins December 7, when the President lights the 40-foot-tall Colorado spruce during the annual Pageant of Peace concert and tree-lighting ceremony. The National Park Service gives away a limited number of tickets, but the tree stays lit throughout the season. Local music groups perform each evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through the end of December, except Christmas

left: General Electric designs the lights for the National Christmas Tree.