FreeCityCenterDC Holiday Tree & Palmer Alley Illumination
Through Jan 10Nov 14 – Jan 10 · 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Official Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, countdown at 6:00 PM; rain date Nov 15). Trees and Palmer Alley overhead installations illuminated nightly dusk to 11:00 PM through Jan 10, 2027.
The Park at CityCenter825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 · 0.7 mi approx. from Washington, DCDirections
All ages (free public plaza; completely flat and stroller accessible)
FreeFree admission (open public plazas; no tickets or reservations required).
About this adventure
Every holiday season, CityCenterDC transforms into one of downtown Washington's most photogenic winter destinations. In The Park at CityCenter, a soaring 78-foot Christmas tree is draped in more than 150,000 twinkling LED lights and 4,500 festive ornaments, flanked by two towering 25-foot sculpted reindeer. Along adjacent Palmer Alley, an overhead ceiling installation of thousands of glowing silver ribbons and fairy lights creates a mesmerizing tunnel of light perfect for festive family portraits. The kickoff tree lighting on November 14 features live musical performances, face painters, balloon artists, and complimentary hot chocolate and sweet treats. Throughout the holiday season, the pedestrian-only plazas offer a serene, car-free environment where toddlers can safely wander and marvel at the glowing displays. Wide brick walkways accommodate double strollers with ease, and nearby family-friendly cafes like Tatte Bakery and Dolcezza Gelato offer delicious warm refreshments.
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