FreeU.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Through Jan 1Nov 20 – Jan 1 · 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Tree arrives on Capitol Grounds Nov 20, 2026. Official congressional lighting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM on the West Front Lawn. Illuminated nightly from dusk until 11:00 PM through Jan 1, 2027.
West Front Lawn of the U.S. CapitolFirst St SE, Washington, DC 20004 · 1.9 mi approx. from Washington, DCDirections
All ages (family-friendly, open accessible Capitol grounds)
FreeFree admission (no tickets or reservations required; open public lawn).
About this adventure
Known affectionately as 'The People's Tree,' the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a majestic 76-foot Engelmann spruce journeying nearly 3,000 miles from Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to take its post on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Adorned with thousands of handcrafted, eco-friendly ornaments made by Idaho schoolchildren and community members, the conifer frames one of the most iconic postcard-perfect holiday backdrops in America with the illuminated Capitol dome glowing behind it. Visiting the Capitol Christmas tree is completely free and uncrowded compared to commercial light shows. The expansive lawn and surrounding paved plazas offer plenty of space for toddlers to stretch their legs and for families pushing double strollers. Evening visits are magical, as the thousands of twinkling multicolored lights reflect against the Capitol's neoclassical marble facade from dusk until 11:00 PM nightly. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby U.S. Botanic Garden for a full evening of festive holiday sights.
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