You will visit and walk the historic festooned grounds of the U.S. Capitol and White House, as well as the glittering light exhibitions at ZooLights and Georgetown GLOW. Your tour will be led by a licensed DC Tourist Guide who will share stories about the history of this national festival, and its fun and historic local roots.
Our first stop will be the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to view “the People’s Tree” evergreen Christmas tree….which has been displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building since 1964.
It is called the “People’s Tree” because this fresh-cut tree comes from public land in a National Forest. Each year, the lighting of this tree marks the start of the holiday season on Capitol Hill. This majestic, illuminated tree shining in front of the U.S. Capitol is a unique and beautiful part of the Capitol’s holiday season. The tree is over 65’ tall and is decorated with 10,000 hand-made ornaments and lights to make it shimmer! It is a tree from the people, by the people, for the people. Everyone is invited to stand in its glow!
The next stop is, the White House Ellipse, where you’ll appreciate the beauty of our nation’s National Christmas Tree! Guests will disembark the shuttle to visit D.C.'s own "Pageant of Peace”. Since 1954, the Pageant of Peace has been held on the Ellipse by the White House. It brings our local and national communities together and symbolizes America’s wish for peace around the world.
The centerpiece of the Pageant is the National Christmas Tree decorated with thousands of beautiful twinkling lights. With the backdrop of the White House, it is one of the most glorious holiday sites in D.C.
Radiating out from the National Christmas Tree are 56 additional Christmas trees - decorated with hand-made ornaments from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
A life-size Nativity Scene and 20’ tall Menorah are also on the Ellipse. Music from local choirs and bands perform. The illuminated Washington Monument, White House, Christmas trees with thousands of ornaments come together to cheer your spirit and warm your heart with peace and joy!
Re-imagine the Season of Light! Georgetown's "Glow Light Art Exhibition" is an outdoor exhibition featuring national and international works using light in creative, innovative ways. We will stop at one of these creative installations in this historic neighborhood. Guests will get a glimpse of the holiday decorations along the main street of this quaint neighborhood founded in the 17th century.
Along the way, you will experience breathtaking views of the National Mall, with a clear view of both the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol Building - a photographer’s dream. Be prepared for great holiday cheer! Season’s greetings!
“The People’s Tree”
“The People’s Tree” has been displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building every year since 1964. It is called the “People’s Tree” because this fresh-cut tree comes from public land in a National Forest. Each year, the lighting of this tree marks the start of the holiday season on Capitol Hill. This majestic, illuminated tree shining in front of the U.S. Capitol is a unique and beautiful part of the Capitol’s holiday season.
The tree is over 65’ tall. The “People’s Tree” stands on the open grandeur of the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 10,000 hand-made ornaments decorate it with 10,000 lights to make it shimmer! A guaranteed smile will spread across your face as you stand in front of its monumental beauty. It is a tree from the people, by the people, for the people. Everyone is invited to stand in its glow!
Pageant of Peace
Since 1954, the Pageant of Peace has been held on the Ellipse by the White House. It brings our local and national communities together. It symbolizes America’s wish for peace around the world.
The centerpiece of the Pageant is the National Christmas Tree decorated with thousands of beautiful twinkling lights. With the backdrop of the White House, it is one of the most glorious holiday sites in D.C. But, we aren’t done yet! Radiating out from the National Christmas Tree are 56 additional Christmas trees! They are decorated with hand-made ornaments from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
You will have so much fun checking out whose is prettiest! A life-size Nativity Scene and 20’ tall Menorah are also on the Ellipse. Music from local choirs and bands perform. The illuminated Washington Monument, White House, Christmas trees with thousands of ornaments come together to cheer your spirit and warm your heart with peace and joy! It’s a special memory of your holiday in our Nation’s Capital!
Note: Moderate walking required to see holiday attractions. Please wear winter-appropriate clothing.
Ralph was fantastic! He interacted with everyone in a personal way and made the tour great!
Both last nights tour with Ralph & Ali and last weeks with Joanna & Cesar were excellent. We saw more than we could have done any other way and more importantly understood more of what we were looking at ...
JoAnne
We appreciated Nick's humor, enthusiasm, and knowledge. He made the daytime and the night tours very enjoyable.
Steve
We really enjoyed your tour and I am recommending USA Guided Tours to all my friends. Joey was very informative and a true delight thanks again.
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