CityCenterDC lights its 78-foot tree on Saturday, November 14, and the event is free with no tickets needed.
The CityCenterDC Tree Lighting Is Free and Open to All
CityCenterDC hosts its 13th annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Park at CityCenter. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Then the official program and countdown begin at 6 p.m.
NBC4’s Eun Yang hosts the ceremony, and Visit DC lists the American Pops Orchestra among the performers. Meanwhile, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday treats keep families busy. Visitors can also meet two resident 25-foot reindeer and pose under the Palmer Alley Dream Closet art installation. Tickets are not required. If rain arrives, the celebration moves to Sunday, November 15.
Two DC Holiday Markets Open Before the Tree Lights Up
Holiday shopping starts even earlier. The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle opens Thursday, November 12, and runs through December 23 along New Hampshire Avenue NW. Produced by Diverse Markets Management with the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District, the market enters its third year with returning and new exhibitors selling art, jewelry, ceramics, vintage collectibles, and global handcrafts.
Next, the DowntownDC Holiday Market opens Friday, November 13, on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a 40-day run with more than 115 vendors, including 20 first-timers. As a result, shoppers can browse both markets before the tree even lights up.
Enchant Christmas Returns to Nationals Park After Three Years
Enchant is back! As reported by Prince of Petworth, Enchant Christmas returns to Nationals Park from November 20 through December 27, 2026, its first appearance since 2023. The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze anchors the experience. In addition, guests can glide along an ice-skating trail, browse a festive village, and visit Santa across 32 nights.
Enchant runs rain or shine, so dress warmly and plan ahead. Group holiday party reservations are already open, and organizers expect premium dates to fill quickly.
Plan Your Visit With Addresses and Costs
The CityCenterDC tree lighting runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Park at CityCenter in downtown DC, near New York Avenue NW and 11th Street NW, and admission is free.
The Dupont Circle market sits along New Hampshire Avenue NW near the Dupont Circle Metro station, and its hours and entry pricing are not publicly listed yet.
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW, and its 2026 hours have not been published.
Enchant is at Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, and ticket prices vary by date and age. The average cost of the tree lighting is $0, while market purchases and Enchant admission vary.
The Washington Lobbyist brings readers the dining, hotel, event, and culture news that shapes life in DC, and we verify the details so you can plan with confidence. Follow The Washington Lobbyist today, share this guide with a friend, and keep your calendar ready for a spectacular DC holiday season!
