7. Washington, DC: 3-Hour Holiday Lights Night-Time Bus Tour
Take in the illuminated beauty of some of Washington DC’s most famous buildings and monuments, with all their festive décor. Be in awe as you travel through the streets of America’s capital city with its twinkling lights. 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 historic local roots. Your first stop will be the West Lawn 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. 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.
Next stop is the White House Ellipse, where you will disembark the bus to visit D.C.'s own Pageant of Peace, which 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 foot tall Menorah are also on the Ellipse.
There will also be a stop in the historic Georgetown area to visit one of the installations of the GLOW Light Art Exhibition, which is an outdoor multi-site exhibition featuring national and international pieces of art using light in creative and innovative ways. You will also get a glimpse of the holiday decorations along the main shopping street of this exclusive quaint neighborhood, which was 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, which is a photographer’s dream.