WASHINGTON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Washington After Dark: A Three‑Hour Circuit of the Capital’s Holiday Trees and Lights
A fully guided, three-hour evening tour that bundles the National Christmas Tree, the Capitol Christmas Tree and festive displays from Old Town Alexandria to the National Harbor into one easy outing.
Washington After Dark: A Three‑Hour Circuit of the Capital’s Holiday Trees and Lights.
Board a climate‑controlled luxury coach at the U.S. Navy Memorial and spend an evening tracing the capital’s seasonal landmarks — from the White House’s National Christmas Tree and its 56‑tree “Pathway of Peace” to the Capitol’s West Lawn centerpiece — while a guide layers in the history behind each display.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The National Christmas Tree & Pathway of Peace
Stand before the White House to see the National Christmas Tree and the surrounding Pathway of Peace — an arrangement of 56 smaller trees — while your guide explains the tradition that surrounds this annual display.
National Harbor and the Gaylord Lights
Cross the Potomac to the National Harbor to view its 54‑foot Christmas tree and continue to the Gaylord National Resort to take in the resort’s glittering atrium lights exhibition; the operator suggests returning to enjoy on‑site activities such as ice skating.
Old Town Alexandria & Market Square
Visit Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square to see the city’s cherished holiday centerpiece, with route views of the Washington Monument, the Pentagon and other Mall landmarks called out by your guide as you travel.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The rhythm is easy: meet at the U.S. Navy Memorial, board a heated, climate‑controlled coach, and set off on a three‑hour loop through downtown Washington and across the Potomac. Stops are brief and curated — a close look at the Park at CityCenterDC tree, the White House display with its Pathway of Peace, a stroll (optional) at Market Square in Old Town, a photo‑stop at National Harbor and the Gaylord’s atrium, followed by the Capitol Christmas Tree and a final photo at the Canadian Embassy before the return to the Navy Memorial.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening tour suits — and who might opt for something else.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a three‑hour evening tour that runs during the holiday season.
Warm, comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for outdoor stops and evening temperatures.
Meet your guide at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 (U.S. Navy Memorial) to board the luxury climate‑controlled bus.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Holiday Lights Tour?
The tour lasts three hours.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 (the U.S. Navy Memorial).
Will I have to walk a lot?
There is some walking at select stops, but guests may remain on the bus while sightseeing if they prefer.
Is the coach climate controlled?
Yes — you board a luxury climate‑controlled bus for the tour.
Which major displays are included on the route?
Highlights include the National Christmas Tree and its Pathway of Peace, the Capitol Christmas Tree, the Market Square tree in Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor’s 54‑foot tree, and the Gaylord National Resort lights exhibition.