“Washingtonians can expect to see a 75-foot tree, one of the largest in the city, decorated with more than 150,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments; face painting and balloon art; sweet and savory treats from CityCenterDC favorites; two signature 25-foot prancing reindeer in the Plaza” and more including a 130,000-pound clear ice maze

2019 lighting photo by Joy Asico / Asico Photo

From a press release:

“CityCenterDC, the District’s premier luxury mixed-use development, is thrilled to kick off the festive season with the return of joyful holiday celebrations. After a 2020 hiatus, CityCenterDC will host their Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on November 27, 2021 and will reintroduce the iconic Ice Maze with new twists, turns, and lighting December 10th-12th.

The pedestrian-friendly destination has long been a beacon for signifying the kick-off of the district’s most cheerful time of the year. Keeping with festive traditions, visitors will find the two signature 25-foot prancing reindeer in the Plaza, the awe-inspired Palmer Alley “Dream Closet” art installation created by Maggie O’Neill, decked-out storefronts, and festivities for everyone celebrating the season.

“Illuminating the joy of the season at CityCenterDC has never been so important to us as it is now,” says Timothy R. Lowery, general manager of CityCenterDC. “Throughout this time, we are honored to have created a space where Washingtonians and visitors alike can come and enjoy the beauty of our property and be dazzled by the holiday spirit. This year’s tree lighting ceremony and ice maze are monumental milestones for us as it signifies a city ready to safely gather and celebrate the magic of this season. We can’t wait to celebrate with the community this year.”

The holiday season will kick off on November 27th at 6 p.m. with the Eighth Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration in The Park at CityCenter. The festivities will be emceed by NBC 4 Anchor Eun Yang, with a special performance by the seven piece dance band, Elan Artist’s The Revels. Visitors will be met by a 75-foot tree, one of the largest in the city, decorated with more than 150,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments. While enjoying the spectacle of the tree, guests will be surrounded by face painting and balloon art, sweet and savory treats from CityCenterDC favorites, and a few surprises along the way that will have everyone dreaming of a whimsical snow-filled holiday.

While the icy freeze of holiday spirit has lifted from the District, a new tundra will return to CityCenterDC in the form of an illuminating Ice Maze. CityCenterDC will shatter its previous records with a 130,000-pound clear ice maze that will light up throughout The Plaza at City Center. The maze will add an additional 20,000 pounds of ice from the previous 2019 maze, and will be built by 10 international award-winning sculptors over the course of three full days. Guests should bundle up in their most stylish winter wardrobe and prepare to have unanticipated twists and turns throughout the dazzling display of ice. CityCenterDC will once again be donating any and all proceeds provided by patrons during their visit to the Ice Maze to Children’s National Hospital to help spread the gift of giving in the community. The glistening puzzle will be open to visitors beginning on December 10th from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and December 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed to public from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. each day for chilling repairs).

Throughout the holiday season, CityCenterDC will spread cheer through music by beloved local violinist Stephanie Mathias at the Plaza on select weekends. Guests can enjoy beautiful arrangements by this award-winning artist on December 10th – 11th and 17th – 18th. CityCenterDC is also excited for the return of outdoor dining chalets. This time, the center will transform the popular blooming greenhouses filled with cherry blossoms into a magical winter dining experience. Immerse yourself in a cozy winter wonderland while you enjoy the flavors of the season. Participating restaurants, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, and Fig & Olive will all have reservations available.

From December 3rd-5th, in-store shoppers can receive a fresh holiday wreath courtesy of CityCenterDC at participating retailers. Visit here for gift with purchase details.

All events are free and open to the public and cameras are welcome.”