Skip to content

Overview

Unwind with a festive, social stroll and soak up holiday vibes, perfect for adults who want an easy-paced, friendly outing and seasonal cheer.

Details

Let's go for a walk on the National Mall to visit the National Christmas Tree, the US Capitol Christmas Tree, and the Outdoor Holiday Display at the US Botanic Garden!

❶ What we'll do:

  • From the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, in front of the gift shop, we'll walk west and north to the National Mall, continue west to the Washington Monument, then northwest to the Ellipse to check out the National Christmas Tree. From there we'll walk northeast through the newly completed National World War One Memorial, check out the Willard Hotel Christmas Tree, and continue southeast along Pennsylvania Avenue past the Christmas Tree at the Embassy of Canada to the Capitol West Lawn to admire the US Capitol Christmas Tree. From there we'll turn southwest to visit the Outdoor Holiday Display at the US Botanic Garden. Afterwards we'll head southwest along Maryland Drive back to our starting point.
  • The walk is about 4 miles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace, including stops. The path is level and mostly paved, with steps in places.
  • Google map: https://tinyurl.com/4zxs9h69

❷ How to get there:

  • Metro: The Eisenhower Memorial is located at 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202, just northeast of the Maryland Ave SW exit from L'Enfant Metro Station. Use the Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip and check for alerts. From the Maryland Ave SW exit, walk one block ENE along Maryland Avenue SW to enter the memorial. The gift shop is a small building on the east side of the memorial.
  • Driving: If you are driving, the street address is 540 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20202. There is paid parallel parking in the area.

❸ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 30F, with 11-12 mph WNW winds and a 9-13% chance of precipitation. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ycnap

❹ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. The layered look is a good idea, with gloves and protection for your ears and face close at hand (lip balm).

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff: There are public restrooms at the Eisenhower Memorial and at several locations along our route. See the Google map.

❼ Notes:

Events in Washington, DC
Hiking
Outdoors
Walking

Members are also interested in