Full Moon and the Illumination of America

Let's go for a moonlight walk on the National Mall to watch Freedom 250's "The Illumination of America" Washington Monument Lighting!

Freedom 250 transforms the iconic Washington Monument into the world’s tallest birthday candle in honor of our Nation’s 250th birthday. From New Year’s Eve through January 5th, 2026, a six-night projection-mapping spectacle will illuminate the Monument, creating an immersive, luminous canvas that narrates our Nation’s discovery, expansion, independence, and vision for the future.

This Washington Monument illumination is the opening signature moment of a year-long series of marquee national events celebrating the triumph of the American spirit.

❶ What we'll do:

• From the U.S. Navy Memorial at 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, we'll walk west along Pennsylvania Ave NW to the Ellipse, past the National Christmas Tree, and then south to the World War II Memorial to watch "The Illumination of America" show at 7 pm, which lasts about 20 minutes. After the show we'll walk north back to the corner of Constitution Ave NW and 7th St NW, and then back to our start point along Constitution Ave NW, 12th St NW, and Pennsylvania Ave NW.
• The walk is a little over 2.5 miles and should take about an hour and a half at a moderate pace, including the time to watch the show. The path is level and mostly paved, with steps in places.
• Google map: https://tinyurl.com/5czap87p

❷ How to get there:

• Metro: The U.S. Navy Memorial is located at 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, just west of the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro Station. Use the Metro Trip Planner to plan your trip and check for alerts.
• Driving: If you are driving, the street address is 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. There is paid parallel parking in the area. You may wish to download and use the Parkmobile app to find/pay for parking.

❸ Weather: The forecast is mostly clear and a high of 41F with winds NW at 8-9 mph. Sunset is at 4:59 pm; moonrise is at 6:32 pm, with 98.9% illumination (full moon!). 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 restrooms at Starbucks, Teaism, and Penn Quarter Sports Tavern near our meetup point, and at CVS along our way. See the Google map.

❼ Notes:

• The Illumination of America: Washington Monument Lighting, December 31, 2025 - January 5, 2026, https://tinyurl.com/54crkyuh
• Starbucks, 325 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
• Teaism, 400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
• Penn Quarter Sports Tavern, 639 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
• CVS, 1275 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Event illustration is a screencap from the video at the Illumination of America website