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Christmas Lights/Trees tours

I know it is months away but pre Covid my daughter was in Washington DC on a school trip and they were offered the opportunity to do a Christmas lights on bikes tours.

I have tried searching but I cannot find anything - in fact I can only find one company doing a tour.

Are Christmas lights/tree tours such a thing? It will be early December.

Thanks in advance

Yes, Christmas lights and holiday tree tours are a thing in Washington DC, though they are more limited than they were pre-Covid. Several companies offer guided tours focusing on the city’s festive decorations, but the formats have changed and not all are by bike anymore.

In early December, you can expect the city to have several highlights:

  • The National Christmas Tree near the White House, along with the path of decorated trees representing the 50 states and territories.
  • ZooLights at the National Zoo, which runs in the evenings with festive displays and light installations.
  • Holiday displays at Georgetown and along some of the major avenues downtown, often viewable on walking or driving tours.

Tour options vary:

  • Guided bus or van tours focusing on major holiday light displays in DC neighborhoods and downtown areas.
  • Biking tours exist but are less common and may require booking with specialized companies; some companies only offer private group bike tours.
  • Walking tours in historic districts such as Georgetown or Capitol Hill with a focus on holiday lights.

Tips for planning:

  • Book early, as holiday-themed tours are popular and fill up quickly in December.
  • Check if the tour company provides bikes or if you need to bring your own; weather in early December can be cold.
  • Consider combining the tour with other attractions like the U.S. Botanic Garden holiday display or ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

Overall, while pre-Covid options included more casual and group bike tours, currently the majority of holiday lights tours are by walking, bus, or private bike arrangements. It is feasible to do a lights tour, but availability may be more limited, so planning ahead is key.

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