Washington Union Station Celebrates the Holiday Season with Festive Traditions, the 30th Annual Norwegian Tree Lighting, Holiday Market and New Concourse Concierge

Washington, D.C. – October 20, 2026 – Washington Union Station is dressing up for the holidays and welcoming visitors and locals to celebrate. Starting mid-November, the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), the entity responsible for oversight of the historic landmark, will unveil festive decorations and seasonal programming, including the return of the Norwegian Christmas Tree and its annual lighting celebration, the fourth annual Main Hall Holiday Market and a new Concourse Concierge. 

“The holidays have a way of changing how we experience a place, and that is especially true at Washington Union Station,” said Doug Carr, CEO of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation. “For some, Union Station is the first stop in a trip home. For others, it is where they meet friends, discover something new in the city or simply pause between destinations. This season, we are building on those moments with traditions that have become part of the station’s identity, new ways to experience the space and a warm welcome for everyone who walks through our doors.”

New Concourse Concierge Welcomes Holiday Visitors

This holiday season, Washington Union Station will introduce a new Concourse Concierge service designed to provide personalized assistance and information to travelers and visitors throughout their time at the station. Debuting in early November, the concierge team will offer directions and wayfinding, transit information, hotel and restaurant recommendations, attraction and city recommendations, accessibility information and assistance with transportation, luggage and other visitor needs at one of the busiest rail stations in North America and the second busiest inter-city rail station in the U.S.

The service will also connect visitors with local tourism partners, including attractions, museums, theaters, tour operators and restaurants, while providing guidance on tours, attraction tickets and transportation throughout Washington, D.C. The team will also support group visitors and tour operators with arrival coordination, itineraries and other on-site needs.

The Stage a Union Station

Against the backdrop of bright holiday decor, expect live performances of holiday classics at The Stage at Union Station, presented by Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, in partnership with Sing for Hope, Washington Union Station’s free weekly concert series featuring a curated selection of local musicians.  For the most up to date schedule of events and performers at The Stage at Union Station, visit UnionStationDC.com. 

The Holiday Spirit Arrives at Washington Union Station

Beginning the week of November 16, Washington Union Station will be transformed for the holiday season with festive decorations throughout the historic transit hub. The seasonal display will feature the station’s iconic exterior wreaths, festive interior decor and displays celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as well as the beloved Norwegian Christmas Tree. The Menorah and Kwanzaa displays will be installed in alignment with the respective holiday celebrations.

30th Annual Norwegian Tree Lighting

Washington Union Station will celebrate a milestone holiday tradition with the 30th Annual Norwegian Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 3. The annual celebration brings the community together to officially welcome the holiday season with live performances from across the District, a special appearance by Norwegian artist and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus too. 

The Norwegian Christmas Tree has been a cherished part of Washington Union Station’s holiday celebrations for three decades, bringing together the District community and visitors from around the world to celebrate the season. 

Fourth Annual Main Hall Holiday Market

From Wednesday, December 16 through Saturday, December 19, Washington Union Station will host its fourth annual Main Hall Holiday Market, inviting guests to shop for unique gifts while supporting local makers and businesses. The four day market will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and feature more than 40 vendors offering a range of gifts, goods and seasonal finds. The experience will also feature live music, interactive activities and festive decor throughout the Main Hall, creating a welcoming destination for holiday shopping, gathering and exploring. 

Following a visit to the Holiday Market, guests can continue their evening at Continental Club, the recently opened cocktail parlor and lounge overlooking the Main Hall. The seasonal pop up offers visitors another opportunity to gather and enjoy the holiday atmosphere within Washington Union Station.

Continental Club

This holiday season, Continental Club will transform into a festive holiday destination inspired by the magic of classic holiday train journeys to the North Pole. Continental Club will also offer a  special menu of bites and holiday inspired cocktails and festive takes on winter classics, including peppermint espresso martinis, spiked hot cocoa and a gingerbread Old Fashioned.

Located on the Mezzanine Level, overlooking Washington Union Station’s historic Main Hall, Continental Club offers visitors a festive place to gather, unwind and take in the holiday atmosphere throughout the season.

This holiday season, Washington Union Station will celebrate the traditions, culture, and community that make the historic landmark a year-round destination, while advancing plans for its major restoration and modernization. For more information about Union Station programming and upcoming events, please visit unionstationdc.com.

About Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC)

The Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) is a non-profit organization established in 1983 to modernize Washington Union Station while preserving its history. Representing ownership of the station on behalf of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration, USRC maintains oversight of the operations and management of this historic station and its commercial assets. It is also responsible for managing and implementing a once-in-a-generation transformation of the 117-year-old historic Union Station into a modern, world-class transportation hub. For more, visit: www.usrcdc.com. 

About Washington Union Station

Washington Union Station is a historic, mixed-use, intermodal transportation hub with a rich history featuring one-of-a-kind architectural details, while also offering an array of dining and shopping options, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building. Built in 1907, and completed in 1908, Washington Union Station is one of the most iconic destinations in Washington, D.C. for travelers and area residents alike. The station is currently host to four modes of transportation – METRO, Amtrak, MARC, and VRE commuter railroads, and is the main bus terminal of Washington D.C. – millions of visitors each month, a multitude of dining and shopping options and some of the region’s grandest public and private events. For additional information about Washington Union Station, visit unionstationdc.com.