En español | Family Christmas trees adorned with cherished ornaments have a special place in our hearts, but so do the public — and often enormous — trees that are bedecked in holiday finery across the country. Here are six towering trees to keep in mind during your yuletide travels.
The National Christmas Tree lighting near the White House. — Katherine Frey/The Washington Post/Getty Images
1. National Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C.
Back in 1978, a 30-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pa., to the Ellipse, behind the White House on the National Mall in downtown Washington. While the tradition of lighting a national Christmas tree dates to 1923, the Colorado spruce was named the official National Christmas Tree. In early December, the first family flips the switch on the colored lights draped on the wide branches of the tree, which is now more than 40-feet tall.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. — Chip Somodovilla/Getty Images
2. U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia's tallest holiday tree is the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which is selected from a national forest and usually stands well over 60-feet tall. It serves as a sparkling totem on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York. — Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images
3. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York
Walk along New York's Fifth Avenue in December, turn the corner at Rockefeller Center, and bam! Soaring several stories above the festive ice-skating rink — sparkling with uncountable lights and flanked by dramatic skyscrapers — is one of the country's most impressive holiday trees. Equally impressive is the process of getting it raised and decorated, a multiday effort involving huge cranes and large crews. Be sure to visit nearby FAO Schwarz just before it opens: While waiting in line to enter this iconic toy store, you'll experience the fanfare created by a trio of toy soldiers.
Next page: See 3 more beautiful trees, including the world's tallest living Christmas tree. »
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