Stepping into the Willard InterContinental during the holidays feels like entering a grand, glittering Christmas postcard. The historic lobby is transformed with towering trees, garlands, and elaborate themed displays that change each year but always echo the hotel’s timeless elegance. Throughout December, the Willard’s famous lobby also fills with the sound of live choral performances—local carollers whose voices carry through the marble halls. The result is a festive, almost magical atmosphere that blends Washington tradition with old-world holiday charm, making the Willard a must-see stop during Christmastime in D.C.

A visit to the World War I Memorial offers not only a place to reflect on the service and sacrifice of American forces, but also a chance to remember the remarkable human stories that emerged from the conflict—especially at Christmastime. One of the most famous is the 1914 Christmas Truce, when soldiers along parts of the Western Front briefly set aside the war to sing carols, exchange small gifts, and even play impromptu games of football in the no man’s land between the trenches. Though the United States had not yet entered the war, this moment of shared humanity remains one of the most powerful and enduring stories from WWI. Standing at the memorial, with its sweeping bronze reliefs and quiet reflection areas, visitors can consider how these Christmas stories highlight the contrast between the brutality of war and the universal desire for peace. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the darkest moments of history, the spirit of compassion and connection can still break through.