Union Station will host a number of events this holiday season. They range from the 27th annual lighting of a holiday tree presented to the District by the Royal Norwegian Embassy to a pop-up bar, weekly concerts and a holiday market.
The announcement is more good news that comes as chicken restaurant Raising Canes also announced they would open in the historic station.
Union Station has faced challenges over the past few years. On Tuesday, a federal court will hear arguments as Amtrak argues that it should be allowed to take control of Union Station using eminent domain privileges granted by the federal government.
Amtrak owns the station platforms and tracks. In 1983, the federal government authorized a nonprofit called the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) to oversee the property. Amtrak wants the property interests currently held by a private company, Union Station Investco (USI), which bought sublease rights through USRC.
Union Station has been slated for redevelopment. The project is in the environmental assessment phas and has not yet been funded.
For the full and up to date schedule of events at Union Station visit the Union Station’s events calendar.
Dec. 7 | Norwegian Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 27th annual Norwegian Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will happen in the Main Hall of Union Station on Thursday, Dec. 7th at 6 p.m. including musical performances and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
One of Washington’s most popular holiday traditions, the tree-lighting began in 1997 when Norway presented a Christmas tree to the people of Washington D.C. in recognition of the strong friendship between Norway and the United States and in gratitude for America’s assistance during and after World War II.
Dec. 10 | Menorah Lighting
Union Station will also hold a Menorah Lighting event to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The lighting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10th from 4 to 7 p.m.
Weekly Concerts at The Stage
The Stage in the Main Hall Union Station will feature a free weekly concert series featuring a curated selection of local musicians every Wednesday and Thursday for the month of December from 4:30-6:30pm.
- DEC 6 — 12 to 2 p.m.: Cellist Amy Domingues leads Holiday Favorites with DC Strings
- DEC 7— 2 to 4 p.m.: Cellist Amy Domingues leads Holiday Favorites with DC Strings
- DEC 13 — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Faith Foster leads DC Strings with Pop and Holiday favorites
- DEC 14 — 12 to 2 p.m.: Famed Saxophonist Herb Scott leads his DC Jazz Quartet with Holiday music and more!
- DEC 20 — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Cellist Amy Domingues leads Holiday Favorites with DC Strings
- DEC 21 — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Famed Saxophonist Herb Scott leads his DC Jazz Quartet with Holiday music and more!
- DEC 27 — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: DC Native Singer-Songwriter, Heidi Martin leads her jazz quartet with Auld Lang Syne and end of the year favorites!
- DEC 28— 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Famed Saxophonist, Herb Scott leads his DC Jazz Quartet with Holiday music and more!
*Performances may be subject to change, so check calendar for most updated listings.
Dec. 7-10 | Holiday Market
Union Station and DCBB Productions, owner and operator of NoMa venue Eckington Hall, will hold the first ever Union Station Holiday Market, from Dec. 7th through Dec. 10th, 11 a.m to 7 p.m. daily.
The market in the historic Main Hall of the station will feature artisanal vendors with vintage clothing, art, jewelry, collectibles, crafts, home goods and more.
1908 Pop Up Bar
The 1908 Lounge will be getting a holiday refresh with fun décor and specialty seasonal drinks. Open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 12 p.m. to p.m., the bar serves cocktails, beer, and wine for purchase in the Main Hall, with a great view of the Norwegian Holiday Tree and concerts on the Stage.
