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Field Trip: Tree Lights & Fireworks at National Harbor (rain date: November 22)

November 15 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Let’s kick off the holiday season with a dazzling evening shoot at National Harbor! Our November field trip will capture the magic of the Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks Show—a spectacular blend of light, color, and celebration. With the Potomac River as our backdrop and the Waterfront District aglow, this outing offers rich opportunities for night photography, festive fireworks, and street scenes.

Photo by George Bradshaw

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 
Location: National Harbor, Maryland
Meet–Up Time: 4:30 p.m. at “It’s Sugar,” a candy store located near the tree: 150 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 https://www.nationalharbor.com/directory/itsugar/

Allow plenty of time to arrive, as traffic can be heavy on the beltway.

Fireworks: Begin at approximately 5:30 p.m.

What to Expect:

  • A 60–foot RGB tree with synchronized light shows that starts 30 minutes before sunset and runs every half hour until 9 p.m.
  • Fireworks following the initial tree light show
  • Street scenes and waterfront reflections
  • Golden hour and sunset views over the Potomac (sunset is at 4:54 p.m.)

Suggested Gear:

  • Wide–angle lens (24–70mm) for the tree, fireworks, and crowd scenes
  • Telephoto lens (70–200mm) for tighter firework compositions and candid street portraits
  • Sturdy tripod for long exposures and low–light shooting
  • Remote shutter or cable release
  • Warm layers and gloves—it can get chilly by the water

Parking & Transit:


Paid garage and street parking is available throughout National Harbor. For example, Fleet Parking has a garage a few blocks from the tree and is currently priced at $15.99 for 1.5 –3 hours.
Virginia Metro riders can use the NH2 dedicated National Harbor–Alexandria bus line running from multiple Alexandria locations, including from King St–Old Town (Blue Line), to National Harbor.

Photo by Susan Blalock

Optional Post–Shoot Meetup:


PrimoHoagies: 150 American Way, Oxon Hill (National Harbor), MD 20745  – PrimoHoagies  – Italian Specialty Sandwiches

Let’s capture the sparkle of the season together!

Seton Droppers and Christopher Fedorchak

Field Trip Coordinators 2025-2026