THE NATIONAL MISTLETOE 2026

The National Mistletoe took place in Washington D.C. on November 21st, 2026.  The event, hosted by Events DC, brought a large crowd together in Washington, D.C., culminated a newly set Guinness World Records title for the most couples kissing under the mistletoe.

These images document the scale, movement, and shared energy of the event. The focus remains on the collective experience, how people occupied the space together, and how energy moved through the crowd.

Visitors gather beneath the National Mistletoe at Anthem Row in Washington, D.C. Created by My Ly, the 10-foot-wide installation weighs approximately 600 pounds and is suspended 30 feet above the street.

Attendees form heart shapes as they gather as a community to celebrate the holiday season.

Couples gather beneath the mistletoe, taking selfies and sharing kisses.

Two Official Kiss Participants stop to take a selfie amidst the crowd.

A couple sneaks a kiss while taking a selfie before the official 5 pm kiss.

A couple cheers loudly in unison as an announcement is made at 4:45 p.m., warning the crowd that the National Kiss would take place in 15 minutes.

A couple poses for a selfie beneath the mistletoe as a nearby dog becomes an unexpected spectator.

A couple, seemingly embarrassed, laughs after sharing a quick kiss amid the crowd.