The nation’s capital is set to trade political drama for pure holiday romance with an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Most Couples Kissing Under Mistletoe at the same time.
The official record attempt, dubbed “National Kiss Under the National Mistletoe,” is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, and will take place not on the National Mall, but in the heart of Downtown DC at Anthem Row (800 K Street NW).
A Magical Moment to Break 480 :
Organized by the Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID), the festive gathering aims to bring together hundreds of couples, all sharing one sweet, simultaneous moment beneath a massive, specially-commissioned holiday installation.
The current record for most couples kissing under the mistletoe in a single venue stands at 480 couples, set by Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 7, 2019. DC organizers are confident that enthusiastic local participation will allow them to surpass that number.
“We want to celebrate love, unity, and the joy of coming together—especially during the holidays,” said Gerren Price, CEO of the DowntownDC BID. “This isn’t just about breaking a record; it’s about creating unforgettable memories and showing the world that DC is beautiful, safe, and full of joy.”
The event will center around the “National Mistletoe,” a stunning 10-foot-wide sculpture suspended 30 feet in the air. To set the mood, the celebration will include:
- Live music by the Ellington Carthan Quartet featuring Valentina Maria.
- Festive food and drinks from local vendors.
- Photo booths and live art.
Couples of consenting age must register online beforehand to secure their spot and ensure compliance. Professional adjudicators from Guinness World Records will be present to verify that all couples maintain their holiday kiss for the required duration.
Whether D.C. makes “kiss-tory” by setting a new world record or simply creates a truly magical holiday memory, the city is ready to make a powerful statement about love and community this season.
