On a chilly Saturday evening, December 13, 2025, Washington, D.C. witnessed a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come: 1,435 couples gathered beneath a giant sphere of mistletoe, sharing a five-second kiss that shattered a Guinness World Record. The city’s business district, just a few blocks from the White House, was transformed into a scene of festive romance, as onlookers and participants alike reveled in the holiday spirit and the thrill of making history together.
The event, orchestrated by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, was more than just a mass smooch; it was a carefully choreographed celebration of love, community, and city pride. As dusk settled and the temperature dropped, couples bundled up in scarves and coats began to assemble around the National Mistletoe—a striking 10-foot-diameter sphere of greenery, blooms, ribbons, and a jingle bell, suspended 30 feet above the street. The installation itself was a marvel, catching the last rays of sunlight and casting a festive glow over the crowd below.
According to USA TODAY, the atmosphere was electric as anticipation built. Live entertainment, food, and drinks helped keep spirits high and hands warm. The crowd buzzed with excitement, couples laughing and chatting as they prepared for their moment in the spotlight. Some held their own sprigs of mistletoe above their heads, adding a personal touch to the communal event.
But the main event was strictly timed and meticulously overseen. Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric was on hand to ensure that every rule was followed to the letter. His instructions rang out over the crowd: "Are you ready?" he called, eliciting a resounding "Yes" from the eager participants. Empric continued, "Mistletoe up." At his signal, each couple raised their mistletoe, and with a countdown—"Three, two, one, go"—the city erupted in synchronized affection.
For five seconds, the air was filled with the sound of laughter, cheers, and of course, kisses. Empric kept a close watch, encouraging couples to "keep kissing" until the required time had elapsed. "You are at five seconds. You can keep on going. I'm not going to stop—actually, I will stop you. OK, that is it," he declared, officially closing the record-breaking attempt. The moment was captured in audio shared by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and broadcast by NPR, preserving the excitement for posterity.
This wasn’t just any record—it was a dramatic leap past the previous titleholders. The old record, set in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2019, saw 480 couples kissing under the mistletoe at an Anheuser-Busch event. As NPR pointed out, D.C.’s crowd was almost triple that number, leaving "Meet Me In St. Louis" in the dust and establishing "Meet Me In D.C." as the new rallying cry for holiday romance.
Guinness World Records representatives were on-site to certify the attempt, ensuring that every couple met the strict criteria: kisses had to be on the lips, last a full five seconds, and take place under the mistletoe. The sense of accomplishment was palpable as the record was confirmed, with cheers erupting across the plaza. For many, it was a chance to be part of something larger than themselves—a shared moment of joy in a city often defined by politics and power.
The event was more than just a numbers game. As DowntownDC President and CEO Gerren Price reflected in a written statement, "Events like this bring people together in such a memorable, joyful way and show the true vibrancy and energy in the city that we love." The sentiment echoed throughout the evening, as strangers became friends and couples—some young, some old—celebrated love in all its forms. The spectacle was a reminder of the city’s capacity for warmth and unity, even on the coldest of nights.
Behind the scenes, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District worked tirelessly to organize the festivities. The event featured not only the record attempt but also live music, food vendors, and activities designed to keep everyone engaged. The National Mistletoe itself, a 10-foot sphere of ribbons, greenery, and blooms, was suspended 30 feet in the air, serving as both a centerpiece and a symbol of the city’s festive spirit. According to USA TODAY, the installation was a sight to behold, drawing crowds even before the official start time.
Participants came from across the city and beyond, eager to be part of the historic occasion. Some couples brought their children, turning the event into a family outing, while others saw it as a unique date night. For all, it was a chance to be part of a world record—an experience that, as one might expect, prompted plenty of selfies and social media posts. The sense of camaraderie was infectious, with couples congratulating one another and strangers exchanging high-fives.
Of course, breaking a world record requires more than enthusiasm. The logistics were formidable: crowd control, timing, and verification all had to be managed with precision. Guinness World Records representatives worked alongside event staff to monitor the proceedings, ensuring that every kiss counted. The use of individual mistletoe sprigs, held aloft by each couple, added an extra layer of authenticity and tradition to the event.
The success of the event was a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of simple, joyful traditions. In a city often in the national spotlight for weightier matters, the record-breaking kiss offered a welcome respite—a chance to celebrate togetherness and create a memory that would last long after the mistletoe was taken down.
As the evening drew to a close and participants began to disperse, the sense of accomplishment lingered in the crisp winter air. Washington, D.C. had not only set a new world record but also reaffirmed its place as a city capable of bringing people together in unexpected and delightful ways. For one night, at least, love was in the air—and the city’s collective heart beat just a little bit faster.
