A couple shares a kiss beneath the towering National Mistletoe at Anthem Row in Washington, D.C., where 1,435 couples set a new Guinness World Record for the most couples kissing under mistletoe at a single venue. Photo: DowntownDC BID via Instagram.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Downtown Washington, D.C. made history Saturday afternoon as 1,435 couples simultaneously kissed beneath the National Mistletoe, officially setting a new Guinness World Records title for the most couples kissing under mistletoe at a single venue.
The record-breaking moment unfolded at Anthem Row, where couples gathered under the massive, 30-foot mistletoe installation suspended above the plaza. The previous world record stood at 488 couples, a mark that was nearly tripled during the coordinated seven-second kiss.
Organizers credited the success to widespread community participation and months of planning. The National Mistletoe itself was designed and created by MyLy Design, serving as both a holiday centerpiece and the focal point of the record attempt. Live music, food vendors, photo booths, and festive programming filled the afternoon leading up to the official Guinness-timed kiss.
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District called the event “a joyful, unforgettable moment,” thanking every couple who registered, checked in, and “kissed on command” to make history.
The celebration capped off one of the largest holiday activations in the district this season and instantly became one of the most successful public participation events ever held in downtown Washington.
Video highlights and behind-the-scenes footage are continuing to circulate on social media through @downtowndcbidand @gerrenpricedc, allowing viewers nationwide, including Alaskans watching from afar, to share in the milestone moment.
