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The Washington Monument decorated with Christmas lights stands out in the early morning sky in view from Charles Street.

The Washington Monument decorated with Christmas lights stands out in the early morning sky in view from Charles Street. (Clarence B. Garrett / Baltimore Sun )

Baltimore's Washington Monument lighting through the years | PHOTOS

Dec 02, 2021 at 2:54 pm
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See photos from the annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument in Mount Vernon.

Washington Monument, 1975

The Washington Monument decorated with Christmas lights stands out in the early morning sky in view from Charles Street.

The Washington Monument decorated with Christmas lights stands out in the early morning sky in view from Charles Street. (Clarence B. Garrett / Baltimore Sun )

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Monument lighting 1996

Andrea Carros Schrenk, an instructor at the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, puts the finishing touches on the cake to commemorate the 25th lighting of the Washington Monument.

Andrea Carros Schrenk, an instructor at the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, puts the finishing touches on the cake to commemorate the 25th lighting of the Washington Monument. (Doug Kapustin / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting 1999

(Barbara Haddock Taylor / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting (2001)

Spectators watch as fireworks burst over Mount Vernon during the annual holiday lighting of the Washington Monument. About 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Mayor Martin O'Malley flipped a switch that turned on nearly 1,000 bulbs in 28 vertical strands of blue and white as 1,000 pounds of fireworks boomed overhead and embers cascaded down the 178-foot-tall monument.

Spectators watch as fireworks burst over Mount Vernon during the annual holiday lighting of the Washington Monument. About 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Mayor Martin O'Malley flipped a switch that turned on nearly 1,000 bulbs in 28 vertical strands of blue and white as 1,000 pounds of fireworks boomed overhead and embers cascaded down the 178-foot-tall monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Jerry Jackson)

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Monument lighting 2002

The 31st annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument in Mount Vernon kicks off the Christmas season.

The 31st annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument in Mount Vernon kicks off the Christmas season. (Doug Kapustin / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting 2002

Nick Sheridan, left, and Suzanne Shaw participate in a an anti-war protest during the monument lighting in 2002.

Nick Sheridan, left, and Suzanne Shaw participate in a an anti-war protest during the monument lighting in 2002. (Doug Kapustin / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting 2003

The 32nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument as seen from the Clarion Hotel.

The 32nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument as seen from the Clarion Hotel. (Monica Lopossay / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting (2003)

The 32nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The 32nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Monica Lopossay)

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Monument lighting (2003)

The 32nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The 32nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Monica Lopossay)

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Monument lighting (2004)

A crowd watches fireworks at the Washington Monument during the annual lighting ceremony.

A crowd watches fireworks at the Washington Monument during the annual lighting ceremony. (Baltimore Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron)

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Monument lighting (2005)

The 34th annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

The 34th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.)

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Monument lighting (2005)

The 34th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon.

The 34th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.)

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Monument lighting (2006)

Saneaka Anderson (left) and her cousin, 4-year-old Roshae Seymore, try to stay warm during the 35th lighting of the Washington Monument

Saneaka Anderson (left) and her cousin, 4-year-old Roshae Seymore, try to stay warm during the 35th lighting of the Washington Monument (Baltimore Sun photo by Monico Lopossay)

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Monument lighting (2006)

The 35th lighting of the Washington Monument

The 35th lighting of the Washington Monument (Baltimore Sun photo by Monica Lopossay)

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Monument lighting (2007)

The 36th lighting of the Washington Monument

The 36th lighting of the Washington Monument (Baltimore Sun photo by Algerina Perna)

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Monument lighting (2007)

This view of the 36th lighting of the Washington Monument was captured from the 11th floor of the Peabody Court Hotel.

This view of the 36th lighting of the Washington Monument was captured from the 11th floor of the Peabody Court Hotel. (Sun photo by Algerina Perna)

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Washington Monument

Mount Vernon Place celebrates the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Mount Vernon Place celebrates the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gabe Dinsmoor)

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Peabody's view of monument lighting

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel.

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel. (Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis)

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Light sabers

Amelia Mogul, 4, from Bolton Hill, and Cameren Matthews, 3, from Baltimore, play with toy light sabers at the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Amelia Mogul, 4, from Bolton Hill, and Cameren Matthews, 3, from Baltimore, play with toy light sabers at the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gabe Dinsmoor)

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Overall view

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel.

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel. (Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis)

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39th annual lighting

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel.

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel. (Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis)

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Fireworks display

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel.

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel. (Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis)

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Attending lighting

Amariyah Guerra, 7, from Boston, attended the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Amariyah Guerra, 7, from Boston, attended the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gabe Dinsmoor)

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Morgan State University Choir

The Morgan State University Choir performs at the lighting of the Washington Monument.

The Morgan State University Choir performs at the lighting of the Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gabe Dinsmoor)

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Fireworks

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel.

The 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Square, from the Peabody Court Hotel. (Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis)

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Monument and fireworks

Mount Vernon Place celebrates the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Mount Vernon Place celebrates the 39th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Baltimore Sun photo by Gabe Dinsmoor)

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Monument

Fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east.

Fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun)

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Flash

Fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east.

Fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun)

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Fireworks

People are silhouetted as fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east

People are silhouetted as fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun)

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Washington Monument

A view of the annual lighting of the Washington Monument from the Park Plaza building on North Charles Street.

A view of the annual lighting of the Washington Monument from the Park Plaza building on North Charles Street. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)

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Lighting

This is the annual lighting of the Washington Monument, to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. This was shot from the Park Plaza building on North Charles Street.

This is the annual lighting of the Washington Monument, to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. This was shot from the Park Plaza building on North Charles Street. (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)

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Silhouettes

People are silhouetted as fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east.

People are silhouetted as fireworks dance around Baltimore's Washington Monument in a view from the east. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun)

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2012 Monument lighting

Fireworks shoot skyward at the 41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season.

Fireworks shoot skyward at the 41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2012 Monument lighting

41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season.

41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2012 Monument lighting

41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season.

41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2012 Monument lighting

41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season.

41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to celebrate the holiday season. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

Tap Dancing Santas from the Baltimore School for the Arts at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument

Tap Dancing Santas from the Baltimore School for the Arts at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

The Morgan State University Choir at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The Morgan State University Choir at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

Deandre Fraling, 4, of Baltimore, center, got into the holiday spirit with his grandmother, Tanya Paris, at right in front, and their friend, Kiana Belton, at the 41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Deandre Fraling, 4, of Baltimore, center, got into the holiday spirit with his grandmother, Tanya Paris, at right in front, and their friend, Kiana Belton, at the 41st annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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2013 Washington Monument lighting

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

Audience watching the entertainment at the 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting through the years: 2013 Washington Monument lighting

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument.

The 42nd annual lighting of Baltimore's Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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Protesters

Protesters against the recent killings of black men by police in Missouri and New York came to the annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Protesters against the recent killings of black men by police in Missouri and New York came to the annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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Demonstrators

Demonstrators stage a die-in in attempt to disrupt the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument in Baltimore. Groups around the country are protesting a New York grand jury's decision not to indict officer Daniel Pantaleo in the Eric Garner case.

Demonstrators stage a die-in in attempt to disrupt the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument in Baltimore. Groups around the country are protesting a New York grand jury's decision not to indict officer Daniel Pantaleo in the Eric Garner case. (Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun)

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Protest

Demonstrators try to disrupt the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument in Baltimore.

Demonstrators try to disrupt the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting

Spectators watch as the fireworks are set off during the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument.

Spectators watch as the fireworks are set off during the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument. (Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun)

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Protesters

Protesters against the recent killings of black men by police in Missouri and New York came to the annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

Protesters against the recent killings of black men by police in Missouri and New York came to the annual lighting of the Washington Monument. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting

Spectators watch as the fireworks are set off during the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument.

Spectators watch as the fireworks are set off during the holiday lighting of the Washington Monument. (Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun)

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2015 Washington Monument lighting

A decorative snowflake accentuates fireworks that reach up Baltimore's Washington Monument , which is surrounded by lights that glow to celebrate the holiday season, in a view north of Franklin Ave. on Charles Street.

A decorative snowflake accentuates fireworks that reach up Baltimore's Washington Monument , which is surrounded by lights that glow to celebrate the holiday season, in a view north of Franklin Ave. on Charles Street. (Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun)

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2015 Washington Monument lighting

The Morgan State University Choir sings during the Washington Monument lighting ceremony at Mount Vernon Place.

The Morgan State University Choir sings during the Washington Monument lighting ceremony at Mount Vernon Place. (Colin Campbell, Baltimore Sun)

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2015 Washington Monument lighting

Fireworks light the sky during the annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to kick off the holiday season.

Fireworks light the sky during the annual lighting of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place to kick off the holiday season. (Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun)

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2015 Washington Monument lighting

A decorative snowflake accentuates fireworks that reach up Baltimore's Washington Monument , which is surrounded by lights that glow to celebrate the holiday season, in a view north of Franklin Ave. on Charles Street.

A decorative snowflake accentuates fireworks that reach up Baltimore's Washington Monument , which is surrounded by lights that glow to celebrate the holiday season, in a view north of Franklin Ave. on Charles Street. (Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun)

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Monument lighting 2016

The 45th annual Downtown Partnership Washington Monument lighting concluded with fireworks.

The 45th annual Downtown Partnership Washington Monument lighting concluded with fireworks. (Amy Davis / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument Lighting 2017

Dru Hill performing one of their new Christmas songs at the 2017 Monument Lighting.

Dru Hill performing one of their new Christmas songs at the 2017 Monument Lighting. (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument Lighting 2017

The Baltimore Rock Opera Society performs at the 2017 Monument Lighting.

The Baltimore Rock Opera Society performs at the 2017 Monument Lighting. (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)

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Monument Lighting 2017

The 46th annual Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon.

The 46th annual Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon. (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)

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50th Annual Lighting of the Washington Monument - 2021

Fireworks light up the sky at the 50th anniversary of the Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon Place on Thursday, December 2.

Fireworks light up the sky at the 50th anniversary of the Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon Place on Thursday, December 2. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Sun)

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50th Annual Lighting of the Washington Monument - 2021

Fireworks light up the sky at the 50th anniversary of the Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon Place on Thursday, December 2.

Fireworks light up the sky at the 50th anniversary of the Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon Place on Thursday, December 2. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Sun)

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