The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place each year on the grounds of the Ellipse, south of the White House. With musical performances, and a message of hope and peace, this event kicks off the annual National Christmas Tree program, which runs until January 1st.
In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas Tree on the grounds of the Ellipse. Every year, we continue that tradition, with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. In 1954, 56 smaller trees were planted around the National Christmas Tree, representing the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia. Each year, these trees are decorated by organizations from every state.
The Pathway of Peace and the National Christmas Tree are free to visit and open to the public several days after the lighting ceremony through January 1st. The National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening and turn off promptly at 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. For more information on visiting the National Christmas Tree, click here.
The 2024 National Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on December 5, 2024.
For more information, visit: www.thenationaltree.org.
*Photo source: Recreation.gov
Travel InformationThe National Christmas Tree Lighting Admission: Tickets are available by lottery in October or early November for the lighting ceremony. After the lighting ceremony the attraction is free. Parking: No on-street parking is available by the White House. Visitors are strongly urged to use public transportation. Limited parking is available along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets on evenings and weekends. Metrorail: Federal Triangle on Orange and Blue lines; Metro Center on Orange, Blue, and Red lines; McPherson Square on Orange and Blue lines. |
Do you know where I can find records of attendance for each year?
HI, My family and I was awarded Standing general admission tickets for the 2015 Tree Lighting. I was wondering if wheel chairs are allowed in the standing general admission area?
Can you bring a bottle of water into the standing room only area? Are there restrooms? (I highly doubt it but just curious). Thanks for your help!
I cannot find answers to your specific questions on the Tree Lighting Ceremony web site. I would suggest asking your question by email to the following address: ask-npf@nationalparks.org.
Water was cool a few years back, not sure this year. They did pat us down and found airplane bottles. Hope this is helpful.
How long is the National Tree Lighting ceremony? Or, on average, when does it end?
How many tickets are available through the lottery for the general public?
According to officials, 3,000 seated tickets and 14,000 standing-room tickets will be given out through the lottery.
Your information which I read was for the drawing for tickets for the lighting of the 2011 National Christmas Tree. Please tell me about the drawing for tickets for 2012.
Thank you for your comment. Information about tickets for the 2012 Tree Lighting Ceremony is not yet available. We will post an update as soon as we know the details.
What procedure is used to make selections for the Christmas Tree lighting. My family has been trying to be selected for the last 4 years, and to no avail. We originally stood in line before the lottery and now we are attempting to be selected again. Please let us know the procedure
The information has been released on the 2012 Lottery application period for the Naional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Go to the Recreation.gov web site here for more information.