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 National Christmas Tree Program continues until January 1st and is free to the public. The trees and their decorations are the main attraction, but the program also includes musical performances, a model train, and Santa’s Workshop. All trees are lit from dusk until 11 pm. Musical performances are performed weeknights between 6 pm and 8:30 pm, and weekends between 4 pm and 8:30 pm. The model train runs from 11 am to 11 pm. Santa and his elves are in the workshop at select times throughout December.
The 96th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 28, 2018.
Free tickets will be awarded through an online lottery, which opens at 10 a.m. EDT on October 18 and closes at 10 a.m. EDT on October 22, 2018. To enter the lottery visit www.recreation.gov and click the ‘TICKET LOTTERY’ link. Those without computer access may call 877-444-6777 to enter the lottery. Lottery winners will be notified on October 29, 2018.
For more information, or to watch the live webcast, visit: www.thenationaltree.org.
*Photo source: Recreation.gov
Travel InformationThe National Christmas Tree Lighting Hours: Program begins at 5 pm. Gates open at 3:30 pm, ticket holders must be in their seats by 4:30 pm. Trees are lit daily until January 1st from dusk to 11 pm. 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. |
Audrey says
December 1, 2017 at 10:04 amDo you know where I can find records of attendance for each year?
Ashlie says
November 5, 2015 at 8:50 amHI, 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?
Melissa says
December 4, 2014 at 11:14 amCan 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!
The District says
December 4, 2014 at 4:34 pmI 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.
Guy says
November 14, 2015 at 2:34 pmWater was cool a few years back, not sure this year. They did pat us down and found airplane bottles. Hope this is helpful.
Meredith says
December 3, 2013 at 9:56 amHow long is the National Tree Lighting ceremony? Or, on average, when does it end?
Shawnda says
October 24, 2013 at 4:53 pmHow many tickets are available through the lottery for the general public?
The District says
October 25, 2013 at 2:31 pmAccording to officials, 3,000 seated tickets and 14,000 standing-room tickets will be given out through the lottery.
Delmar Janke says
October 4, 2012 at 4:36 amYour 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.
The District says
October 4, 2012 at 6:33 pmThank 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.
MADELINE fOREMAN says
October 17, 2012 at 9:47 pmWhat 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 District says
October 18, 2012 at 7:07 pmThe 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.