Since 1923, the United States has maintained a tradition of lighting a national Christmas tree in Washington, DC each holiday season. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its current site in Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House. In 1954, a “Path of Peace”, 56 smaller and more decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia were planted around the National Christmas Tree.
Each year, the sponsoring organizations in each state provide decorations enclosed in a protective plastic balloon to protect it from the weather. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is the beginning of a three-week Christmas tradition in Washington, DC. The decorations are unique each year and visitors from all over the world come to see the exhibits and live performances during the Christmas season.
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2018. The event is held rain or shine.
Tickets:
Free tickets are distributed each year through an online lottery. The lottery is now closed.
During the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, nationally renowned artists and a military band perform and the President conveys a message of peace to the nation and the world.
2018 entertainment line
The 2018 lineup has yet to be announced, but in recent years performers have included: Bowties Boys II, Craig Campbell, Jack Wagner, Mannheim Steamroller, The Beach Boys, three-time Emmy® Award winners The Texas Tenors, Us The Duo , Wynonna and the US Navy Band conducted by Emmy nominated musical director Steve Gibson.
Visit the national Christmas tree during the holiday season
The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace will be open until January 1, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Seasonal exhibits include a Yule log, a full-scale model train, and a Christmas nativity scene. Tickets are only required for the lighting ceremony. Musical performances by volunteer choirs, bands, and dancers will take place nightly during the holiday season. Presentations will generally begin at 5 pm and end at 8:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, performances run from 1-8: 30 pm
Location: The Ellipse near the White House
The closest subway stations to the White House are Federal Triangle, Metro Center, and McPherson Square.
Parking is very limited in this area, so public transportation is recommended. See a map of the White House and the Ellipse
Parking near the national christmas tree
Parking is extremely limited near the National Christmas Tree. Limited parking is available along Avenida de la Constitución between 15th and 17th streets after 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and all day on weekends. The best way to get to the area is by metro. The closest stops are Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square. Read more about parking near the National Mall
See also, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia
