The National Christmas Tree

Since 1923, the United States has held a tradition of lighting a National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its present site on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House. The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace is illuminated each evening after the lighting ceremony from dusk until 11 p.m. through January 1st.