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. In 1954, a "Pathway of Peace," 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia were planted surrounding the National Christmas Tree. Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in a protective plastic globe to shield it from the weather.
See a Photo Gallery of the National Christmas Tree
National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is the beginning of a three week Washington, DC Christmas tradition. Nationally known entertainers and a military band perform and the President brings a message of peace to the nation and the world.Date and Time: Thursday, December 6, 2007, 5 p.m.
Location: The Ellipse near The White House
Tickets: The National Park Service distributes free tickets on a first-come first served basis, on Saturday November 3, 2007, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion near the corner of 15th and E Streets, NW, just southeast of the White House grounds. A maximum of four tickets are issued per person. Tickets are required for every attendee, including children.
The 2007 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature the legendary "King of Country Gospel" Porter Wagoner, the Academy of Country Music’s top female vocalist of 2006, Sara Evans, 14 year old classical artist Holly Stell and 12 year old singer/actor Julian Ivey (recent star of Broadway’s "The Lion King"). The United States Air Force Band and the St. Albans and National Cathedral Schools Choir will provide musical entertainment.
