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.
Read about the history of 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: December 3, 2009
Time: 5 p.m. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. , ticket holders must be in their seats by 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Ellipse near
The White HouseThe closest Metro 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
Tickets: Tickets for the National Christmas Tree Lighting will be distributed in a new way for 2009 - a lottery system. Tickets are required and will be distributed for FREE. The lottery system will be available at 12:01 a.m. EST on Wednesday November 4 and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, Nov. 6. To participate, visit
www.thenationaltree.org or call (877) 444-6777. The ticket lottery will include 2,800 ticketed seats and 7,000 standing room tickets (Note: standing room tickets are new this year, expanding the capacity) Successful ticket seekers will be notified by email or US mail (if applied by phone). Status of the lottery will be available online or by phone beginning on November 9. Tickets will be mailed to the lottery winners by November 15. Tickets are required for every attendee, including children.
Talent Lineup to Be Announced.
Visit the National Christmas Tree Throughout the Holiday Season
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. Seasonal displays include a Yule log and a large-scale model train. Musical performances by volunteer choirs and dancers, will be held nightly on the Ellipse stage. Weeknight performances will be performed from 6-8:30 p.m. Weekend performances will be performed from 4-8:30 p.m. For further information or scheduled groups performing call (202) 208-1631. For the first time, this year the seasonal display will include Santa's Workshop, which will be open at select times so that children can visit with Santa.
Tickets are only required for the lighting ceremony.
Parking Near the National Christmas Tree
Parking is extremely limited near the National Christmas Tree. Limited parking is available along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets after 6:30 p.m. 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
