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President's Park (White House)North view of the White House (NPS Photo by Michael D. Moreno)
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Welcome to President's Park!

Throughout the years President’s Park has served many purposes from bosk to bivouac, from a field for infantry drills to a place for inaugural celebrations. With the White House as a back drop, President’s Park over time has played host to suffragettes, freedom riders, anti-war protestors, Easter egg rollers, and participants of festivities surrounding the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

 
The Lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

2009 Lighting of the National Christmas Tree

The 2009 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Decemebr 3, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. This year, the event has introduced a new lottery system for the general public.

The new online lottery was available November 4th to November 6th, by going to www.thenationaltree.org . The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the opening of the four-week event sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charitable partner of America’s National Parks.

The lottery at www.thenationaltree.org distributed 2,800 ticketed seats and 7,000 standing room tickets.

The tickets are free and may not be sold.
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Things To Do

Things To Do


Joining a Ranger program, walking, and touring the White House are just a few of the ways to experience President's Park. Start at the White House Visitor Center which includes exhibits, video, and a museum store.
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Activities Calendar

Activities Calendar


A listing of activities, rangers' programs and family events at President's Park and the White House Visitor Center.
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Become a Volunteer!

Volunteer Opportunities


The park is very fortunate to have people that are willing to volunteer their time to assist with daily park operations, visitor services and assisting in both resource management and education programs.
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Write to

President's Park
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(202) 208-1631

TTY
(800) 877-8339

Fax

(202) 208-1643

Climate

The climate in Washington D.C. is seasonal. Summers can be very hot and humid with an average temperature of 82. Winters are variable and can be very mild to very cold. The average winter temperature is 35. Clothing should be in accordance with the season.
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Ronald W. Reagan, 40th President: 1981-1989  

Did You Know?
In 1926, at age 15, Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard in Lowell Park, Illinois, two miles away from Dixon on the nearby Rock River. He continued to work as a lifeguard on the Rock for the next seven years, reportedly saving 77 people from drowning.

Last Updated: November 13, 2009 at 16:21 EST