2013 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: October 24, 2013

Washington, DC – The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held annually on the Ellipse to kick off the holiday season in our nation’s capital, this year will be held Friday, December 6, 2013, at 5:00 pm (EST), the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced today.

Free tickets for the 91^st annual tree-lighting ceremony will be awarded through an online lottery, which will open at 10:00 am (EDT) Thursday, October 31 and close at 10:00 am (EST) on Monday, November 4. Those seeking tickets can enter the lottery by going to www.thenationaltree.org and clicking the ‘TICKET LOTTERY’ link. Those without computer access may call 877-444-6777 (TDD 877-833-6777) to enter the lottery. There are 3,000 seated tickets and 14,000 standing-room tickets available through the lottery.

Winners will be notified by email by November 7. In addition, lottery entrants can check the status of their requests starting on November 7 by signing in to www.recreation.gov.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, with support from the event’s premier sponsor, UL. Other supporters include GE Lighting, Nicolas Holiday, Inc., Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C.-Downtown, Guest Services, Inc., and Hudler Carolina Tree Farms.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System and its 401 National Park sites for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. For more information, visit www.nps.gov.       

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, raises private funds that directly aid, support and enrich America’s more than 400 national parks and their programs. Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation plays a critical role in conservation and preservation efforts, establishing national parks as powerful learning environments, and giving all audiences an equal and abundant opportunity to experience, enjoy and support America’s treasured places. www.nationalparks.org.