Ellipse and National Christmas Tree Will Have Limited Access and Temporary Closures on Tuesday, Dec. 16

Date: December 16, 2014
Contact: White House Visitor Center, 202-208-1631

WASHINGTON—Due to the National Chanukah Menorah Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse, a permitted First Amendment activity, access to the National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace will be restricted on Tuesday, December 16.

Starting at 1:30 p.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. the Ellipse will be closed to all access.

Starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. visitors can re-enter the National Christmas Tree site and Pathway of Peace via the NE entrance. Please note, visitors who enter after the site re-opens will be screened by law enforcement officials and must pass through metal detectors.  (Examples of prohibited items include: firearms, weapons, knives, toy guns/weapons, fireworks, pepper spray/mace, scissors, razor blades, glass bottles, screwdrivers, tripods, hazardous/chemical/radiological/chemical/biological materials, coolers, laser pointers, air-horns, sticks/poles, baseballs/softballs, aerosol containers, etc.)

From 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. there will be no access to the ornament displays south of the state and territory trees. The access gate at Zero Milestone will also be closed during this time.

The National Christmas Tree and state and territory trees will not be lit until 5:15 p.m.

Guests with tickets for the National Chanukah Menorah Lighting can enter the Ellipse from the 17th Street side.