Date: October 1, 2007
Contact: Bill Line, Toni Braxton, 202-619-7400

The National Park Service will distribute 2,800 free Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony tickets to the public at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion at the southwest corner of 15th and E Streets, NW, on Saturday, November 3, 2007, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until all tickets are gone. A maximum of four tickets will be issued per person. Tickets are required for every attendee, including all children. Guests are reminded that the tickets are free and may not be sold.

The opening ceremony for the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., and marks the opening of the three-week event sponsored by the National Park Service (www.nps.gov) and the National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org). The gates will open for all ticket holders at 3:30 p.m. For security reasons, all guests must be in their seats by 4:30 p.m.

This year’s talent lineup includes the Academy of Country Music’s top female vocalist of 2006, Sara Evans. Joining her will be 14 year old classical artist Holly Stell (dubbed the "Petite Pavarotti" for her exceptional voice and gift for singing opera) and 12 year old singer/actor Julian Ivey (recent star of Broadway’s "The Lion King"). Broadway’s Brad Oscar (star of "The Producers" in New York, London and Las Vegas) returns for a second year as Santa Claus. The United States Air Force Band, under the baton of Colonel Dennis M. Layendecker, will be this year’s featured service band, with the St. Albans and National Cathedral Schools Choir providing vocal support to the guest artists as well as solo performances of holiday favorites.

Guests are reminded that aerosols of any kind, fireworks/firecrackers, animals (except guide dogs), duffel bags/suitcases/backpacks/coolers, real or simulated ammunition, knives of any kind, mace/pepper spray, laser lights/pointers, glass containers, and thermoses are prohibited. This list may not be inclusive. Law enforcement personnel reserve the right to prohibit any other items determined to be a potential public safety hazard. Strollers, wheelchairs and diaper bags are allowed, but guests should be prepared for a search of all items carried onto the site.

Parking is not available near the White House. The National Park Service strongly encourages the use of public transportation. The closest Metro stops are Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square. For questions about the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony, please call the White House Visitor Center at (202) 208-1631, or visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/whho