News Release

Road Closures and Security Restrictions Announced for National Christmas Tree Lighting

Date: December 1, 2015
Contact: Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles (NPS), 202-619-7177
Contact: Sgt. Anna Rose (USPP), 202-619-7163
Contact: U.S. Secret Service, 202-406-5708

WASHINGTON – The 93rd National Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Thursday, December 3rd beginning at 5 p.m. on the Ellipse in President’s Park. The National Park Service, United States Park Police and United States Secret Service are working in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement and public safety personnel to provide for the safety of all guests attending the National Christmas Tree Lighting. Every effort has been made to minimize the impact of these safety measures.

Public Safety Alerts via NIXLE
The National Park Service will utilize the NIXLE Community Information Service to deliver special event information and emergency alerts via email or text message. National Christmas Tree Lighting guests interested in receiving emergency alerts and updates about the National Christmas Tree Lighting can text NCTL2015 to 8887777. NIXLE service is free but carrier message rates may apply.

Road Closures
The following street closures will be in effect beginning December 3, 2015 at 2 p.m. The street closures will be lifted when the event has concluded (around 9 p.m.)  17th Street, NW closed from Independence Avenue to New York Avenue, NW  15th Street, NW closed from Independence Avenue to New York Avenue, NW  Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 18th Street, NW  Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street to 15th Street, NW  Madison Drive from 14th Street to 15th Street  Jefferson Drive from 14th Street to 15th Street

Getting There
The entrance for ticketed guests is located on 17th St. NW. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation and Metro to travel to President’s Park. The Farragut North and West Metro stations are closest to the event.

Prohibited Items
(*PLEASE NOTE: This list supersedes the list on tickets which have been distributed*). Guests should be prepared for a search of all items carried onto the site. Law enforcement personnel reserve the right to prohibit any other items determined to be a potential public safety hazard. 

Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed, but guests should be prepared for a search of all items carried onto the site. 

Bag Policy:

• Each guest may carry a clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon clear freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). 
• In addition, guests may carry a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches, with or without a strap.

Prohibited items include: 

• Aerosols 
• Ammunition 
• Animals other than service/guide dogs 
• Backpacks
• Bags and signs exceeding size restrictions
• Balloons
• Bicycles
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• Explosives
• Firearms
• Glass, thermal or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Mace/Pepper spray
• Packages
• Selfie sticks
• Structures
• Supports for signs and placards
• Toy guns
• Weapons of any kind
• Any other item determined to be a potential hazard

Reminders
All National Parks prohibit the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and the Greater Washington, D.C. area is a No Drone Zone. 

Always Remember – If You See Something, Say Something. Contact U.S. Park Police at 202-610-7500 or call 911.

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