News Release

Celebrate Holiday Traditions at the 2018 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

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2017 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

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News Release Date: October 11, 2018
Contact: Katie Liming, 202-619-7156
Contact: Alanna Sobel (NPF), 202-796-2538

Your chance to make the 2018 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony part of your holiday plans is quickly approaching! Co-presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, this beloved American tradition features live musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at President’s Park (White House).

This year, the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on November 28. Free tickets will be awarded through an online lottery, which opens at 10 a.m. EDT on October 18 and closes at 10 a.m. EDT on October 22. To enter the lottery visit www.recreation.gov and click the ‘TICKET LOTTERY’ link. Those without computer access may call 877-444-6777 to enter the lottery. Lottery winners will be notified on October 29.

This year marks the 96th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, first celebrated in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. The ceremony today inspires visitors and viewers from around the globe to #FindYourPark/#EncuentraTuParque during the holiday season. The National Christmas Tree is a living Colorado blue spruce from Virginia, which can be seen year-round in President’s Park. Fifty-six smaller trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree will feature one-of-a-kind ornaments, representing every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia.
 

Tags: christmas, holiday celebration, presidents park, white house, national christmas tree, national christmas tree ceremony, music, washington d.c., ornaments

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