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Contact: Katie Liming, 202-619-7156
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump accompanied by members of the first family will help celebrate the 2018 holiday season by lighting the tree at the 96th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at President’s Park.
Lighting the National Christmas Tree is one of America’s oldest holiday traditions. The first lighting took place 96 years ago on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse (White House). Since 1923, each succeeding president has carried on the tradition.
This year’s ceremony will include unforgettable musical renditions of your favorite holiday tunes, including hits from the 1920s through today. Performers include Abby Anderson, Anthony Kearns, Dominican Sisters of Mary a.k.a. “Caroling Angels,” Gabby Barrett, LOCASH, Matthew West, Paul Cardall, Spensha Baker, Thompson Square and the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, Ovation and REELZ will broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 2 at 10 p.m. EST.
Last updated: November 20, 2018