News Release

National Christmas Tree replaced in President’s Park in time for this year’s lighting

The National Christmas Tree comes from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.

NPS/Kelsey Graczyk

News Release Date: November 14, 2023

Contact: Chelsea Sullivan, 202-297-2659

WASHINGTON— The National Park Service (NPS) has replaced the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park ahead of this year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting. 

The previous tree, planted on October 30, 2021, was removed on Nov. 11 after developing needle cast, a fungal disease that causes needles to turn brown and fall off.  

The NPS collaborated with the USDA Forest Service to find a tree. The tree, a cut 40-foot Norway spruce, comes from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. This is the first time the NPS and USDA Forest Service have partnered to bring a tree to the Ellipse.  

Before 1973, the National Park Service used cut trees as National Christmas trees. The NPS and event partners will evaluate whether to continue using a cut tree or to plant a new tree, after this holiday season.  

The National Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Nov. 30 on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park, just south of the White House. The event features a countdown to the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree and live musical performances by local and national performers. 

-NPS-