National Christmas Tree

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The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse began with President Calvin Coolidge over 90 years ago when he lit a 48 foot Balsam Fir from Vermont decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white, and green on Christmas Eve 1923. Today, the tree lighting remains a beloved holiday event in Washington, DC. Learn more about the history of the National Christmas Tree.

 

National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 2014

NPS / M. Reese

Watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting

When

The National Christmas Tree Lighting was held on November 28, 2018.

Get Tickets to Attend

Tickets are required to attend this event and are awarded through an online lottery. The lottery closed on October 22, 2018. The lottery for the 2019 ceremony will open in Fall 2019.

Watch the Show

Watch the 2018 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony online!

Volunteer

Hundreds of volunteers give their time each year to support this event. Find out how you can get involved!

 

Pathway of Peace, 2012

NPS / A. Garrison

Pathway of Peace

How to Visit

The Pathway of Peace site is free to visit and open to the public, generally the day after the National Christmas Tree Lighting through January 1, 2019. Hours are 10:00am-10:00pm Sunday-Thursday, and 10:00am-11:00pm Friday and Saturday.

What to Expect

The walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree features 56 state and territory trees decorated with hand made ornaments that are unique to each tree.

The National Christmas Tree lights turn on at approximately 4:30pm and turn off promptly at 10:00 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

 

Performers during the 2015 season.

NPS/A.Garrison

National Christmas Tree Music Program

Application to Perform

Please visit the music program webpage for application information.

Attend a Performance

Nightly music and dance performances take place on the Ellipse stage for 2 weeks in December. These 30 minute performances are free and open to the public. All performances are holiday themed and include local school groups, church choirs, dancers, Girl Scout troops, and even a Ukulele Orchestra!

Tuesday, December 11

5:00-5:30 Dartmouth Brovertones
Hanover, NH
6:00-6:30 King's Academy Honors Choir
West Palm Beach, FL
7:00-7:30 Rosewood Chorale
Manassas, VA

Wednesday, December 12

5:00-5:30 Lovettsville Elementary Chorus
Lovettsville, VA
7:00-7:30 Pinebrook Elementary School
Aldie, VA
8:00-8:30 Manassas Park High School Chamber Singers and Men's Choir
Manassas, VA

Thursday, December 13

5:00-5:30 Dartmouth Dodecaphonics
Hanover, NH
6:00-6:30 Olney Elementary School Chorus
Olney, MD
7:00-7:30 Seven Locks Elementary School Chorus
Bethesda, MD

Friday, December 14

5:00-5:30 Emerick Elementary School
Purceville, VA
6:00-6:30 Hardman and Jaye
Montgomery County, MD
7:00-7:30 Melissa V. Neal
Washington, DC
8:00-8:30 Dance Academy of Loudoun
Loudoun, VA

Saturday, December 15

1:00-1:30 Hawaii State Society "Ukulele Hui"
Washington, DC
2:00-2:30 Girl Scout Service Unity 54-14
Fairfax. VA
3:00-3:30 University of Delaware Children's Choirs
Newwark, DE
5:00-5:30 Central Regional High School
Bayville, NJ
7:00-7:30 Central Bucks HS- West Choir
Doylestown, PA
8:00-8:30 Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers
Waterford, VA

Sunday, December 16

1:00-1:30 Washington Mennonite Chorus
Washington, DC
2:00-2:30 Lopez Studios Inc.
Reston, VA
3:00-3:30 Kensington Parkwood Singers
Kensington, MD
5:00-5:30 Vox Pop
Washington, DC
6:00-6:30 Girl Scout Service Unit 5416
Fairfax, VA

Tuesday, December 18

5:00-5:30 The Carolmasters
Washington, DC
6:00-6:30 St. John's Episcopal School OASIS
Olney, MD
7:00-7:30 Franklinville Schwarzwalk Mannerchor
Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, December 19

5:00-5:30 Cape Chorale
Lewes, DE
6:00-6:30 Venus D Minor
Washington, DC
7:00-7:30 Starlight Orchestra
Washington, DC

Thursday, December 20

5:00-5:30 Capital Movement Pre-Professional Company
Washington, DC
6:00-6:30 Merritt Academy Handbell Choir
Fairfax, VA
7:00-7:30 Louise Archer Elementary Chorus
Vienna, VA

Friday, December 21

7:00-7:30 BadPenguinz
Washington, DC
8:00-8:30 Voices in Praise
Friendship, MD

Saturday, December 22

1:00-1:30 Golden Tones Fred Co. Seniors
Frederick, MD
2:00-2:30 The Christmas Singers
Gaithersburg, MD
5:00-5:30 Pageant of Peace Choir
Chantilly, VA
6:00-6:30 Children of the Light Dancers
Fairfax, VA
7:00-7:30 Stevie Prather
Silver Spring, MD
8:00-8:30 The Four Seasons Dancers
Rockville, MD