Washingtonians, mark your calendars! The 102nd Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Thursday, December 5, 2024 on The Ellipse at the White House and President’s Park.
Exactly one week after Thanksgiving, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will help Washingtonians and visitors alike kick off the holiday season. Here are all the details:
How long has the tree lighting been taking place?
The very first National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony happened in 1923 under President Calvin Coolidge, and D.C. celebrated its 100th anniversary two years ago. The tradition includes special appearance, musical performances, thousands of lights and hundreds of ornaments made by Americans all across the country.
How can I visit the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in person?
Unfortunately it’s too late to try to attend the tree light ceremony for 2024. Since there is such a high demand for tickets, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation hold a lottery every year, and this year it began on October 23 and closed on October 30. The winners are contacted by November 8. For future, you can enter the lottery online at Recreation.gov for your chance to attend the ceremony.
Will the tree lighting ceremony be streamed anywhere?
Can’t make it? Don’t worry! CBS will broadcast the ceremony on Friday, December 20.
Can I visit the tree after it’s lit?
Yes! The National Christmas Tree and 58 smaller trees—representing the U.S. states, territories, and the District—typically remain lit every evening after the ceremony, and visitors are welcome to visit the site to take pictures and witness the dazzling trees in person from December 7, 2024 through January 1, 2025. This area of the Park is open:
- Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Still it’s best to check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date visiting information as we get closer to the lighting event.
And for more information about the National Christmas Tree itself and its history, please visit TheNationalTree.org.