National Tree Lighting Ceremony

We were lucky winners of the lottery.  This traditions started in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree.  Read more about this event.  This was the first to be decorated with electric lights–a strand of 2,500 red, white and green bulbs.  The 2019 tree was from Virginia and is a 30-foot Colorado blue spruce.  There are 56 smaller trees around the national tree with ornaments from each state.

To enter the lottery for tickets go to: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/250006  See the attached tickets for details on what to expect.  recgov_tickets.   The line stretched for several blocks however once the gates opened it moved quickly.

Check out the history of this unforgettable event.

Event History & Timeline