National Christmas Tree Lighting

National Christmas Tree Lighting. The National Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual holiday ceremony held at the President's Park in Washington, D.C.. Established in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, the event marks the official beginning of the Christmas and holiday season for the federal government. The ceremony features the illumination of a large evergreen tree, accompanied by musical performances and remarks from the President of the United States.

History

The tradition began on December 24, 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a balsam fir from Vermont on the grounds of the Ellipse, near the White House. This inaugural ceremony was spearheaded by the Washington Community Christmas Tree Committee, an organization of local business leaders. The event was broadcast on radio as early as 1925, and in 1954, it became one of the first holiday events televised nationally, covered by NBC. Over the decades, the ceremony has been adapted and relocated; it moved to the current site on the Ellipse in 1954 during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration. Significant changes include the transition from a cut tree to a living tree in 1973 and the addition of the surrounding Pageant of Peace, which features a display of smaller trees representing every U.S. state and territory.

Ceremony and traditions

The ceremony typically occurs in early December and is orchestrated by the National Park Service in partnership with the White House. The core moment involves the President and the First Family throwing a switch to illuminate the tree, often after a countdown. The event includes a program of holiday music performed by various choirs, bands, and celebrity guests. Surrounding the main tree, the Pageant of Peace display includes dozens of smaller, decorated trees and a life-sized nativity scene. The ceremony is broadcast live on television, often by major networks like CBS, and is attended by thousands of guests who receive tickets through a public lottery. A key tradition is the reading of a Christmas story, a practice notably upheld by First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.

Location and tree selection

The event is held on the Ellipse, a large circular park south of the White House within President's Park. Since 1973, a living tree has been used, planted permanently on the site. When a tree dies or is damaged, such as the Colorado blue spruce that succumbed to a windstorm in 2011, a new one is carefully selected and planted. The National Park Service arborists are responsible for the year-round care and selection of the tree, which is often a species native to the United States, like a Fraser fir or blue spruce. The tree is decorated with thousands of energy-efficient lights and ornaments, many of which are designed by artists from across the country.

Notable participants and performances

Every sitting U.S. President since Calvin Coolidge has presided over the ceremony, with few exceptions. Many First Ladies, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama, have played prominent roles in the event. Musical performances have featured a wide array of artists from genres such as pop, country, and classical, including Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, Maroon 5, Pentatonix, and the United States Marine Band. Television personalities like Bob Hope and Larry King have served as hosts or guests. Renowned choirs, such as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Washington National Cathedral choir, are frequent performers.

Cultural significance and impact

The ceremony is a prominent symbol of national unity and the holiday season, representing a non-partisan tradition embraced by successive administrations. It is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors to Washington, D.C. and contributing to the local economy. The event's national broadcast and coverage by media outlets like The Washington Post and CNN extend its reach to millions of households. It also serves as a platform for charitable messaging, often highlighting organizations like the Toys for Tots program run by the United States Marine Corps. The surrounding Pageant of Peace reinforces themes of goodwill and reflects the cultural diversity of the United States.

Category:Christmas events in the United States Category:Events at the White House Category:Recurring events established in 1923 Category:Holidays in Washington, D.C.