National Christmas Tree Lighting

Making plans for the holidays? Save Dec. 5 for the 2019 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! Presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, this beloved American tradition features musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at President’s Park (White House).

Free tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony are awarded through an online lottery, which opens at 10 a.m. EDT on Oct. 15 and closes at 10 a.m. EDT on Oct. 21. To enter the lottery visit www.recreation.gov and click “TICKET LOTTERY”. Those without computer access may call 877-444-6777 to enter the lottery. Lottery applicants will be notified on Nov. 4.

President Calvin Coolidge celebrated the first National Christmas Tree Lighting in 1923; this year marks the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting. The ceremony today inspires visitors and viewers from around the globe to #FindYourPark/#EncuentraTuParque during the holiday season.