If you live in the Washington, D.C., area, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is one of those tourist events that you should go to at least once in your life!
Put on as a collaboration of The National Park Service and The National Park Foundation, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is in its 95th year. It’s a tradition that commences the beginning of the holiday season and draws high-profile guests such as the president himself, the first family, and a number of musicians with holiday performances.
Where: President’s Park | 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20230 When: Thursday, November 30, 2017 If you’re going to go to the lighting ceremony, make sure to get there early -- and by early, we mean morning or early afternoon because the park will get packed. You can, of course, visit the tree the entire holiday season following the initial lighting, and if you’re not a fan of crowds, this may be the way to go. The tree will be lit every day between 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. starting December 1, and admission is free to the public (you can also come see it during the day, though it won’t be lit up). Around the perimeter of the tree, you’ll find 56 smaller trees, representing the United States territories and states, and each of these little trees are decorates with unique handmade ornaments that exemplify characteristics of the place they represent. There will also be musical performances throughout the holiday season, and you can check back on the Christmas tree website to check for lineup updates.
If you really want to see the National Christmas Tree Lighting on November 30, but you just can’t make it, don’t fret! The Hallmark Channel will be broadcasting the full lighting on Monday, December 4.
Learn more about the National Christmas Tree and the lighting ceremony here, including the history of the tree and upcoming events.
Have you been to The National Christmas Tree Lighting before? Are you planning to go this year? Let us know in the comments below!