WASHINGTON — It's almost time to plan your trip to President's Park for a time honored holiday tradition in D.C. The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will present the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 5. Due to high demand, tickets are awarded via a lottery system, which opens Wednesday at 10 a.m.
The tree lighting tradition goes all the way back to Christmas Eve in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree. Now, more than a century later, the holiday fun continues with musical performers and special guests bringing people together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
After the lighting ceremony and throughout the month of December, visitors are invited to view the National Christmas Tree, as well as the 58 surrounding trees honoring the states, territories, and District of Columbia.
Tickets are free, but limited to five per household. The lottery opens at 10 a.m. and closes on Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. Lottery results will be released at Nov. 8.
More lottery and ticket information can be found here.