The National Christmas Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony
Tickets · District of Columbia ·
Managed by the National Park Service
National Capital Parks (Other Designation) · Restricted Access
- 20 ft
- Elevation
Overview:
The Opening Ceremony of the Lighting of the National Christmas is a time-honored holiday tradition which includes the illumination of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse just south of the White House. Popular entertainers and a United States military band add to the celebratory evening when the President of the United States lights the National Christmas Tree and brings a message of peace to the nation and world. With the White House as a back drop, in what becomes the "Christmas Pathway of Peace," the National Christmas Tree and 56 smaller trees--one for each state, five territories and the District of Columbia--serve as the event focal point.Getting there
None
38.89472, -77.03611 · 38°53'41.0"N 77°2'10.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 90°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip in | 2.9 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 3.7 | 2.9 | 3.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about The National Christmas Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony
- Can you reserve a site at The National Christmas Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony?
- Yes, The National Christmas Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony is reservable through Recreation.gov.
Camping near The National Christmas Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony
- The White House Easter Egg Roll 0.1 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- Washington Monument 0.4 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- White House Visitor Center 0.2 mi · Facility
- The Willard InterContinental, Washington DC 0.2 mi · Facility
- National Museum of American History 0.4 mi · Facility
- USDA Visitors Center 0.4 mi · Facility
- The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection 0.4 mi · Facility
- Department of the Interior Museum 0.4 mi · Facility
- National Museum of Natural History 0.6 mi · Facility
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing: DC 0.7 mi · Facility
- National Music Center 0.7 mi · Facility
- Arts and Industries Building 0.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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