National Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Downtown D.C. This Thursday

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree is set for Thursday night, featuring performances from The Beach Boys, Alana Springsteen, and Brett Young, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to light the tree at the White House Ellipse. Traffic in downtown D.C. will be affected, with road closures and emergency no parking signs from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This year’s tree is a 35-foot red spruce, hailing from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia. The National Christmas Tree tradition began in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit a 48-foot Balsam Fir, attracting over 20,000 attendees.

The ceremony will start at 6 p.m. with the trees lighting around sunset each night from Dec. 5 to Jan. 1. The Ellipse will also feature 58 smaller trees representing U.S. states and federally-operated schools, decorated by schoolchildren.

While tickets for the in-person ceremony are sold out, viewers can watch through the Great American Family network. The public can enjoy the display starting Saturday, Dec. 6, with hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

As locals prepare for the festivities, a winter weather advisory is in effect for parts of Maryland through Friday afternoon. Those attending are advised to dress warmly and bring blankets.