2022 National Christmas Tree Lighting (Photo by National Park Service / Kelsey Graczyk)

See the White House Grounds Tour web page for a map and links to other attractions on the grounds of President’s Park.

The very first National Christmas Tree was a cut tree erected in 1923. The idea stemmed from the desire of Washington Public Schools to erect a tree on the Ellipse. Permission was granted by Grace Coolidge, wife of Calvin Coolidge. Coolidge became the first president to light a Christmas Tree on White House grounds.

Live trees were used the following year and up through 1953, but the location changed each year. It wasn’t until 1954 during the Eisenhower administration that the Christmas Tree returned to the Ellipse. It was a cut tree, and cut trees were used until 1973, at which time the ceremony once again reverted to using live trees (these were replaced whenever they died). The 2021 tree succumbed to a fungal disease in 2023, and cut trees have been used since then.

In addition to the National Christmas Tree, smaller trees are also decorated, typically 50 or so to match the number of states and territories, plus various other groups. The official lighting of the tree takes place in late November or early December. The ceremony is usually attended by the president, and various musical acts perform.