National Christmas Tree (United States)

This article is about the Christmas Tree placed on the Ellipse near the White House. For the Christmas Tree placed inside the White House, see White House Christmas tree. For the giant Sequoia known as the "Nation's Christmas Tree", see General Grant (tree).
Lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace
The 2020 National Christmas Tree
BeginsDecember 1
EndsJanuary 1
FrequencyAnnual
Location(s)The Ellipse, Washington, D.C., U.S.
Years active1923–1941; 1945–present
Attendance17,000 (2011 approximate)
Organized byNational Park Foundation and Pageant of Peace, Inc.
Websitewww.thenationaltree.org

The National Christmas Tree is a large evergreen tree located in the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, D.C. Each year since 1923, the tree has been decorated as a Christmas tree. Every year, early in December, the tree is traditionally lit by the President and First Lady of the United States. Every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has also made formal remarks during the tree lighting ceremony.[1]

Since 1954,[2] this event has marked the start of month-long festivities known as the Pageant of Peace.[3] The line of smaller trees representing the U.S. states, the five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia around the National Christmas Tree is referred to as the Pathway to Peace.[4]

  1. ^ Domke & Coe 2010, p. 89
  2. ^ harvnb, Domke & Coe 2010, pp. 88–89
  3. ^ Ford 2011, p. 39
  4. ^ "Students, Artist, Create Ornaments for the National Christmas Tree". Norwich Bulletin. December 9, 2010.