Photo credit: Paul Morigi

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light a 48-foot fir tree decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, as a local choir and a “quartet” from the U.S. Marine Band performed. 90 years later, this American holiday tradition continues to bring citizens together to share in a message of hope and peace.

The history of the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree is intertwined with the history of America. Through peace and war, from national celebration to national mourning, Americans have gathered together and celebrated the season in this holiday event.

Enter the lottery to win one of 17,000 free tickets to the event!

Washington, D.C. – The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held annually on the Ellipse to kick off the holiday season in our nation’s capital, this year will be held Friday, December 6, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. (EST), the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced today.

Free tickets for the 91^st annual tree-lighting ceremony will be awarded through an online lottery, which will open at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) Thursday, October 31 and close at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Monday, November 4. Those seeking tickets can enter the lottery by going to www.thenationaltree.org and clicking the ‘TICKET LOTTERY’ link.  Those without computer access may call 877-444-6777 (TDD 877-833-6777) to enter the lottery.  There are 3,000 seated tickets and 14,000 standing-room tickets available through the lottery.

Winners will be notified by email by November 7. In addition, lottery entrants can check the status of their requests starting on November 7 by signing in to www.recreation.gov.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, with support from the event’s premier sponsor, UL.  Other supporters include GE Lighting, Nicolas Holiday, Inc., Hilton Garden Inn Washington D.C.-Downtown, Guest Services, Inc., and Hudler Carolina Tree Farms.

Note: if you’re one of the lucky winners of tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, we’d be honored to help you book a luxury hotel room in Washington D.C. for the event.  To request our help, simply CLICK HERE.