National Christmas Tree Lighting: Here's How To Get Tickets In 2023

WASHINGTON, DC — If you've always wanted to see the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in person, the lottery for tickets to attend this year has opened.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony lottery opened Wednesday morning and will close on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. Lottery winners will be announced Nov. 15.

On Nov. 30, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation will present the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at President's Park, (also known as the Ellipse), just south of the White House. The guest list and host haven’t been announced.

On Dec. 2, the National Christmas Tree site opens to the public.

On Dec. 15, the CBS network will broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting special at 8 p.m. ET.

This ceremony is a holiday tradition dating back to Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree.

One-hundred years later, the tradition continues with musical performers and special guests bringing people together in one of America’s National Parks to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Ticket Information

• There is no charge for entering the lottery
• Tickets are also free, but limited to 5 per household
• All attendees, regardless of age, are required to have a ticket
• Only one application allowed per household; all other applications will be voided
• Ensure your account contact information is correct and current as your email address will be used for lottery and ticket communications
• Results will be announced on Nov. 8, and emails will be sent to all lottery winners with instructions on printing tickets for the event
• For more information, visit https://thenationaltree.org or the NPS President’s Park National Christmas Tree page

After the lighting ceremony and throughout the month of December, visitors are invited to view the National Christmas Tree, as well as the 58 surrounding trees honoring the states, territories, and District of Columbia.