National Christmas Tree Lighting 2026/27: Dates (Dec 3 to Jan 1) and Fares

The Ellipse, Washington, DC · December 3 to January 1, 2027

National Christmas Tree Lighting

Name: National Christmas Tree Lighting 2026/27
Start: 2026-12-03
End: 2027-01-01
Location: The Ellipse, Washington, DC

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When is National Christmas Tree Lighting 2026/27?

National Christmas Tree Lighting 2026/27 runs December 3 to January 1, 2027.

2026/27December 3 to January 1, 2027Confirmed

2027/28December 2 to January 1, 2028By the calendar

How the dates are set: The National Park Foundation announces the ceremony date each year, in late November or early December.

See every event in December 2026

Source: noelly.app

National Christmas Tree Lighting schedule

December 3, 2026: The lighting ceremony takes place on the Ellipse south of the White House, hosted by the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service, and premieres on the National Park Foundation YouTube channel.
After the ceremony: Several days after the lighting and through January 1, the grounds open to the public. The lights are typically on from sunset until 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday.

Sources: noelly.app, thenationaltree.org

Getting to National Christmas Tree Lighting

The ceremony is held at President's Park (also known as the Ellipse), just south of the White House.

Source: patch.com

Tickets and cost

Ceremony tickets are free and awarded by a Recreation.gov lottery. In 2023, tickets were limited to 5 per household, every attendee needed one, and winners were announced on Nov. 15.

Source: patch.com

History of National Christmas Tree Lighting

The tradition dates back to Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree. Each December, students from every state, territory and the District of Columbia contribute ornaments to the America Celebrates display around the tree.

Source: patch.com

National Christmas Tree Lighting: questions people ask

When is the National Christmas Tree Lighting in 2026?

The ceremony is on December 3, 2026, on the Ellipse south of the White House.

Where is the National Christmas Tree Lighting?

It is held at President's Park, also called the Ellipse, just south of the White House in Washington, DC.

How do I get tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting?

Tickets are free and awarded by a Recreation.gov lottery.

Can I see the National Christmas Tree without a ticket?

Yes. Several days after the ceremony and through January 1, the grounds open to the public.

Sources: noelly.app, patch.com, thenationaltree.org

About National Christmas Tree Lighting

The tree south of the White House is lit each December, and the grounds stay open to visitors until January 1.

The National Park Foundation and National Park Service light the tree at President's Park, also called the Ellipse, just south of the White House. Free ceremony tickets are given out by lottery. Without a ticket, you can still visit the tree and the surrounding state and territory trees once the grounds open. Students from every state decorate the display with ornaments.

Know before you go

Ceremony tickets are free but come from a Recreation.gov lottery.
The grounds are open to the public from a few days after the ceremony through January 1.
Reagan National (DCA) is the closest airport, and the Metro runs into downtown in about 20 minutes.

Planning the trip

Best time to visit Washington, DC

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