National Christmas Tree

The National Christmas Tree is a living tree located on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington DC. It is decorated and lit as a part of an annual month-long holiday celebration that runs from the lighting ceremony in early December through January 1st. The design is unique each year. Enjoy these photos of the National Christmas Tree and get a glimpse of the annual seasonal event.

For details about visiting the Ellipse, see The National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace

Santa's Workshop at the National Christmas Tree

While visiting the National Christmas Tree, be sure to see Santa’s Workshop and experience the wonder of the North Pole and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. The workshop was provided by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)as part of their "Safety at Home" campaign, keeping families safe during the holiday season and year round.

Google Code - 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting

The 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting was sponsored by Google, featuring the Google Code campaign to program the lights on the 56 official White House Christmas trees during the lighting ceremony.

Fifth Harmony at the National Christmas Tree Lighting

Each year, nationally known entertainers perform at the National Christmas Tree Lighting and the President brings a message of peace to the nation and the world. Fifth Harmony performed at the 2014 concert.

Michelle Obama Reads to Students

First Lady Michelle Obama and Mo'ne Davis read 'The Night Before Christmas' to young students at the 2014 National Christmas Tree Lightening Ceremony.

Santa and Singer Patti LaBelle at the National Christmas Tree Lighting

Santa and singer Patti LaBelle perform at the nation's capital for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

National Christmas Tree at Dusk

Here is a view of the National Christmas Tree and the White House at dusk. Visitors enjoy musical performances and seasonal displays on the Ellipse throughout the holiday season.

A Miniature Train at the Ellipse

Visitors enjoy a three-week holiday celebration with live entertainment at the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace. Seasonal displays surrounding the tree include a yule log, a model train, a manger and Santa's workshop.

Here's a photo of the miniature train after a dusting of snow.

President Obama Dances with Santa at the National Christmas Tree Lighting

President Barack dances with Santa Claus and performers during the annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse in Washington, DC. Lighting the National Christmas Tree is a yearly tradition for the President of the United States during the holiday season.

Nico & Vinz at the National Christmas Tree Lighting

President Barack Obama, his daughters Sasha and Malia, and first lady Michelle Obama watch the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse, south of the White House, in Washington, DC.

Christmas Manger

Nico & Vinz performed at the 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting.

Yule Log by the National Christmas Tree

Among the seasonal displays at the National Christmas Tree, is a manger with the baby Jesus.

National Christmas Tree - 2009

Visitors to the National Christmas Tree keep warm by the yule log.
 

National Christmas Tree - 2008

Each year the National Christmas Tree is decorated with unique ornaments and has a slightly different appearance.

The tradition of lighting a Christmas tree in Washington DC dates back to 1923. Read more about the history of the National Christmas Tree.