National Christmas Tree (United States) Monument

Address: President’s Park (the Ellipse), near 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Website: https://www.thenationaltree.org

Hours: Public access varies seasonally; the Ellipse and grounds are typically open daylight hours; special events in December have specific times.

Admission: Free

The National Christmas Tree is a seasonal evergreen display set on the Ellipse in President’s Park, Washington, D.C., presented annually with a public lighting ceremony. The tradition dates back to the early 20th century.

The central decorated tree is surrounded by the Pathway of Peace, a circuit of smaller trees decorated to represent U.S. states, territories, and organizations, creating a festive outdoor exhibit. The annual lighting is accompanied by performances and speeches and draws visitors to the presidential park area during the holiday season.

The ceremonial lighting of a national tree began in the 1920s and evolved into a formal public event with musical and civic components. The site on the Ellipse has been the long-standing location for the display and ceremony.

Placed on the Ellipse within President’s Park just south of the White House in central Washington, D.C., the display is easily reached from the National Mall and surrounding downtown areas.

• Origins: First established as a national tradition in 1923, the tree and ceremony have been held annually in most years since then.
• Lighting ceremony: The lighting event is a public ceremony often accompanied by musical performances and official guests; security and access rules apply on event day.

What to See#

• The Ellipse: The Ellipse in President’s Park, immediately south of the White House, is the site of the main tree and the annual public lighting ceremony.
• Pathway of Peace: The Pathway of Peace is a ring of smaller decorated trees representing U.S. states and territories that line the walkway around the main tree during the holiday display.

The Ellipse sits south of the White House; the nearest Metro stations are Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange lines) or Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver). From either station it’s a 10-15 minute walk through the National Mall/White House area.

• Visit early morning for quiet and for a clear view of the White House nearby; evenings during the holiday season are lively but crowded.
• If visiting in December, check the National Park Service or The National Christmas Tree Association for ceremony schedules and security notices.