News Release

Six dates to know for this year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

News Release Date: October 19, 2023

Contact: Chelsea Sullivan

WASHINGTON — Join the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation as we usher in the second century of the National Christmas Tree Lighting Nov. 30. The free ticket lottery will open to the public on Nov. 1.  

Here are six dates to know for this year’s tree lighting ceremony: 

• Nov. 1: Free ticket lottery opens at 10 a.m. ET.  

• Nov. 8: Free ticket lottery closes at 3 p.m. ET.  

• Nov. 15: Lottery Results Announced. 

• Nov. 30: National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

• Dec. 2: The National Christmas Tree site opens to the public.  

• Dec. 15: CBS Network will broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting special at 8 p.m. ET. 

Free tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony are awarded through an online lottery, which opens at 10 a.m. ET, Nov. 1 and closes at 3 p.m. ET Nov. 8. To enter the lottery, visit Recreation.gov and click “TICKET LOTTERY.” You may also call 877-444-6777 to enter the lottery. Lottery applicants will be notified about their ticket status Nov. 15. Presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF), this beloved American tradition features musical performances and the official ringing in of the holiday season. 

Last year, the NPS and NPF celebrated the 100th lighting of the National Christmas Tree. First celebrated in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, the National Christmas Tree Lighting continues to inspire people everywhere to pause to enjoy cherished traditions and memories made with family and friends in national parks during the holiday season. Learn more about the history of the National Christmas Tree Lighting.

For more event information and updates, please visit thenationaltree.org and follow President’s Park on Facebook or Twitter.