WASHINGTON - President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will help celebrate the 2019 holiday season by lighting the new National Christmas Tree at the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at President’s Park on Dec. 5.
Lighting the National Christmas Tree is one of America’s oldest holiday traditions. The first lighting took place 96 years ago on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree on the Ellipse (White House). Since 1923, each succeeding president has carried on the tradition. The ceremony today inspires visitors and viewers from around the globe to #FindYourPark/#EncuentraTuParque during the holiday season.
This year’s ceremony will include performances of your favorite holiday tunes by host Jessie James Decker, Chevel Shepherd, Colton Dixon, Max Impact, Spensha Baker, “The President’s Own" United States Marine Band, the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus and the West Tennessee Youth Chorus.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, Ovation and REELZ will broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, Dec. 9. Viewers can tune in to watch the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on REELZ and 9 p.m. ET on Ovation.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
