WASHINGTON — Tried to get a raffle ticket to see the National Christmas Tree lit up in all it's glory but didn't make the cut? No need to Claus a scene! The tree is now open to be seen by the masses in person as the holiday season kicks off.
On Nov. 30, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted the National Christmas Tree lighting, marking the 100th time the event has happened. The event featured performances and appearances from household names including LL Cool J, Shania Twain, Andy Grammer, Gloria Estefan, Joss Stone, and "The President's Own" United States Marine Band.
And now, you can treat your elf to some holiday magic by visiting the tree. The Pathway of Peace and the National Christmas Tree are free to visit and open to the public from Dec. 2 through Jan. 1, 2023 at the President's Park.
The National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening and turn off at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The walkway that features 58 trees represents the 56 states and territories, and schools managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The trees are each uniquely decorated with ornaments designed by students from each state, territory, and school system.