National Christmas Tree Lighting in person “Is it worth the time commitment?”

“National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 2021. NPS / Nathan King”

Update from another reader:

“I asked NPS directly about the rest of the timing, and here’s what they sent back to me:

“We anticipate pre-show activities beginning around 5pm, and the main show itself about a half an hour later. The main show is anticipated to run approximately one hour or so.”

Update from NPS:

“President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will help celebrate the 2022 holiday season by lighting the National Christmas Tree at the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will also attend the lighting. The ceremony takes place on the Ellipse in President’s Park on Nov. 30.

The lighting ceremony will also include remarks from Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland.”

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering if anyone knows what the order of events is at the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday – their website is quite vague.

I got tickets in the lottery and it says to arrive between 2:30 and 4:30; and gives no indication what time the event starts. Only that it will be broadcast at 8:30.

While this is certainly a DC-bucket list event, I’m not sure I want to stand in the cold for 4 hours.

Can any of your readers weigh in? When does the event actually start? Is it worth the time commitment?”

From MPD:

“On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, the 100th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, there will be parking restrictions and street closures that motorists should take into consideration:

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

· 17th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW

· Constitution Avenue between 18th Street and 14th Street, NW

· 15th Street between F Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

17th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Independence Avenue, SW
C Street between 17th Street and 18th Street, NW
D Street between 17th Street and 18th Street, NW
E Street between 17th Street and 18th Street, NW
F Street between 17th Street and 18th Street, NW
G Street between 17th Street and 18th Street, NW
New York Avenue between 17th Street and 18th Street, NW
Constitution Avenue between 18th Street and 14th Street, NW
15th Street between F Street and Independence Avenue, SW
Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th Street and 15th Street, NW”

From NPS:

“A star-studded lineup will take the stage to mark the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting. This beloved American tradition, presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF), will now also feature musical performances by Yolanda Adams and Ariana DeBose. The official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in President’s Park will take place on Nov. 30.

The NPS and NPF had previously announced that LL COOL J will host for a second consecutive year, joined on stage by Gloria Estefan, Andy Grammer, Joss Stone and Shania Twain performing holiday classics. The event will also feature performances by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

In partnership with NPF, CBS will broadcast the 2022 ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 11 (8 – 9 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The broadcast event offers a special opportunity for friends and families across the country to tune in and celebrate this holiday tradition from the comfort of home. The National Christmas Tree Lighting will be available for the public to view at CBS.com beginning Dec. 12.

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.

The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and will be open to the public Dec. 2, 2022, through Jan. 1, 2023. Hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lights on the National Christmas Tree and the 58 smaller trees that surround the tree turn on around sunset each evening.

For more event information and updates, please visit thenationaltree.org”