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A fun place to walk around if you are here for Christmas . Like the rotunda with each state sending a statue this is trees representing each state and territory. You can also buy your "official" White House decoration.
We decided to drive up the DC to see the tree and Christmas lights, which would allow us to get out of the house--but safely! The location pin we used on Google Maps worked perfectly, so we were able to get right to the area where the tree is located. (Note that the streets immediately next to the tree are closed, so if you are planning to look from your car, it will be from about a block or so away.) The parking around the area was pretty packed, although it didn't seem like there were crowds by the tree from what we could see. Use caution if you are planning to park or drive, since some people spot a space and hit their brakes quickly! The tree itself seem to be pretty, but not stunning. There were smaller decorated trees around it. The lights/trees on the surrounding federal buildings were also pretty. As of December 2020, many businesses are still boarded up and there's giant fencing in much of the area around the White House, especially the Black Lives Matter Plaza. However, we still enjoyed the drive and seeing the tree.
This year marks our country's 100th National Christmas Tree in D.C. The National Tree is surrounded by smaller trees representing the U.S. states and territories to what's referred to as the Pathway to Peace. And these smaller trees are decorated by schools from each locality. It was fun looking for trees of states where my son and I have lived. I also took a picture of the D.C. tree, because we're here so often it feels like home. If you get the opportunity, it's worth a trip to President's Park to visit this unique collection of Christmas trees. Kudos to beautiful traditions!
Definitely would recommend coming here at night, it's so worth it to see the tree lit up. Walking around to all the different trees is really fun. Plus it's really fun to walk around the monuments at night. Lost my friend at the lincoln memorial otw here while my phone was dead, it's ok he was recovered. Sorry for the terrible picture, it's the best I could do.
We were walking by and saw this cute Christmas trees. Sooooo pretty. They had one for every single state. With holiday music in the background I think this is such a wonderful idea and specially because it was in an open area. By the way, this is a free attraction.
It always seemed bigger on TV. It's always neat (Yes I said "neat". Used the word in a conversation with a high up government official yesterday and it's been bothering me ever since.) to walk over and see the National Christmas Tree. I'm a little disappointed by the tree itself in the daytime, as the lights are just draped over the top of it in kind of a sheet l guess, but at night it looks nice. But the daytime is still the best time to go. Much less crowded, but also you can see the decorations on the other trees. I don't have the exact details but from what I know, every year a group/school from each state and territory sends decorations to DC for one of the surrounding trees. Definately the best time to see these is during the day. I also recommend the tree lighting ceremony. I went my first few years but haven't for the last few. It's definitely worth doing at least once though! You'll need to get tickets in advance though . . . . and the line will be long once you get there so arrive early. You'll get the see the President and their family (I'll let you choose if you'd rather see this one or wait for the next.) the Marine Corps Band and few singers. The group of singers usually consist of one who's very famous, a couple others you've kind of heard of, then a few who were like seventh runner up on American Idol a few years back or of similar distinction. But over all it is most definitely "neat".
Its nice, not spectacular, but its visually pleasant and it's a free activity to do. There is a tree for each state and territory around the National Tree. These smaller trees have been decorated with ornaments prepared by students from those states/territory. The tree itself is pretty, but I kind of expected something more extravagant. Oh well, 3 stars.
Being that the holidays are extremely scaled back this year, I thought I would take my son to see the National Christmas tree. I've seen it before so I already knew that is was mostly hype, but I thought he'd think it was cool. I was wrong-he kept saying "moving ,moving" anytime I tried to stop his stroller to look at the tree or one of the surrounding mini trees representing the states and territories. They have music playing to bring about the holiday spirit. They also have directional signage (one way in/one way out). This is convenient to see due to the proximity to several other DC highlights, but if you're visiting and you don't have time to stop by you are not missing much.
I was somewhat disappointed. The tree is decorated with just lights and has a lighted star at the top. Before dark it appears that a cone shaped net was dropped over the tree. The lights are attached to the net. After dark the net is not so visible, and the lights appear to be attached to the tree. The White House has become such a fortress that there is not a clear view of it beyond the tree. There is a walkway with smaller trees representing each state and territory. These trees are decorated with lights and ornaments that are flat circular disks. The disks have art on them. Students from schools in the state decorate the disks. The signs by the trees identify the students' school. Unfortunately, you can not get close enough to see the art clearly, at least after sunset. The location and symbology are good but the exhibit itself was not that exciting.
Hmmmm... I was expecting more to be honest. I guess I was expecting this grand amazing tree and it turned out to be a little lackluster. I visited both during the day and the night. When I came during the day it wasn't done yet even though the lighting was 2 days before. It's a nice thing to visit and to bring your kids and maybe even a date but please don't expect to be super impressed.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place this year on December 1st and I was one of the lucky hundreds of people to secure free tickets that are distributed each year through an online lottery. The lottery is now closed, of course. But in or around October the lottery opens up for all to enter. During the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, nationally known entertainers and a military band performed and this year and our 44th President, President Obama greeted the audience and lit the Christmas Tree. His family (minus Malia) was by his side as well - super fantastic!! This year the hostess was Eva Longoria. See the lighting here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3992890/Eva-Longoria-dons-winter-white-coat-host-National-Christmas-Tree-lighting-ceremony.html Some of the entertainers this year included: Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Yolanda Adams, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and a few others. Alongside the performers, there were several other performers that performed throughout the venue and as we walked up to the entrance. Christmas carolers ... it was just an awesome good time! Even though I saw this event live and in person on the day it was revealed, you can visit The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace from now until January 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for FREE!! You will also experience: a Yule log, a large-scale model train and a Christmas manger. Musical performances by volunteer choirs, bands and dancers, will be held nightly throughout the holiday season. The performances will generally start at 5 p.m. and end by 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, performances run from 1-8:30 p.m. Location: The Ellipse near The White House The closest metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle, Metro Center and McPherson Square. Parking is very limited in this area, so public transportation is recommended. However, limited parking is available along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets after 6:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri and all day on the weekends. This Thursday, I noticed the police closed off a few streets starting at 2:30 pm. As a result, I parked in the George Washington University garage on 19th and E street. I arrived a little before 3pm and left about 7pm and I paid $26...sheeesh!! But overall, this was a liberating experience and one I will never forget. To experience a live taping: witnessed all the ad libs, the missed cues, commercial breaks, and cues when to applaud - it was just great. The only downside during this ticketed event...no vendors were around so we were starving!! We saw a few people with food, but I'm unsure if this is allowed. Nevertheless, don't go on an empty stomach. Again this was my experience during for the 94th Annual National Christmas Lighting (live) ceremony. If you are reading this after Dec. 1st 2016 - you can go during the allotted days/times. Hope you enjoy your time as well!!
Went to the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the Presidents's Park last night (didn't know before it's a National Park). All in all a fun event with lots of families and little kids. The marine band was great, although the other musical numbers could have been better. The National Parks promotion videos were excellent, definitely make you want to go visit all those parks! The tree itself is impressive in size although the decor's pretty ordinary. Didn't get around to see the model train so might have to go back - it was a nice evening with temps around 40 but still pretty cold the longer you stay out there. Best to bring hand warmers and thermos of hot chocolate for this kind of outdoor event!
Review for National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2016: It was my first National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and I'm glad I got to go before President Barack Obama left office. The tree itself isn't that spectacular, especially if you've seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in NYC, but it was, nonetheless, a wonderful experience seeing the President and all of the performers (Kelly Clarkson, Marc Anthony, Chance the Rapper, Yolanda Adams, etc.). It was definitely worth sitting through the cold. The event is from 5-7pm, but last entry is 4:30pm. Doors open at 3pm, but I got in line around 2:30 and there was already a huge crowd. If you have standing tickets, I'd recommend getting there early to get the best spot possible. Luckily, I got upgraded to seats so I had no issues with the crowd. They have portapotties, but not many. They also do security check before entering. No bags or backpacks allowed, but some people still got through. Purses are allowed though. The tickets to the lighting are free, but given away via lottery system. Check recreation.org in the beginning of October.
This was a beautiful set up and quite a Hallmark moment when we went through this area. The trees were all quite beautiful, the 50 that represents the 50 states. As we walked through the entire arrangement, the final two, Georgia and Florida were there. Florida looked about half the size of tree as all the other trees and it was burned out and weak and dying. Not sure if anything can be done; but, this is an amazing state and the tree should not be suffering. read more
4 years ago
Every year they release lottery tickets to attend the national Christmas tree lighting that is attended by members of the administration! The tree is surrounded by 58 tiny trees that represent each state and territory as well as the DoD and on each tree has ornaments created by children of each state. It's a lot of fun going around to each tree and seeing what the kids have created that represents the state. read more
If you're in D.C., visiting the National Christmas Tree, a tradition that began in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, is a bucket list item...once. Here's my experience: 1) Experience: Each year, the tree is from a diff rent farm across the country, but they all kind of look the same. Surrounding the National Christmas Tree are 58 state, territory and department trees where you can get close enough to see the details of the ornaments, often made by school children. You walk along a path to see all the trees. The entire experience takes 15-20 minutes. At the end, you can buy the White House's annual ornament. 2) Hours: It's open daily from early December through January 1st from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It can get crowded, but the like usually flows well. 3) Parking: It can be hard to find, but at night, I can usually find street parking along 18th Street NW. 4) Location: It's in the Ellipse by the White House, which can been seen from the National Christmas Tree area. Views of the Washington Monument are stunning. Nearby is the Art Museum of the Americas, the country's oldest museum of Latin American and Caribbean art. Outside is a sculpture garden often overlooked. To see the National Christmas Tree is free, but it's smaller than expected. Once you see it for the first time, you're good for the rest of your life. read more
A fun place to walk around if you are here for Christmas . Like the rotunda with each state sending a statue this is trees representing each state and territory. You can also buy your "official" White House decoration. read more
6 years ago
We decided to drive up the DC to see the tree and Christmas lights, which would allow us to get out of the house--but safely! The location pin we used on Google Maps worked perfectly, so we were able to get right to the area where the tree is located. (Note that the streets immediately next to the tree are closed, so if you are planning to look from your car, it will be from about a block or so away.) The parking around the area was pretty packed, although it didn't seem like there were crowds by the tree from what we could see. Use caution if you are planning to park or drive, since some people spot a space and hit their brakes quickly! The tree itself seem to be pretty, but not stunning. There were smaller decorated trees around it. The lights/trees on the surrounding federal buildings were also pretty. As of December 2020, many businesses are still boarded up and there's giant fencing in much of the area around the White House, especially the Black Lives Matter Plaza. However, we still enjoyed the drive and seeing the tree. read more
4 years ago
This year marks our country's 100th National Christmas Tree in D.C. The National Tree is surrounded by smaller trees representing the U.S. states and territories to what's referred to as the Pathway to Peace. And these smaller trees are decorated by schools from each locality. It was fun looking for trees of states where my son and I have lived. I also took a picture of the D.C. tree, because we're here so often it feels like home. If you get the opportunity, it's worth a trip to President's Park to visit this unique collection of Christmas trees. Kudos to beautiful traditions! read more
3 years ago
Definitely would recommend coming here at night, it's so worth it to see the tree lit up. Walking around to all the different trees is really fun. Plus it's really fun to walk around the monuments at night. Lost my friend at the lincoln memorial otw here while my phone was dead, it's ok he was recovered. Sorry for the terrible picture, it's the best I could do. read more
We were walking by and saw this cute Christmas trees. Sooooo pretty. They had one for every single state. With holiday music in the background I think this is such a wonderful idea and specially because it was in an open area. By the way, this is a free attraction. read more
It always seemed bigger on TV. It's always neat (Yes I said "neat". Used the word in a conversation with a high up government official yesterday and it's been bothering me ever since.) to walk over and see the National Christmas Tree. I'm a little disappointed by the tree itself in the daytime, as the lights are just draped over the top of it in kind of a sheet l guess, but at night it looks nice. But the daytime is still the best time to go. Much less crowded, but also you can see the decorations on the other trees. I don't have the exact details but from what I know, every year a group/school from each state and territory sends decorations to DC for one of the surrounding trees. Definately the best time to see these is during the day. I also recommend the tree lighting ceremony. I went my first few years but haven't for the last few. It's definitely worth doing at least once though! You'll need to get tickets in advance though . . . . and the line will be long once you get there so arrive early. You'll get the see the President and their family (I'll let you choose if you'd rather see this one or wait for the next.) the Marine Corps Band and few singers. The group of singers usually consist of one who's very famous, a couple others you've kind of heard of, then a few who were like seventh runner up on American Idol a few years back or of similar distinction. But over all it is most definitely "neat". read more
8 years ago
Its nice, not spectacular, but its visually pleasant and it's a free activity to do. There is a tree for each state and territory around the National Tree. These smaller trees have been decorated with ornaments prepared by students from those states/territory. The tree itself is pretty, but I kind of expected something more extravagant. Oh well, 3 stars. read more
Being that the holidays are extremely scaled back this year, I thought I would take my son to see the National Christmas tree. I've seen it before so I already knew that is was mostly hype, but I thought he'd think it was cool. I was wrong-he kept saying "moving ,moving" anytime I tried to stop his stroller to look at the tree or one of the surrounding mini trees representing the states and territories. They have music playing to bring about the holiday spirit. They also have directional signage (one way in/one way out). This is convenient to see due to the proximity to several other DC highlights, but if you're visiting and you don't have time to stop by you are not missing much. read more
I was somewhat disappointed. The tree is decorated with just lights and has a lighted star at the top. Before dark it appears that a cone shaped net was dropped over the tree. The lights are attached to the net. After dark the net is not so visible, and the lights appear to be attached to the tree. The White House has become such a fortress that there is not a clear view of it beyond the tree. There is a walkway with smaller trees representing each state and territory. These trees are decorated with lights and ornaments that are flat circular disks. The disks have art on them. Students from schools in the state decorate the disks. The signs by the trees identify the students' school. Unfortunately, you can not get close enough to see the art clearly, at least after sunset. The location and symbology are good but the exhibit itself was not that exciting. read more
9 years ago
Hmmmm... I was expecting more to be honest. I guess I was expecting this grand amazing tree and it turned out to be a little lackluster. I visited both during the day and the night. When I came during the day it wasn't done yet even though the lighting was 2 days before. It's a nice thing to visit and to bring your kids and maybe even a date but please don't expect to be super impressed. read more
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place this year on December 1st and I was one of the lucky hundreds of people to secure free tickets that are distributed each year through an online lottery. The lottery is now closed, of course. But in or around October the lottery opens up for all to enter. During the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, nationally known entertainers and a military band performed and this year and our 44th President, President Obama greeted the audience and lit the Christmas Tree. His family (minus Malia) was by his side as well - super fantastic!! This year the hostess was Eva Longoria. See the lighting here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3992890/Eva-Longoria-dons-winter-white-coat-host-National-Christmas-Tree-lighting-ceremony.html Some of the entertainers this year included: Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Yolanda Adams, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and a few others. Alongside the performers, there were several other performers that performed throughout the venue and as we walked up to the entrance. Christmas carolers ... it was just an awesome good time! Even though I saw this event live and in person on the day it was revealed, you can visit The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace from now until January 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for FREE!! You will also experience: a Yule log, a large-scale model train and a Christmas manger. Musical performances by volunteer choirs, bands and dancers, will be held nightly throughout the holiday season. The performances will generally start at 5 p.m. and end by 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, performances run from 1-8:30 p.m. Location: The Ellipse near The White House The closest metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle, Metro Center and McPherson Square. Parking is very limited in this area, so public transportation is recommended. However, limited parking is available along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets after 6:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri and all day on the weekends. This Thursday, I noticed the police closed off a few streets starting at 2:30 pm. As a result, I parked in the George Washington University garage on 19th and E street. I arrived a little before 3pm and left about 7pm and I paid $26...sheeesh!! But overall, this was a liberating experience and one I will never forget. To experience a live taping: witnessed all the ad libs, the missed cues, commercial breaks, and cues when to applaud - it was just great. The only downside during this ticketed event...no vendors were around so we were starving!! We saw a few people with food, but I'm unsure if this is allowed. Nevertheless, don't go on an empty stomach. Again this was my experience during for the 94th Annual National Christmas Lighting (live) ceremony. If you are reading this after Dec. 1st 2016 - you can go during the allotted days/times. Hope you enjoy your time as well!! read more
8 years ago
Went to the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the Presidents's Park last night (didn't know before it's a National Park). All in all a fun event with lots of families and little kids. The marine band was great, although the other musical numbers could have been better. The National Parks promotion videos were excellent, definitely make you want to go visit all those parks! The tree itself is impressive in size although the decor's pretty ordinary. Didn't get around to see the model train so might have to go back - it was a nice evening with temps around 40 but still pretty cold the longer you stay out there. Best to bring hand warmers and thermos of hot chocolate for this kind of outdoor event! read more
10 years ago
Review for National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2016: It was my first National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and I'm glad I got to go before President Barack Obama left office. The tree itself isn't that spectacular, especially if you've seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in NYC, but it was, nonetheless, a wonderful experience seeing the President and all of the performers (Kelly Clarkson, Marc Anthony, Chance the Rapper, Yolanda Adams, etc.). It was definitely worth sitting through the cold. The event is from 5-7pm, but last entry is 4:30pm. Doors open at 3pm, but I got in line around 2:30 and there was already a huge crowd. If you have standing tickets, I'd recommend getting there early to get the best spot possible. Luckily, I got upgraded to seats so I had no issues with the crowd. They have portapotties, but not many. They also do security check before entering. No bags or backpacks allowed, but some people still got through. Purses are allowed though. The tickets to the lighting are free, but given away via lottery system. Check recreation.org in the beginning of October. read more
Come on tax dollars, you can do so much better than this! This was our second year in a row of checking out the National Tree. Last year we went at night, and lit up it did look somewhat better, but during the day, as we experienced this Saturday, it's not that it's bad or anything, but it's just okay. And when should just okay be good enough for a National Tree that folks from all over the world are going out of their way to look at??? Honestly, it looks like a bare tree caught in a giant net! Even the trains, while cool, could use some updating. And the small trees that represent the states are pretty devoid of personality. Yes they have decorations that have been designed by someone in each state, but by the time they put the plastic balls around those designs, you can barely tell any of them apart. All-in-all, it just feels like someone said, "okay it's time to put it all up again...you, Intern...go throw it up". It feels like no one has said (for perhaps years and years), what can we do to FRESHEN this up? All of this, albeit not thrilling would still be okay... but what was really really NOT okay, was that they closed the public bathrooms at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon at peak season! Who the heck is in charge here, a bladder-less Grinch??? read more
When my husband and I came over here all we were expecting was to find just the famous tree. We got more than we bargained for. The tree is beautifully decorated. I'm sure at nine it will look a lot prettier. At the base of the tree are various minature railroad exhibits an intermodal facility. On another side is a minature bridge display with trains passing through. You need to look very carefully to find a military plane hovered high above a small village. The display beneath the tree with all the difference railroad sets are phenomenal. Surrounding the tree are individual "state" and US "territory trees which are designed by people of that state. You could literally spend all day looking at these trees but since I'm from Pittsburgh I was after the PA tree. Believe me it didn't disappoint and made me proud to be from PA. You have a good view of the back of the White House all decked out for Christmas. Far off in the distance is a Hanukkah Menorah. Some of the walkways are cut off to the public but was able to snag a good picture of it. Best of all it is free! There is a chalet there as well which is selling the White House holiday ornament based on the President they are honoring for this year. If you want more White House gifts then proceed to the White House visitors center nearby. This is a rare holiday treat for anyone out of town who may have seen the tree lighting on TV but is so much better in person. It was worth enduring the wintry elements just to see it. Made for a great visit and felt like a child again seeing all the train exhibits. read more
Seeing the National Christmas Tree is something I look forward to every year. This year they have programmable lights project for the state trees (https://holidays.madewithcode.com/project/lights) that I think is really cool. Yes, of course, it gets crowded, so plan accordingly and enjoy! read more
I expected the National Christmas Tree to be much better then what it was. I liked that surrounding the tree was mini trees for each state. There was a huge tree with ornaments in front of the Capitol Building that was much more impressive than this one. read more
I'm happy I got to see the National Christmas Tree. It really wasn't a big deal though. Why? Because they were taking it down. So this was the last day. I watched as the big lifts pulled net lights and gold ribbon down from the tall fir. You could not walk around it, that was closed off. But you could admire the height. But I got to see it. I was happy. read more
3 years ago
12 years ago
Pets are allow, and I took my cat! Photos will be up soon. As for everything else, I enjoy visiting the National Christmas Tree. Surprisingly it was not as crowded tonight as one would have anticipated. The yucky weather stirs folks away I bet. The tree is beautiful this year, and I highly encourage taking your family there to visit it. It is great for photo ops, and you gain that warm cheery feeling inside that people warn you about. Happy holidays. read more
I may or may not have charged the numerous silly tourists that braved 15-degree-with-wind-chill-weather*, a small monetary amount to take their group pictures in front of the National Xmas Tree (and the South side of the White House)... ...but I definitely didn't need to put $27 worth of drinks on my credit card later that night... Heh. ***NOTE*** Yes, it can be said that I was also silly and stupid to brave the 15 degree with wind-chill weather...but I was on a mission. My husband, who grew up in a Norman Rockwell painting, has lost his Xmas spirit. So it only makes sense that his atheist-agnostic-whatevereist wife would be the one who would be all gung-ho and set about bringing back his sense of magic and child-like wonder and to assure him that yes, by all that is holy...there IS a Santa Claus... ...and his fat butt froze with the silly tourists in front of the National Xmas Tree... read more
Wow felt so lucky I got to attend the National Tree Lighting. It was an amazing experience and felt so awed to hear Prez Obama speak one last time. The national tree lighting was from 5-7pm, but you have to show up by 4:30pm and go through security. The national tree lighting was hosted by National Park Association and Hallmark. Eva Longoria was the host and did a fantastic job. This was filmed live and in between filming, she would crack jokes. Kelly Clarkson, Marc Anthony, James Taylor, Chance the Rapper, Garth Brooks, Lumineers and more performed and did a fantastic job. You really felt the Christmas spirit and camaraderie. It was amazing to hear Obama do the countdown for the tree lighting and to hear his speech. Michelle Obama read a Christmas bedtime story to the crowd. I loved every second of the National Tree Lighting! It was freezing cold, but def worth it for me. I won't ever forget it! read more
This is my first time at the national tree in Washington DC. Being from New York I'm obviously spoiled with Rockefeller Center and the big Christmas tree every single year. I don't know what I was expecting by seeing the national tree. I guess I had thought in my mind that it was going to be better than Rockefeller Center. Haha To be completely honest I was not impressed by the tree. I came here during night time for the lighting. you couldn't even see the tree because they have lights that wrapped around the entire tree. Thankfully I could see a couple branches sticking out from under the lights. from far away it looks like they just took a big flagpole and strung lights up to the top of the flagpole. The one thing I did like about the national tree was the bottom of the tree was decorated really nice lady and they did have a train that went around the entire tree. Also they had a little statue for every single state and a little description of what the state stands for. . I thought that that was really nice. The area that you could walk around the tree was extremely crowded shoulder to shoulder the entire time. Overall the national tree is something that I personally was not that impressed with. Again I am from New York and I do go by Rockefeller Center every year. I do recommend coming to see the street at once in your life. Now I can officially say that I've seen the national tree. read more
If you're in downtown DC be sure and check this out. It's not the most impressive tree in the world and they mostly cover it with a netting of lights but it's permanent not cut down fresh each year which is unique and they run lots of model trains around it. Besides it's the national tree and there's only one so might as well check it out. They have trees from every state/territory decorated as well so check those out too. They're usually all pretty good but in my heavily biased opinion Florida wins every year! read more
11 years ago
Just a little underwhelming. A bunch of trees with baubles on them marked with state names. Outdoor train sets at which people throw pennies to make wishes if their penny makes its target on a moving train carriage. The National Christmas tree is decorated sure, but what a sterile and ridiculously boring destination to have to walk to with nothing but tawdry tshirt sellers and lame industrially produced hot dogs to eat in the vicinity. Could there be anything done to improve the festivity here by adding anything of cultural value? Performances? Hot brandy for sale in the evenings? Benches and gathering spots lit by gas lamps? No. Welcome to your national non-festive christmas tree. I'd rather go to a european christmas market or a holiday market anywhere than this! read more
12 years ago
TAKE THE METRO! We drove around for an hour trying to snag a parking spot and still had to walk a half a mile to get to the tree area. The menorah from afar looks beautiful but once you get up close its beauty is overtaken by unsightly generators underneath. Come on- isn't there a way to cover that ugly mess of wires and machines? The tree was pretty but not one of the better ones I've seen in my day. Wear old shoes or be prepared to scrape the mud off your boots when you get home. Next time I will take the metro and walk the several blocks to get there than fight for a spot. Was a decent addition to some holiday spirit but not what I expected for our nations holiday tree. read more
7 years ago
This was at 949pm. The rangers had already shut the gates for half the park at 939pm...they locked half and had no mercy when saying our two kids and us..were just wanting a 30sec picture with the North Carolina tree...ridiculous..if your going to close at 10pm..close at 10pm not 935 read more
5 years ago
National Christmas tree 2021 check out this very DC thing. Thousands of lights Trees representing 50 states and territories. Free to the public read more
9 years ago
Eh, I've seen better. My family and I travel a bunch during the holiday season, so we've seen our fair share of beautifully lit and decorated Christmas trees. I totally expected so much more from the National Christmas Tree. You know, Rockefeller Center-style. Being in between the White House and the Washington Monument, I was truly expecting something of epic proportions. Sadly, it was not epic, but definitely a strong ok! It was cool to see trees represented and decorated by the various states in our country. So, my husband and I took a photo by the California Christmas tree, since we're both from there and my daughter took one by the Louisiana Christmas tree, since she was born there. If you like ornaments, they were selling the National Christmas Tree ornament. Sadly, we missed all the live performances and holiday shows that took place here, but maybe next time. Also, we were there during the day, so did not get to see the tree lit up close; however, did see it, when we were driving around the area a few nights before. Hopefully there is a good reason as to why this tree is not as grand as others in more popular areas. It was still cool to get to visit the tree and bring my daughter there. read more
12 years ago
The National Christmas Tree was a little less grand than I expected. It is just a cone. A cone of red and green lights that stands maybe 20-25 ft tall. There are other Christmas trees more impressive around DC than the National one. Also, the design of fences around the tree is very similar to that of a cattle ranch. You get herded into this circle that forms a human vortex of claustrophobia and camera flashes surrounding the almighty National Christmas Tree. You have to see it at least once just for the experience, and there are great holiday photo opportunities (and the Willard Hotel that is beautifully decorated is just a stones throw away!). We went on Christmas at around 7pm and it was still plenty crowded, but we found parking just a block away. I gave it three stars because it isn't horrible (unless you hate excessive amounts of people taking selfies, people holding small pooches, small screaming people also known as children, people in general, Christmas, Christmas trees, trees, colored lights, or holiday cheer), but it also isn't that spectacular. I would suggest skipping the National Christmas Tree and going to Zoo Lights at the Smithsonian's Zoo! read more
11 years ago
One thought that came to mind: They should charge for this. Call me Ebenezer Scrooge. People flock from all over to marvel in awe at a beautiful tree that is adorned with lights. Lots and lots of lights. The crowds can be so heavy that it feels like you are at an amusement park, not in line to see strings of lights resting ever so gently on branches of a perfectly shaped pine tree. I wonder if people come to see the tree when it is an undressed pine tree. I know i want to return to see it without all the strings of lights and train set around the base of the tree. The lights turn off exactly at 10:00, so plan your excursion carefully. read more
This is a wonderful place to come to look at all the beautiful trees from all the states. And the little trains and things in front of the bigger tree. I think they organized the walkway in a way that it's not that crowded and gets out of control. Parking can be hectic but manageable. read more
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More info about National Christmas Tree
National Christmas Tree Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - National Christmas Tree
Is it free?
Yes, it is free but you must register on the National Park website to get a ticket for the actual lighting ceremony. All other times the tree is open to the public for viewing.
