National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pathway of Peace

Enter the Lottery Now, or Visit for Free Later

The National Christmas Tree lighting is Thursday, December 3, on the Ellipse next to the White House. Tickets are free, but you get them through a lottery on Recreation.gov, and it closes Wednesday, November 4 at 3pm Eastern. Winners hear back on Thursday, November 12, and each winner can get up to five tickets. The ceremony start time hasn't been posted yet; ticket holders get the arrival details later.

If you don't win, you're not missing the best part with kids. The tree and the Pathway of Peace are open to everyone for free from December 7 to January 1, no tickets. The pathway is the walk past 56 smaller trees, one for every state and territory, decorated with ornaments made by students. Kids love finding their state. The area is open 10am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

New this year: the big tree and the 56 state trees light up to music every 30 minutes in the evening, 5 to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11pm on weekends. There's also an online premiere of the ceremony on December 5 on the National Park Foundation's YouTube channel. The Park Service hasn't mentioned Santa's workshop or a model train for 2026, so I wouldn't promise those.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Enter the lottery by Nov 4. It closes at 3pm Eastern on Recreation.gov.
• ✓Don't stress if you lose. Visiting the tree is free from Dec 7 to Jan 1, no tickets.
• ✓Go after 5pm. The trees light up to music every 30 minutes in the evening.
• ✓Find your state tree. Each of the 56 trees has ornaments made by students from that state or territory.
• ✓Take Metro. Federal Triangle is a short walk and parking is tight.

Questions Parents Ask

When is the 2026 National Christmas Tree Lighting?

Thursday, December 3, 2026, on the Ellipse in President's Park. The start time will be shared with ticket holders.

How do I get tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting?

Tickets are free through a lottery on Recreation.gov. The lottery closes Wednesday, November 4 at 3pm ET, and winners are notified November 12.

Can I visit the National Christmas Tree without tickets?

Yes. The tree and the Pathway of Peace are free and open to the public from December 7, 2026 to January 1, 2027, 10am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11pm Friday and Saturday.

Is there a light show at the National Christmas Tree?

Yes, new for 2026: the tree and the 56 state and territory trees light up to music every 30 minutes, 5 to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11pm Friday and Saturday.