National Christmas Tree / Ellipse lighting tradition

The tradition of an official tree-lighting associated with the White House dates to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge participated in a tree-lighting event on the White House grounds; the annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony subsequently became a recurring public event. In many years the official National Christmas Tree and associated Pageant of Peace activities have been installed on the Ellipse south of the White House as a seasonal public installation. The ceremony and tree installation are national holiday observances managed by the executive branch and event partners.