The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse began with President Calvin Coolidge nearly 100 years ago when he lit a 48 foot Balsam Fir from Vermont decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white, and green on Christmas Eve 1923. If you're visiting the @nationalmallnps this month, don't forget to step across the street to @presidents_park_nps (White House) and see the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse. The National Christmas Tree site is free to visit and open to the public through Jan. 1, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday. The walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree features 58 state and territory trees decorated with ornaments designed by students that are unique to each tree. Image: National Christmas tree illuminated with the Washington Monument in the background. NPS #washingtondc #nationalchristmastree #nationalmall #whitehouse #presidentspark #christmastree