Visiting the National Christmas Tree at Night

It was after 5:00 pm when Dave and Kathy, Eric and I left the National Museum of Natural History walked to The Ellipse to see the National Christmas Tree.

My first shot of the
National Christmas Tree.

This year's tree is 88 feet tall
Spruce from Chippewa Falls
National Forest in in Deer
River, Minnesota.






President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree at The Ellipse in 1923.  The 48 foot tree was trimmed in red, white and green electric bulbs.  A local choir and a quartet from the US Marine Band performed.   The tradition continues to the delight of locals and visitors from all over the world.

The National Tree Lighting Ceremony took place on December 4.  Attendees received tickets via an online lottery.  We chose to avoid the crowds and visited on December 5.

The Christmas Tree is

surrounded by toy villages.

Small Christmas trees from

each state & US Territory

are on display.

The small Christmas trees look like Daleks from the Dr. Who television series.

The New York State Tree

The White House is seen to

the north of the National

Christmas Tree.

As we circle the lighting

display, I get a shot of the

Washington Memorial to the

south of the display.

Our selfie in front of the
National Christmas Tree











For me, a large part of traveling is making memories.  Snuggling with Eric in front of the National Christmas Tree is one of my favorites.