National Christmas Tree Celebrations

Whether it is a fir, pine or spruce, a real evergreen tree has long been part of family, community and national Christmas traditions.

The first community Christmas tree celebration in Washington DC was December 24, 1913. The tradition continued and in 1923 the Tree Lighting ceremony was added to mark the kick off of the holiday season. The tradition continues thanks to the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. You can watch the National Tree Lighting ceremony on television or on-line.

The Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association have declared the first Saturday of December as Christmas Tree Day. Visit christmastrees.on.ca to see how these holiday favorites are planted, pruned, harvested and shipped to Christmas tree lots for our enjoyment.

A bit more information: If you are lucky enough to visit the National Christmas tree in Washington DC, you can enjoy musical and other holiday entertainment in the shadow of the national tree.