The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a tradition that is almost 100 years old, beginning 92 years ago when Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light a 48-foot fir tree. From this day of small beginning has grown into a very official ceremony held every year. December 3, 2015 will be this year's celebration, and this is what is known about the National Christmas Tree Lighting 2015 Celebrity Guests, Souvenir Ornament, How to Live Stream or Watch Online.
According to the 2015 National Christmas Tree website, this is the 53rd consecutive year that GE Lighting is designing and decorating the National Christmas Tree, and the full details on the tree and decorations will not be revealed until Friday, December 4th.
Every year, one-of-a-kind ornaments are placed on the tree made by ordinary Americans, representing every U.S. State, territory, and includes the District of Columbia. There are about 56 artists in all that volunteer their time and talents in order to create ornaments that symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of the homelands. In commemoration of this, there is an America Celebrates display that surrounds the National Christmas Tree that is free and open to visitors through the month. For those that have decided to visit, it is possible, and you can receive the latest emergency alerts and updates from @TheNationalTree lighting, or text NCTL2015 888777.
As for the performers, there will be a variety of celebrities and musicians that include Fall Out Boy, Andra Day, Tori Kelly, Trombone Shorty, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Aloe Blacc, Kelsea Ballerini, Joyous String Quartet, Miss Piggy, Reese Witherspoon, Bellamy Young, and The United States Coast Guard Band.
The National Park Foundation is partnering with the White House Historical Association and its 2015 White House Ornament. The 2015 Ornament was designated the Official Souvenir Ornament of the National Christmas Tre and sold by the White House Historical Association. This Ornament pays tribute to the tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree which began in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree on the Ellipse in front of 3,000 spectators. It is possible to purchase the Ornament here for $18.95, and the White House Historical Association will donate $2 per purchase to the National Park Foundation in support of this holiday tradition.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Thursday, December 3rd, at 5 PM Eastern Time. It can be watched live online here, and you will need to adjust your schedule depending what Time Zone you are living in. Last year's ceremony is also there, and if you miss the live broadcast, you can catch the rebroadcast on PBS throughout the month of December by consulting a full list of stations and the times that it will air.
