In the wake of the September 11 attacks , the United States Secret Service announced on November 16 that only those individuals with tickets would be permitted onto The Elllipse for the December 6 tree lighting . The restrictions were lifted just 10 days later . Access to The Ellipse was closed except for two points ( at 17th and E Streets NW and at 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW ) . 15th Street NW was temporarily closed for the event , while traffic moved only in a north-bound direction on 17th Street NW . ( The street closings during the ceremony continued to occur through the 2011 ceremony . ) The original gold , green , and red lighting scheme was changed after September 11 to a patriotic red , white , and blue with red garland . The model train was provided again by Aristo-Craft , with financial , set-up , and other assistance from the National Capital Trackers ( a model train enthusiasts group ) . Clowns , a magician , and a juggler were added to help lighten the crowd 's mood
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
National Christmas Tree (United States)