<P> The National Christmas Tree is a large evergreen tree located in the northeast quadrant of The Ellipse near the White House in Washington , D.C. Each year since 1923 , the tree has been decorated as a Christmas tree . Every early December , the tree is traditionally lit by the President of the United States . Every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has made formal remarks during the tree lighting ceremony . Since 1954 , the event has marked the start of month - long festivities known as the Pageant of Peace . Smaller trees representing the U.S. states , District of Columbia , and the five territories around the National Christmas Tree are referred to as the Pathway to Peace . </P>
<P> The National Christmas Tree is a large evergreen tree located in the northeast quadrant of The Ellipse near the White House in Washington , D.C. Each year since 1923 , the tree has been decorated as a Christmas tree . Every early December , the tree is traditionally lit by the President of the United States . Every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has made formal remarks during the tree lighting ceremony . Since 1954 , the event has marked the start of month - long festivities known as the Pageant of Peace . Smaller trees representing the U.S. states , District of Columbia , and the five territories around the National Christmas Tree are referred to as the Pathway to Peace . </P>
when do they light the tree in dc
when do they light the tree in dc
early December
early December