"National Christmas Tree" The White House Tip by DEBBBEDB

Favorite thing: The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is the beginning of a three week Washington, DC Christmas tradition. Nationally known entertainers and a military band perform. The National Park Service distributes free tickets on a first-come first served basis, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion near the corner of 15th and E Streets, NW, just southeast of the White House grounds. A maximum of four tickets are issued per person. Tickets are required for every attendee, including children.

After the Lighting, you don't need tickets. The National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace is illuminated each evening from dusk until 11 p.m. through January 1st. Musical performances by volunteer choirs and dancers, are held nightly on the Ellipse stage. Weeknight performances are from 6-8:30 p.m. Weekend performances -from 4-8:30 p.m.

Fondest memory: In 2003, we went to visit the National Christmas Tree layout in front of the White House. There were trees from each of the various states, so I (DEB) took pictures of the trees which we had some family connection to. The trees look similar because tree decorations are encased in a protective plastic globe to shield them from the weather.

The best way to get to the area is by metro. The closest stops are Metro Center, Federal Triangle, and McPherson Square.