National Christmas Tree to Be Lit in President's Park Today

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump accompanied by members of THE FIRST FAMILY will help ring in the holiday season by lighting the tree at the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting. Lighting the National Christmas Tree is one of America's oldest holiday traditions. The first lighting took place 95 years ago on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse. Since 1923, each succeeding president has carried on the tradition.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Dean Cain will host this year's event accompanied by performances from Boys II Bow Ties, Craig Campbell, Jack Wagner, Mannheim Steamroller, The Beach Boys, three-time Emmy Award winners The Texas Tenors, Us The Duo, Wynonna and the U.S. Navy Band led by Emmy nominated music director Steve Gibson.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, Hallmark CHANNEL will broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 4 at 7/6 p.m. CST. The event can also be viewed on the National Christmas Tree Lighting website,thenationaltree.org, starting Tuesday, December 5, 2017.

SOURCE National Park Foundation