The National Park Service and National Park Foundation invite people across the country to enter the free ticket lottery for the 2026 National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House and President’s Park. The ceremony will take place on December 3 on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

The lottery will open at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 28 and close at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 4. Enter online at National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Recreation.gov. There is no charge to enter the lottery or receive tickets.

Lottery winners will be notified on Thursday, November 12. Each winner could receive up to five tickets. Entering the lottery does not guarantee tickets. Tickets are free and may not be sold or transferred for commercial gain.

For more than a century, the National Christmas Tree Lighting has brought people together beneath the winter sky at the White House and President’s Park. The National Christmas Tree Lighting will celebrate sounds of the season and the spirit of our nation through live performances, holiday music and the shared joy of the season.

The tradition began in 1923. Today, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation proudly carry it forward, welcoming families and friends from across the country to celebrate the sounds, traditions and spirit of the holiday season together.

Ticket holders will receive additional information about arrival, accessibility, security screening and prohibited items before the ceremony. 

Event information and updates will be available at www.thenationaltree.org and www.nps.gov/whho.

National Park Service
National Park Foundation
Washington, D.C.