First National Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony

Title

First National Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony

Description

On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree on the grounds of the Ellipse. Community volunteers and civic leaders, worked together with local schools and the Society of Electrical Development to organize the celebration. The tree came from President Coolidge's home state of Vermont and was covered with 2,500 electric lights. After the tree lighting, thousands of Washingtonians and visitors sang Christmas carols accompanied by a US Marine Band quartet at the White House. African American residents held their own ceremony at the tree starting just after midnight on Christmas morning.

Source

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division View original.

Date

12/24/1923

Coverage

1920-1949

Event Sort Date

19231224

Description

On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree on the grounds of the Ellipse. Community volunteers and civic leaders, worked together with local schools and the Society of Electrical Development to organize the celebration. The tree came from President Coolidge's home state of Vermont and was covered with 2,500 electric lights. After the tree lighting, thousands of Washingtonians and visitors sang Christmas carols accompanied by a US Marine Band quartet at the White House. African American residents held their own ceremony at the tree starting just after midnight on Christmas morning.

Date

12/24/1923

Coverage

1920-1949

Source

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division View original.

Geolocation