President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama To Light National Christmas Tree

Published Date

November 29, 2016

President and Mrs. Obama will light the National Christmas Tree on Thursday/2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting at President's Park, Paul Morigi for the National Park Foundation, www.thenationaltree.org

Editor's note: The following is an unedited release from the National Park Service.

President Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama will help wrap the National Park Service centennial celebrations when they officially light the National Christmas Tree in President's Park on Thursday during the 2016 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Simone Manuel is also set to make a special appearance with First Lady Michelle Obama.

Hosted by Eva Longoria, this year's National Christmas Tree Lighting features a line-up of chart topping talent who will make the night merry and bright. Yolanda Adams, Marc Anthony, Kelly Clarkson, The Lumineers, Chance the Rapper, James Taylor, and Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood will all perform a collection of holiday favorites accompanied by Afro Blue and the U.S. Airmen of Note.

Keep up with the National Christmas Tree on Twitter at @TheNationalTree and follow #NCTL2016 on social media for more information about the event and its history.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks. Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, the Hallmark Channel will exclusively broadcast the National Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 5 at 5 p.m. ET. The event can also be viewed on the National Christmas Tree Lighting website, thenationaltree.org, starting Tuesday, December 6, 2016.

An American holiday tradition started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is a great example of the countless ways there are to #FindYourPark.

Celebrating 100 years of the National Park Service, Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque is a public awareness and education movement to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate, and support America's national parks and community-based programs. Celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and setting the stage for the Service's next 100 years, #FindYourPark invites people to discover and share their own unique connections to our nation's natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.

Stories about:

President's Park

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks