National Christmas Tree Lighting 2026: Free Ticket Lottery Opens October 28

The holiday season is almost here, and you could attend one of Washington, D.C.’s most beloved Christmas traditions for free! Tickets to the 2026 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be distributed through a lottery starting October 28.

The annual event is scheduled for December 3, 2026, at the Ellipse, just south of the White House. Hosted by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, the celebration features live performances, festive music, and plenty of holiday spirit.

How to Enter the Free Ticket Lottery

The ticket lottery opens October 28 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time and closes November 4 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications will be available through Recreation.gov.

Here are the key details to know:

• Entry fee: Free
• Application deadline: November 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET
• Winner notification: November 12, 2026
• Ticket limit: Up to five tickets per household

Only one application is permitted per household. Duplicate entries will be canceled, and submitting an application does not guarantee tickets.

Everyone attending must have a ticket, including infants. Applicants should also make sure the email address linked to their Recreation.gov account is up to date.

Lottery winners will receive instructions on accessing their tickets, along with important details about arrival times, security screenings, accessibility, and prohibited items.

Can You Visit the Christmas Tree Without Tickets?

Yes! Visitors can enjoy the National Christmas Tree display during the holiday season without attending the ticketed ceremony. However, the National Park Service has not yet announced the public visiting schedule for 2026.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony is also expected to premiere on the National Park Foundation’s YouTube channel. Additional broadcast and media partners have not yet been announced.

A Christmas Tradition Dating Back to 1923

The National Christmas Tree Lighting has a history spanning more than a century. President Calvin Coolidge started the tradition on Christmas Eve in 1923 by lighting a 48-foot balsam fir from Vermont.

The tree was decorated with 2,500 red, white, and green electric lights, beginning a holiday tradition that continues to bring people together in the nation's capital.

Mark your calendar for October 28 if you want a chance to experience this festive Washington, D.C., tradition in person!