THE NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE - WASHINGTON, DC [1104 US] The lighting of the National Christmas Tree by the President of the United States is the central event in the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace. The tradition of the outdoor decorated tree began in November 1923 when First Lady Grace Coolidge gave permission for the District of Columbia Public Schools to erect a cut Christmas tree on the Ellipse south of the White House. The first tree was lit by President Calvin Coolidge at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The organizers named the tree the "National Christmas Tree". The following year the name was changed to the "National Community Christmas Tree", and the name was not changed back until 1972. In more recent decades the tree was lit in mid-December rather than Christmas Eve. Today the tree is lit in early December.
