Christmas time is always a beautiful time in the Nation’s Capital. Each year the standing President of the United States gets to pick his tree and it is a big deal for all of those in Washington DC. A huge ceremony takes place and in this article we will go over what all takes place, so hopefully next year you can attend the ceremony yourself. The White House decided to bring some Southern love to the capital this year, bringing their highly anticipated tree from the great state of North Carolina. Coming from a very small town of Ashe County. Ashe County is a small town that their main economy boost is Christmas Trees. This is not the first time that the White House has gotten a tree from Ashe County (18 times to be exact) , other presidents in the past have gotten their tree here also. Credit goes to Peak Tree Farms this year for their beautiful 18.5 foot Fraser Fir tree. This particular farm has supplied other trees to the White House during the presidency of Obama in 2008 & 2012. Beginning in 1966, The National Christmas Tree Association has been gifting the White House with a tree for the infamous Blue Room.
Ceremony for White House tree 2021
How is the White House Tree Picked?
Every year the National Christmas Tree Association holds a contest for all growers to enter in. People who are in the industry a long with some well noted experts as well as consumers vote and then select the grower. Whomever they pick is who will be honored through history as a tree farm that was able to have their tree in the White House for Christmas. To qualify for the national contest, growers must first win their state or regional competitions, so being named National Grand Champion is quite an achievement. One that the special winner can be very proud of for years to come.
Ceremony for the Christmas Tree
Every year for as long as most of us remember the White House has held a ceremony while bringing in the Christmas Tree that will be set up in the historic Blue room. On December 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge touches a button and lights up the first national Christmas tree to grace the White House grounds. Not only was this the first White House “community” Christmas tree, but it was the first to be decorated with electric lights–a strand of 2,500 red, white and green bulbs. According to later accounts, the first White House Christmas party was held in December 1800. President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams held it for their four-year-old granddaughter Susanna Boylston Adams, who was living with them. They invited government officials and their children to the party. In 2021 this was the 99th National Christmas Tree lighting. This is for the tree outside of the Capital.
When they bring the Christmas tree for the blue room, it is normally brought in with a crowd standing by to watch. The President and the first lady stand outside welcoming everyone. Also the really neat part is that the tree farm family can be there too to be honored for their glorious contribution to the White House. What an honor to know that you were selected to have your hard work displayed in the White House. The National Guard family also is present for the ceremony. This year’s National Guard family includes Capt. Maryanne V. Harrell, who serves as the unit commander for the District of Columbia Army National Guard Medical Detachment, her husband Levi, and their children Levi II, Marcus and Elliana.
Capitol Express Tours; Christmas in DC
Unfortunately, if you are just not coming across this article the time has passed to get to be present and see the ceremony for the traditional White House Christmas. Capitol Express tours is here to get you booked for next year and all the festive fun awaiting you and those who join you to your visit to the Nations capital. If you are planning a trip to Washington DC for the holidays, you are still able to see the tree all lit up outside and can awe in its glorious lights and ornaments. Book your tour today so you do not miss out on these historical events and sightings that Washington DC has to offer. When you book a guided tour you can guarantee to have a smooth time traveling around and gathering intel from locals.