Calvin Coolidge started the tradition of a national Christmas tree near the White House. On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1923, he lit the first National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
The tree was a 48-foot balsam fir from Vermont, Coolidge’s home state, and stood on the Ellipse, the public park directly south of the White House. At 5 p.m., Coolidge walked from the White House and pressed a button to illuminate the tree, reportedly decorated with more than 2,500 electric lights. Thousands of spectators gathered for the ceremony, which also included music and caroling.
A common mix-up is calling it the first official White House Christmas tree. That refers to a separate indoor tradition: First Lady Lou Henry Hoover is generally credited with beginning the practice of an official White House Christmas tree in 1929. Coolidge’s 1923 ceremony instead established the public, presidentially attended National Christmas Tree lighting, a tradition continued by later presidents. The tree has appeared at several nearby locations over the years, including the White House South Lawn and the Ellipse.