SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured is the California fir tree which was selected for the 2011 National Tree Lighting on the Ellipse just south of the White House in Washington, D.C.

Did you apply for tickets to see the National Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 6, 2012 in D.C.? If so, weather is expected to be approx. 35 degrees, so you better wear a coat as you sit and watch military bands perform patriotic music, and a stage filled with entertainers ranging from Santa Claus to well known musical talents James Taylor, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Colbie Caillat, and Phillip Phillips. And of course, there’s the President making a speech and lighting the glorious tree.

Those who miss this event can still see nightly entertainment around the National Christmas Tree December 11-23, 2012. Santa Workshop, Pathway of Peace, and the model train display are open to the public, as well.

Pathway of Peace–The National Christmas Tree and 56 smaller trees (one for each state, the five territories, and the District of Columbia,) serve as the focal point. Sponsoring organizations in each state and territory provide the tree decorations, which are protected from the weather by a plastic globe. The Pathway of Peace trees will usually be lit from dusk until late evening between December 7, 2012 and January 1, 2013.  There has been a National Christmas Tree every year since President Coolidge helped light the first one in 1923.  See thenationaltree.org

In California, head to Sequoia National  Forest for the placing of the wreath on the Nation’s Christmas Tree. The Sanger Chamber of Commerce takes a bus filled with people to the tree ceremony on Sunday, December 9, 2012.