Celebrate Holiday Season with The National Christmas Tree Lighting

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their family will officially light the National Christmas Tree on Thursday, December 1 at the 89th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in President's Park, one of America's nearly 400 national parks. The ceremony will be aired on Thursday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by television and radio personality Carson Daly, this year's National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony features a talented lineup of performers. Pop sensation Big Time Rush and singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding will join the previously announced platinum selling band OneRepublic, country music star Rodney Atkins and six-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius for this extraordinary evening of holiday fanfare. The show will also feature a special appearance by Kermit the Frog, star of The Muppets, and of course, the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus.

Originally started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923, this year's ceremony marks the 89th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting. The event has become an American holiday tradition. For more information about the 2011 National Christmas Tree Lighting, visit www.thenationaltree.org.

The 2011 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation and produced by Alex Coletti Productions.

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Christmas Tree
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Obama and Santa
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Obama Family
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