Due to the COVID-19 pandemic public health concerns, the 2020 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony did not host a live audience. Instead, a festival compilation of Christmas lights and music, national parks, and holiday cheer brought joy into homes across the country in a virtual celebration. The patriotic lighting design for the 2020 tree included red, white, and blue opaque lights in a larger traditional style LED light bulb.

Helping kick off the National Park Service Centennial in 2016, the theme of the 2015 National Christmas Tree paid ode to this momentous occasion, trimmed with sparkling gold ribbon and silvery white stars and lights, colors and trappings that are traditionally used for milestone celebrations. The Lighting Ceremony itself interwove the Centennial theme. Everyone that took to the stage that evening – from President Obama to musical talent – had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on their personal connection to national parks.

Powered almost entirely by light-emitting computer chips called LEDs, the 2008 National Christmas Tree display was 50 percent more energy efficient than the 2007 display. This is also the first time Santa’s Workshop was found along the Christmas Pathway of Peace, sharing holiday cheer and safety tips with all families this December.