Washington will be celebrating an American tradition Thursday with the 83rd Lighting of the National Christmas Tree ceremony and the 2006 Christmas Pageant of Peace.
All-American entertainers and a military band will perform at the Ellipse south of White House and President Bush will offer a message of peace before pushing the button to light the National Christmas Tree.
This year’s opening day performers include film, theater and musical legend Eartha Kitt, Broadway’s “Peter Pan” Cathy Rigby, recording star B.J. Thomas, country music star John Conlee, the United States Army Band and the Singing Angels Choir from Cleveland.
The National Tree Lighting Ceremony began in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge pushed a button to turn on the lights a ceremony on the Ellipse.
The event expanded into the Christmas Pageant of Peace in 1954. Smaller trees representing the 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia formeda Pathway of Peace.
The Opening Night Tree Lighting Ceremony is the beginning of the three-week Pageant of Peace during which the National Christmas Tree and smaller trees representing the states, territories and the District of Columbia are visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The smaller trees are decorated with handmade ornaments by groups from each area. Visitors can enjoy nightly musical performances or see the model train display around the foot of the National Christmas Tree.
Lighting of the National Christmas Tree
» What: The lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the opening ceremonies for the 2006 Christmas Pageant of Peace
» Who: Entertainment legend Eartha Kitt; Broadway’s Cathy Rigby; recording star B.J. Thomas; country music artist John Conlee: the U.S. Army Band; and Tony-nominated actor Brad Oscar, appearing as Santa Claus
» When: 5 p.m. Thursday
» Where: The Ellipse, south of the White House
