This year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony — taking place at the eclipse — will only be held virtually, with no live audience in attendance.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, “this year is a bit different,” tweeted the National Park Foundation.
Over the last decade, the event has taken place on a range of dates, from late November through early December. However, this year the site of the ceremony will be closed to the public.
The event will be available virtually though, the park services said. Viewers can watch the ceremony beginning on December 3 at thenationaltree.org. The event and accompanying holiday performances will be available virtually throughout the holiday season.
The event is a bit different this year. Here’s how you can participate:
🎄Watch the ceremony beginning Dec. 3 at https://t.co/L8zumEEjg9.
🎄Stream it on-demand throughout the holiday season.
🎄Due to public health concerns, the event will not host a live audience.— National Park Foundation (@NationalParkFdn) November 9, 2020
This year’s National Christmas Tree is a 30-foot Colorado Blue Spruce from Palmyra, Pennsylvania.
As in previous years, the tree will be lit throughout December. Visitors can still view the National Christmas Tree as well as other trees in President’s Park through the month of December.