The annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave NE) at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 3 in the Main Hall.
This beloved holiday event, which attracted 5,000 guests in 2018, is presented free to the public.
The ceremony will feature performances by The String Queens, whose members have collaborated with artists such as Ledisi, Janelle Monáe, Common, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir. Special appearances will also be made by Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves!
The theme for this year’s tree is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These goals address the challenges faced by the global community and the 2030 target for achieving them. Specially designed ornaments and signage will represent the goals.
The 30-foot tree is decorated with 20,000 lights and ornaments representing all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Norway’s ambassador to the United States Kåre R. Aas, will light the tree with special guest and Member of the Norwegian Parliament Linda Helleland.
One of Washington’s most popular holiday traditions, the tree-lighting began in 1997 when Norway presented a Christmas tree to the people of Washington D.C. in recognition of the strong friendship between Norway and the United States and in gratitude for America’s assistance during and after World War II.
The tree-lighting is presented by a consortium of partners, including the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce—Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Washington Performing Arts, Union Station, and exclusive media partner WHUR 96.3 FM.
For ADA accommodations, contact (202) 785-9727 or ticketservices@washingtonperformingarts.org. ASL interpreters will be available at this event. For more information, visit bit.ly/UnionStationHoliday-19
