Pathway of Peace, 2021

This close-up photograph of the New York Christmas tree on the Pathway of Peace was taken by Thomas Goertel on December 4, 2021. The small trees surrounding the National Christmas tree on the Ellipse were adorned with ornaments decorated by children from each U.S. state and territory. The tradition of installing smaller trees along the Ellipse in a "Pathway of Peace" to the National Christmas Tree began in 1954, and later expanded to include trees representing each state, territory, and the District of Columbia. This was the first year the pathway also included trees decorated by students from the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education Schools.