Pathway of Peace, 2021

This photograph of the National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace was taken by Thomas Goertel in December 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. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts have annually drawn hundreds of attendees.