How to Watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting Live For Free to See This 100-Year Tradition

Jenzia Burgos
·7 min read

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The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a cherished holiday tradition, and if you’re eager to experience the magic firsthand, you might be wondering how to watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting live for free. Luckily, we’ve narrowed down the best options for you.

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The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony has a rich history, dating back to its first official lighting by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. This festive event takes place on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, where a large evergreen tree becomes the focal point of a spectacular display. Over the years, the ceremony has evolved to feature musical performances, celebrity appearances, and, of course, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

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Originally, the tradition was initiated to boost holiday spirits during the Great Depression. The inaugural ceremony drew a crowd of thousands, and since then, the National Christmas Tree Lighting has become an annual celebration, captivating audiences nationwide. As of now, it stands as one of the oldest recurring holiday traditions in the United States.

The ceremony, which typically takes place in early December, is broadcast live to homes across the country. So, where can you stream the National Christmas Tree Lighting? Keep reading to discover how to watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 live online for free and soak in the festive atmosphere.

When does The National Christmas Tree Lighting air?

While the official National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place on November 30, 2023, attendance was limited to Washington, D.C. residents and fortunate lottery winners. For those across the nation looking to partake in the festivities, the National Christmas Tree Lighting will be televised on CBS at 8 pm ET/PT on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Additionally, starting December 16, viewers can enjoy on-demand access to the event on Paramount Plus and CBS.com.

How to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting live for free 

The National Christmas Tree Lighting airs on CBS, which is available to stream on services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Paramount Plus, and Hulu+ With Live TV. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial, and starts at $74.99 per month after the trial ends. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial, and starts at $74.99 per month after the trial ends. Paramount Plus offers a seven-day free trial and starts at $5.99 per month. While Hulu+ With Live TV doesn’t have a free trial, it is cheaper per month than the other options, starting at $68.99 per month, and offers plans that include free subscriptions to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.

Image: GETTY IMAGES.
Image: GETTY IMAGES.

Best Overall Pick to Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting: DirecTV Stream

Watch ‘The National Christmas Tree Lighting’ With DirecTV Stream

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Direct TV is our best overall pick to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting live for free for its free trial, price, and channel selection. DirecTV Stream currently offers a five-day free trial and four plans: Entertainment, which costs $74.99 per month; Choice, which costs $108.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $119.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $164.99 per month.

As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting with DirecTV Stream’s free trial.

  1. Visit streamtv.directv.com

  2. Click “Shop Packages”

  3. Click “Try It Free” for the plan of your choice

  4. Enter your information and payment method

  5. Search for CBS and start watching The National Christmas Tree Lighting

Best Free Trial Pick to Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting: Fubo

Watch ‘The National Christmas Tree Lighting’ With Fubo

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Fubo is our best free trial pick to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting live for free. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial (two days longer than DirecTV Stream) and offers three plans: Pro, which costs $74.99 per month; Elite, which costs $84.99 per month; and Ultimate, which costs $99.99 per month.

As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Ultimate includes everything in Pro and Elite, as well as a total of 299 channels, Showtime, and Red Zone NFL Network. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting with Fubo’s free trial.

  1. Visit Fubo.TV

  2. Click “Start Free Trial”

  3. Enter your information and payment method

  4. Search for CBS and start watching The National Christmas Tree Lighting

Best Budget Pick to Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting: Paramount Plus

Watch ‘The National Christmas Tree Lighting’ on Paramount Plus

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Paramount Plus is our best budget pick to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting live for free based on its price. Paramount Plus offers a seven-day free trial and two plans: Paramount Plus Essential, which costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year, and Paramount Plus With Showtime, which costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. To watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting live, fans will need Paramount Plus With Showtime.

As for the differences between the plans, Paramount Plus Essential includes limited ads; tens of thousands of TV shows and movies including CBS and Paramount Plus originals; NFL games on CBS; UEFA Champions League matches; and 24/7 live access to CBS News. Paramount Plus With Showtime includes everything in Essential, as well as no ads; Showtime original shows and movies; 24/7 live access to your local CBS network; college football; and the ability to download and watch shows on your mobile device. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting with Paramount Plus’ free trial.

  1. Visit ParamountPlus.com

  2. Click “Get It Now”

  3. Select your plan

  4. Enter your information and payment method

  5. Start watching The National Christmas Tree Lighting

Best Upgrade Pick to Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting: Hulu+ Live TV

Watch ‘The National Christmas Tree Lighting’ With Hulu+ With Live TV

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Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch TK with Hulu+ Live TV.

  1. Visit Hulu.com/liveTV

  2. Click “Sign Up Now”

  3. Enter your information and payment method

  4. Search for CBS and start watching The National Christmas Tree Lighting

Image: GETTY IMAGES.
Image: GETTY IMAGES.

Where is the National Christmas Tree Lighting held?

The National Christmas Tree Lighting is held in Washington, DC. The 2023 ceremony took place on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park on November 30, 2023.

Who is the National Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 host?

The 101st National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was hosted by country singer Mickey Guyton.

Who are the National Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 performers?

Read on for a full list of acts performing in the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

  • Darren Criss

  • Mickey Guyton

  • Samara Joy

  • Ledisi

  • Reneé Rapp

  • St. Vincent

  • Joe Walsh

  • Dionne Warwick

  • United States Coast Guard’s Guardians Big Band

The National Christmas Tree Lighting airs on CBS at 8 pm ET/PT. Here’s how to watch it for free.

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