2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting: A Night of Faith, Hope, and Holiday Magic
Introduction
Every year, a timeless tradition captures the heart and spirit of the holiday season. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, an iconic event in Washington, D.C., brings together the best of America’s festive traditions, faith, and holiday cheer. The 2025 ceremony promises to be no exception, with an exciting lineup of performers, heartwarming moments, and the pure magic of Christmas shining through.
This year, the Great American Family network will exclusively premiere the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 5th at 8/7c, marking a celebration that will unite the nation in a shared experience of holiday joy. The ceremony, which will also be available for streaming on Great American Pure Flix until January 31, 2026, brings together a fantastic array of artists and performers who will provide music, joy, and messages of hope.
As we anticipate this beloved event, let’s take a deeper dive into what makes the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony such a cherished tradition, the artists who will be gracing the stage this year, and what viewers can expect from this unforgettable evening.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting: A Tradition of Unity and Spirit
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has become a cherished holiday tradition in the United States since the first lighting in 1923. Every year, this ceremonial event takes place on the White House lawn, bringing the nation together to celebrate the magic of Christmas. It’s a moment where Americans from all walks of life come together to reflect on the past year, express gratitude, and look ahead with hope for the future.
The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a symbol of unity, peace, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. The tree itself, a towering evergreen, is beautifully decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments, each one representing the diverse beauty of the United States. The ceremony is attended by dignitaries, the public, and millions of viewers who tune in from around the world.
While the ceremony itself is filled with music, light, and celebration, it’s also a reminder of the deeper significance of the season—faith, hope, and love. This year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will continue that tradition, providing an evening of warmth and unity that will resonate throughout the country.
The Star-Studded Lineup: An Evening of Music and Celebration
This year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony promises an unforgettable evening of festive music and performances by some of the nation’s most beloved artists. With a lineup featuring iconic acts like The Beach Boys, Matthew West, Gabby Barrett, Alana Springsteen, and Jillian Cardarelli, viewers are in for a night filled with beautiful music, incredible performances, and a true celebration of holiday spirit.
The Beach Boys: A Timeless Sound for the Holidays
Few names are as synonymous with holiday music as The Beach Boys. Known for their classic tunes like “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ USA”, The Beach Boys have become a staple of American music culture. Their contribution to holiday music is just as timeless, with their album The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album being a holiday favorite for generations.
This year, The Beach Boys will bring their signature sound to the National Christmas Tree Lighting, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the festivities. Fans can expect their signature harmonies and timeless holiday classics, along with a few surprises that will surely leave viewers tapping their feet and humming along to the music of the season.
Matthew West: A Voice of Hope and Inspiration
As a multi-Dove Award-winning artist, Matthew West is known for his heartfelt, faith-driven music that touches the soul. His songs, often filled with themes of love, faith, and perseverance, have earned him a reputation as one of the most inspirational artists in Christian and contemporary music.
This year, Matthew West will bring his powerful voice and moving lyrics to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Known for songs like “Hello, My Name Is” and “The Motions”, Matthew’s music is rooted in messages of hope and redemption. His performance will bring a sense of spirituality and reflection to the evening, making it a perfect fit for this momentous occasion.
Gabby Barrett: A Rising Star with a Country Heart
Gabby Barrett became a household name with her powerful performances on American Idol and has since risen to stardom with her country hits like “I Hope” and “The Good Ones”. Gabby’s unique blend of country, pop, and soulful vocals has earned her a place among the top young talents in the country music world.
This year, Gabby Barrett will bring her remarkable vocal talent to the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, filling the night with her signature sound and heartfelt renditions of holiday classics. With her rising popularity and undeniable presence, Gabby’s performance is sure to be one of the highlights of the evening.
Alana Springsteen: A New Voice on the Horizon
Alana Springsteen, a young country singer-songwriter, is quickly making a name for herself with her raw, honest lyrics and fresh sound. Known for her introspective songs that delve into personal stories and emotional experiences, Alana is one of country music’s brightest up-and-coming stars.
Alana’s performance at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will bring a touch of new energy to the holiday celebration. Her unique voice and songwriting ability will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the event, reminding audiences that the spirit of Christmas is about both tradition and new beginnings.
Jillian Cardarelli: A Country Music Rising Star
Jillian Cardarelli has made waves in the country music scene with her undeniable talent and engaging stage presence. Known for her heartfelt ballads and high-energy performances, Jillian is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Her performance at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will showcase her vocal prowess and ability to connect with the audience. Jillian’s country roots and warm, inviting sound make her a perfect fit for this year’s holiday celebration, and her presence will surely add to the event’s joy and festive spirit.
Great American Family: The Perfect Platform for This Magical Event
For the first time, the Great American Family network will exclusively premiere the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 5th at 8/7c. The ceremony will also be available for streaming on Great American Pure Flix until January 31, 2026, allowing viewers to relive the magic of the event throughout the holiday season.
Great American Family has long been known for showcasing family-friendly programming that highlights the values of love, hope, and faith. By partnering with the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the network is offering viewers an opportunity to experience the heart of the holiday season—whether they’re tuning in live or streaming it at their convenience.
The event will be a heartwarming reminder of the importance of faith, family, and community during the holiday season. Whether you’re watching with family at home or joining in from afar, the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will serve as the perfect starting point for a holiday filled with joy and celebration.
What to Expect: A Magical Evening of Lights, Music, and Holiday Cheer
As always, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree is an event that captures the essence of the holiday season. This year’s ceremony will be filled with festive music, vibrant performances, and, of course, the iconic moment when the tree is lit. But it’s more than just the lighting of a tree—it’s a celebration of everything that the holiday season represents: family, hope, and togetherness.
The atmosphere of the ceremony is always electric, with the beautiful lights on the tree symbolizing the hope and joy that comes with the holidays. The performances will provide the soundtrack to this magical evening, with artists like The Beach Boys, Matthew West, Gabby Barrett, Alana Springsteen, and Jillian Cardarelli adding their own voices to the celebration.
As the tree is lit and the music fills the air, families across the nation will gather to celebrate, creating new memories while reflecting on the old. Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony promises to be a night full of holiday cheer that will leave you feeling warm, hopeful, and ready to embrace the spirit of the season.
The Spirit of Christmas: A Time for Giving and Reflection
Beyond the performances and the festive atmosphere, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is also a time for reflection and giving. The event encourages viewers to remember the importance of kindness, generosity, and community during the holiday season. As families come together to enjoy the evening, they are also reminded of the importance of giving back to those who are less fortunate, supporting local charities, and spreading goodwill throughout the season.
This year’s event will not only showcase amazing talent and beautiful holiday traditions, but it will also serve as a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the love and compassion we share with others. It’s about giving back, sharing joy, and being together with those we love.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be a night to remember, filled with beautiful music, powerful performances, and the unbreakable spirit of the holiday season. With an amazing lineup of artists, including The Beach Boys, Matthew West, Gabby Barrett, Alana Springsteen, and Jillian Cardarelli, this year’s event promises to bring joy, hope, and holiday cheer to millions of viewers.
Broadcast exclusively on Great American Family and available for streaming on Great American Pure Flix, the ceremony is a perfect opportunity to bring families together and kick off the holiday season with love and celebration. As the National Christmas Tree lights up and the music fills the air, we are reminded of the magic of Christmas—how it brings people together, inspires hope, and spreads joy across the world.
We look forward to sharing this incredible moment with you. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of faith, hope, and holiday tradition.
