The National Christmas Tree, A Century of Celebration

The National Christmas Tree, A Century of Celebration (2024) is a documentary, history film directed by Jeff Carter.

A Ken Burns-style documentary exploring the first 100 years of our National Christmas Tree. On Christmas Eve 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, just south of the White House. We follow the tree through its first 100 years, where it served as a backdrop to many events in our nation's history. We meet the designers and learn their process of lighting our federal fir each year. Available to view here: https://odiesnoutproductions.vhx.tv/

Cast

Mike Stoudt

Narrator

Debbie George

National Christmas Tree Designer

Kathy Presciano

National Christmas Tree Designer 1995-2008

Sue Hart Jolly

Daughter of National Christmas Tree designer, Al Hart

Marie LaGiusa Carr

Daughter of National Christmas Tree designer, Frank LaGiusa

Kathy Hargrove Kelly

Daughter of National Christmas Tree designer, Earl Hargrove, Jr

Mary Beth Gotti

GE Lighting Engineer

Terry McGowan

GE Lighting Engineer