The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will draw crowds Thursday evening to the Ellipse just south of the White House, and we know what that means: downtown road closures and a(n even) more challenging commute home for many.
Expect road closures and parking restrictions in the area.
The following streets are closed to vehicle traffic Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., D.C. police said:
- 17th Street from H Street and Independence Avenue SW
- C Street between 17th and 18th streets NW
- D Street between 17th and 18th streets NW
- E Street between 17th and 18th streets NW
- F Street between 17th and 18th streets NW
- G Street between 17th and 18th streets NW
- New York Avenue between 17th and 18th streets NW
- Constitution Avenue between 18th and 14th streets NW
- 15th Street between F Street and Independence Avenue SW
- Pennsylvania Avenue/E Street between 14th and 15th streets NW
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Drivers could hit delays around the event and may want to seek alternate routes. Officials are also reminding drivers to be extra careful in the area since more pedestrians will be around.
In addition to the road closures above, the following streets are posted as "Emergency No Parking" Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.:
- 17th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue NW
- Constitution Avenue between 18th and 14th streets NW
- 15th Street from F Street to Constitution Avenue NW
Any vehicles parked in violation of the "Emergency No Parking" signs will be ticketed and towed, police said.
Closures and listed times are subject to change, D.C. police said.
President Joe Biden will illuminate the tree amid musical performances and a visit from Santa — but if you don't have tickets to the ceremony, you can still go see the massive tree throughout the season, as well as smaller decorated trees representing the District, all 50 states and all U.S. territories.
The site will be open daily from Dec. 7 through Jan. 1, with the trees lighting up at sunset each evening. The site will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
