As you explore these pages, we hope you discover something that surprises you. We invite you to learn more about history of the National Christmas Tree.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Library
Despite the United States' entrance into World War II in early December 1941, the east Oriental spruce tree on the White House South Lawn was lit on Christmas Even by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from the South Portico. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, on the President's right, was invited by the President to speak to the crowd.