Watch the ceremony Friday, December 5 at 8pm ET, on Great American Family
2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 103rd National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park on December 4, 2025. Great American Family will air the special on Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ET and stream on Great American Pure Flix until Jan. 31, 2026.
The ceremony will include performances by Alana Springsteen, Brett Young, Gabby Barrett, Jillian Cardarelli, Jon Pardi, Matthew West, The Beach Boys, and Warren Zeiders, with Gabby Barrett and Matthew West serving as co-hosts. The evening’s performances will be led by Music Director Tariqh Akoni, backed by The United States Navy Band Commodores.
Since releasing her 2023 debut album TWENTY SOMETHING, featuring the RIAA Gold-certified “goodbye looks good on you” with Mitchell Tenpenny, artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen has earned acclaim from GRAMMY.com for “speaking to an entire generation.” The PEOPLE 2024 Ones to Watch artist has surpassed 340 million global streams, earned her first career No. 1 with Tiësto’s “Hot Honey”, and performed at major festivals like Stagecoach and CMA Fest.
Since his 2017 self-titled debut, Brett Young has become one of country music’s most consistent hitmakers, blending honest lyrics with his signature “Caliville” sound. With seven No. 1 singles – including the DIAMOND-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know” – and more than 8.1 billion global streams, he’s built a career defined by heartfelt storytelling and smooth vocals. For music, tour dates, and more, visit BrettYoungMusic.com.
Gabby Barrett’s record-breaking catalog includes her autobiographical sophomore album Chapter & Verse and platinum debut Goldmine, featuring the 8x platinum No. 1 “I Hope,” four-week Hot AC No. 1 “I Hope” (featuring Charlie Puth), 4x platinum three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones,” and platinum “Pick Me Up.” Her accolades include Billboard Women in Music’s 2022 Rising Star Award, an iHeartRadio Titanium Award, and multiple ACM, AMA, Billboard, CMA, and CMT nominations.
Nashville-based country singer-songwriter and actress Jillian Cardarelli’s debut single, “Rerun,” reached No. 1 on CMT’s 12-Pack Countdown and earned her recognition on Rolling Stone’s 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know. Her ballad “Strong,” featuring Charles Esten, was named one of American Songwriter’s Most Powerful Songs of 2020. Cardarelli recently hosted the Tunnel to Towers Never Forget TV Concert Specials and stars in Great American Family’s Crossroad Springs.
MCA Nashville artist Jon Pardi began careening down the highway over ten years ago, leading the charge to modernize honkytonk with roaring guitars and a good-time spirit. With a reputation for punchy, against-the-wind bravado and four Top 5 albums under his belt – including 2016’s Platinum #1, CALIFORNIA SUNRISE – the California native has solidified his place in country music. For music, tour dates, and more, visit JonPardi.com.
Dubbed “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” by Billboard, five-time GRAMMY nominee Matthew West has penned 38 No. 1 songs, earned multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, and received top honors from ASCAP, NSAI, and K-LOVE. With over 275 songwriting credits for artists including Anne Wilson and Rascal Flatts, West continues to inspire through his 13th studio album Don’t Stop Praying, his hit podcast, bestselling books, and nonprofit ministry, popwe.
Tariqh Akoni has built an extraordinary career spanning nearly three decades as a composer, songwriter, educator, studio musician, and musical director. The Santa Barbara native and Berklee College of Music graduate has collaborated with artists including Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Bette Midler, Jennifer Lopez, and Weezer. A creative force in contemporary music, the former Chair of Guitar at the Los Angeles College of Music continues to lead master classes worldwide.
The Beach Boys have forever changed the musical landscape with timeless songs that defined the iconic California aesthetic and inspired generations of artists. Led by Mike Love and longtime member Bruce Johnston, the band continues to tour worldwide, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners alike. With classics like “Good Vibrations” and “Kokomo,” their six-decade legacy endures through continued performances, documentaries, memoirs, and tribute specials.
As the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores have been performing for the Navy and the nation for more than 50 years. Formed in 1969, this 18-member group continues the jazz big band legacy with some of the finest musicians in the world. The Commodores’ mission includes public concerts, national concert tours, ceremonial support honoring veterans, jazz education classes and clinics, and protocol performances for high-level military and civilian government officials.
Warner Records artist Warren Zeiders is one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. The Pennsylvania native has earned more than 4.2 billion global streams, his first No. 1 single with the RIAA double-platinum certified “Pretty Little Poison,” and a CMT Award for Breakthrough Male Music Video of the Year. Zeiders has been featured by NPR, GQ and People, and appeared on The Tonight Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
