President Obama and First Family to Light the National Christmas Tree

--Ceremony to be Streamed Live at www.thenationaltree.org on December 9th at 5:00 p.m. ET and Broadcast Nationally on Public Television throughout December--

--Hosted By Hip Hop Artist and Actor Common, Event To Feature Performances and Appearances by B.B. King, Maroon 5, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Jim James, Jackie Evancho, Miss America, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Choir, and Santa--

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced that President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their family will officially light the National Christmas Tree at the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in Presidents Park, on Thursday, December 9th.  The ceremony will be streamed live at www.thenationaltree.org starting at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT, and will be broadcast nationwide beginning December 10th on public television stations nationwide in partnership with WETA Washington, D.C., the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation's capital (check local listings for program time).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090630/DC40408LOGO)

This year's National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, hosted by hip hop artist and actor Common, will feature a talented lineup of performers including blues legend B.B. King, Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter and pianist Sara Bareilles, Grammy®-award winning band Maroon 5, ten year-old "America's Got Talent" soprano prodigy Jackie Evancho, from rock group My Morning Jacket singer-songwriter Jim James, singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, Miss America Caressa Cameron, and Washington D.C.'s own Duke Ellington School of the Arts choir. And of course, the night would not be complete without a special appearance by Santa.

Originally started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923, this year's ceremony marks the 87th anniversary of the National Christmas Tree Lighting.  The annual event has become an American holiday tradition.  For more information about the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting, visit www.thenationaltree.org.  

The 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation and produced by Alex Coletti Productions.

The premier sponsor of this year's National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leader in product safety testing and certification services for more than 116 years.  The premier sponsorship of the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is part of a national safety campaign by UL to encourage families to Commit a Minute to Safety this holiday season.  You can learn more at www.SafetyAtHome.com.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System and its 393 National Park sites for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.  The National Park Service works with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.  For more information, visit www.nps.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks.  Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks.  We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.  Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land.  www.nationalparks.org.

SOURCE National Park Foundation