When does the National Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrating 100 Years air?

The holidays are all about traditions, and one that many look forward to is the lighting of the Christmas tree at President’s Park in Washington D.C. Of course not everyone around the U.S. can be there in person, so that’s what CBS is there for! Who’s ready for the National Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrating 100 Years special!?

The ceremony is co-hosted between the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF). The tree stands tall with over 13,000 lights strung around it, 63,750 LED bulbs to make it twinkle in the night, and over 400 ornaments serving as decoration, according to NPF.

So where did this tradition, now celebrating its centennial, come from? It was thanks to President Calvin Coolidge who walked from the White House to the Ellipse in 1923. He lit a 48-foot tree as a local choir and quartet from the U.S. Marine Band performed, NPF shares. And 100 years later, the tradition continues.

There’s lots of exciting moments to come during the CBS special. So when do you need to tune in? We’ve got the answer for you below!

When does the National Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrating 100 Years air?

The National Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrating 100 Years special will be broadcast Sunday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The hour-long event will also stream live on Paramount+.

Those who have an “Essential” subscription to the streaming service will be able to watch the special the next day it airs. The celebration will also stream for free on the CBS website on Dec. 12 for other viewers.

This year, recording artist LL Cool J will serve as host, with a musical lineup that includes Gloria Estefan, Andy Grammer, Joss Stone and Shania Twain, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, and more.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrating 100 Years special airs Sunday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The event will also be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.