The custom of lighting a National Christmas Tree dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge walked to the South Lawn of the White House to dedicate a large tree from his native Vermont. Since then the custom has continued with every President.

President Coolidge lit the 1923 tree by an electric storage battery.

The tree so delighted the American people that the following year a live Norway spruce was planted in Sherman Plaza, southeast of the White House, to serve as the National Christmas tree.