National Christmas Tree knocked over by strong winds

Strong winds knocked over the National Christmas Tree near the Ellipse at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.

The evergreen tree, located in the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse near the White House , has been erected and decorated as a Christmas tree every year since 1923. The winds knocked this year's tree over just two days before the planned lighting ceremony on Thursday, which is due to be attended by President Joe Biden .

The National Park Service is currently assessing the damage. A crane was brought in to help raise it again.

A video released by the showed the crane lifting the tree back up into place. The park service said it should be ready for the Thursday lighting ceremony.

The National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. was blown over Tuesday by a gust of wind. The tree was eventually lifted back up by a crane. It should be ready for the annual lighting ceremony on Thursday according to the National Park Service. pic.twitter.com/dhIXdOJwKW

— The Associated Press November 29, 2023

This year's tree was brought from West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest.