IGN!S
Award-winning Christian artists Lynda Randle and Michael Tait of Newsboys join an all-star lineup of performers for the 98th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, available to watch on-demand at www.thenationaltree.org starting December 3 at 5:00 pm EST and throughout the holiday season.
Presented annually by The National Park Foundation and The National Park Service, this year’s event is highlighted by President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lighting the National Christmas Tree at President’s Park in Washington, D.C.
The celebrated siblings—Randle, a Gaither Homecoming favorite, and Tait, lead vocalist for the iconic Newsboys—join country singer/songwriter and actress Kellie Pickler; American Idol winner Laine Hardy; Platinum-selling country chart-topper Jerrod Niemann; GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist Matthew West; and Atlantic recording artist and American Idol finalist Colton Dixon for the virtual celebration.
In addition, the event will feature The Sea Chanters, the U.S. Navy’s official chorus; and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, among other performers.
Randle and Tait contribute their unique arrangement of “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” to this year’s program, accompanied by Christopher M. Smith (arranger/piano), Tina K’Tina Bilberry (violin), Josh Hankey (alto sax), Johnny Hamil (bass), and Andy Cook (drums).
Lighting the National Christmas Tree is one of America’s oldest holiday traditions, with the first lighting taking place in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. Since 1973, the National Christmas Tree has been a living tree which can be viewed year-round in Washington’s President’s Park.
