National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Lottery Closes Nov. 5
Plus, FLARE online auction ends soon with new deals.
There is still time to enter the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Lottery, a time-honored tradition at President’s Park in Washington, DC. The lottery officially opened on Oct. 29 and will close on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. EST.
On Dec. 4, 2025, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation will present the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a beloved holiday tradition dating back to Christmas Eve in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree.
More than 100 years later, this tradition continues with musical performers and special guests bringing people together in one of America’s National Parks to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
After the lighting ceremony and throughout the month of December, visitors are invited to view the National Christmas Tree, as well as the 58 surrounding trees honoring the states, territories, and District of Columbia. Register for the lottery here.
FLARE Auction Continues With Some Opening Bids Reduced
The browsing and bidding continues through Nov. 7 for the First Ladies Association for Research and Education’s first online auction. Dubbed “A Curated Auction of Exceptional Experiences and Finds,” the FLARE auction, which is open to the public, offers something for everyone. Now, some opening bids on items have been reduced.
“There are some incredible deals,” said Nancy Kegan Smith, president of FLARE, in an email. “This is a wonderful opportunity to both support FLARE in our very important and timely mission of creating and sustaining a network to promote and publicize research and education about the contributions, lives, impact, and lasting legacy of U.S. first ladies, while at the same time getting a unique tour, experience, or item for yourself or as a gift for the upcoming holidays.”
A few of the auction items that have been reduced include:
A two-night stay at Keuka College’s Lakeside Lodge, nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. With beautiful waterfront views, modern amenities, and spacious accommodations, it’s the perfect setting for relaxation, family gatherings, or special celebrations in the Finger Lakes. Create unforgettable memories by the lake. The newly renovated lodge has a 4BR/3BA home (sleeps 10+) with stunning lake views from almost every window. Features two first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms. The reduced price is an incredible deal at $1,250 for two nights for the starting bid. This is much less than one night normally costs.
Beautiful new jewelry at a fraction of its actual cost, including a David Yurman sterling and diamond bracelet, and a blue zircon and gold pendant, along with some rare vintage pieces.
Virtual one-on-one conversations with experts, including on the topics of public speaking and writing an article.
Special tour packages.
East Wing Magazine is a member of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education.
FLARE Welcomes New Lifetime Individual Member ‘First Ladies Man’
The First Ladies Association for Research and Education last week welcomed new FLARE lifetime individual member Andrew Och.
Och is known for his educational speaking alter ego the “First Ladies Man.” He is a charter member of the National First Ladies Day Commission that also has created the National Historic First Ladies Day Trail and was the on-the-road producer of the C-SPAN series “First Ladies: Influence And Image.”
Tuesday: National First Ladies Library & Museum Hosts ‘Shutdown Series’
The National First Ladies Library & Museum (NFLLM) has announced its newest program: “Ladies Who Lunch: The Shutdown Series.” Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 4, the National First Ladies Library & Museum will be going live on Facebook every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. for a free lunchtime series celebrating America’s first ladies continuing each Tuesday until the government reopens.
Each week will spotlight a different first lady, exploring her story, leadership, and the legacy she left behind. Discover fascinating, inspiring, and often untold stories that helped shape the nation.
While its Canton, Ohio, site is temporarily closed during the government shutdown, the series is the NFLLM’s way of keeping the conversation going. Watch LIVE on Facebook
Nov. 12, 2025
Talk With a Curator
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents an online exclusive look behind the glass with Michelle Gullion, Director of Collections & Research at the National First Ladies Library & Museum. From rarely seen artifacts to personal insights on curating exhibitions, Gullion will guide attendees through what it takes to protect and interpret the legacy of America’s first ladies. Highlights include: behind-the-scenes stories from the archives, a look at the newest and most fascinating acquisitions, curator secrets on preservation and research and a live Q&A session. Read more
Nov. 14, 2025
Legacy Lecture: Mrs. Lincoln in Love–with Laura Keyes
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a step back in time into the executive mansion of 1862 with First Lady Mary Lincoln for an intimate afternoon tea–virtually.
Historian and award-winning performer Laura Keyes brings Mary Lincoln to life in this first-person portrayal set during the Civil War. As the first lady reflects on the loves of her life, her children, her husband, and her country, she offers a deeply personal perspective on her often-misunderstood legacy. She’ll even share excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s own love letters to her.
More than a historical reenactment, this lecture is an emotional, enlightening journey through triumph and tragedy, politics and love, presented by a leading authority on the subject. Read more
Nov. 18, 2025
White House History Live: Official White House China
The White House Historical Association presents “White House History Live: Official White House China,” a live-streamed event on the White House Historical Association’s Facebook and YouTube pages starting at 5:30 pm ET on Nov. 18. Former curator of the White House William G. Allman will discuss his book, Official White House China: From the 18th to the 21 Centuries. In addition to highlighting the history of presidential china and historic china within the White House Collection, Allman will detail the evolution of State Dinners and State Services, and how these pieces serve as a touchstone of the American presidency and a key part of cultural diplomacy. Read more
Nov. 18, 2025
Deck the Halls: Holiday Traditions at the White House
The George W. Bush Presidential Center presents an exclusive behind-the-scenes look in “Deck the Halls: Holiday Traditions at the White House” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. local time from those who helped bring them to life. Join Dori Thornton Waller, former White House Deputy Social Secretary, Sara Armstrong, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush, and Susan Whitson, former Press Secretary to Mrs. Laura Bush as they share memorable stories from their time at the White House during the holidays. The conversation will be moderated by Kristin King, chief operating officer of the George W. Bush Institute. Read more
Nov. 20, 2025
Third Thursday: A Widow’s Work—Jacqueline Kennedy and the JFK Legacy
In the aftermath of an unthinkable national tragedy, Jacqueline Kennedy guided a grieving nation through mourning—while shaping one of the most powerful presidential legacies in American history. Join the National First Ladies Library for an in-person, Third Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 20, 2025, as Dr. Karen Dunak, author of Our Jackie: Public Claims on a Private Life, presents an intimate exploration of Jackie Kennedy’s efforts to memorialize President John F. Kennedy. From funeral arrangements and his burial at Arlington Cemetery to her iconic Life magazine interview, Mrs. Kennedy’s intentional use of ceremony, symbolism, and media redefined how Americans remember the man—and the moment. Read more
Nov. 24, 2025
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: Upstairs at the White House
For nearly three decades, J.B. West served as the White House’s chief usher, orchestrating the daily life of America’s executive mansion with precision and discretion. His memoir Upstairs at the White House offers an unparalleled insider’s view of life with six presidents and their first ladies.
Join the National First Ladies Library & Museum at 7 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2025, as they explore this bestselling classic, filled with vivid stories—from Eleanor Roosevelt’s political strategies, to Jackie Kennedy’s grief and grace, to Pat Nixon’s quiet struggles—all told through the eyes of the man who managed it all behind the scenes. This free virtual book club session invites discussion, storytelling, and Q&A with National First Ladies Library & Museum staff. Reserve your spot. Read more