"We the Park Service believe this is the way Washington and the President welcome in the holiday season not only here into Washington but really on behalf of the nation," said Bill Line, spokesman for the National Park Service.

The most interesting feature of the national Christmas tree is that isn't cut down and shipped to Washington each year. It's a growing tree from York, PA planted in 1978 and it serves as a daily reminder of the holiday spirit.

The main tree is surrounded by the "Pathway of Peace"-- 56 smaller trees, one for each state, territory, and Washington, DC.

This year's ornaments on Pennsylvania's state tree were donated by the children's museum of Pittsburgh. They're encased in a protective plastic globe to shield them from the weather.

"Those absolutely are in essence an offering from people within those states as to what is important to them. People come here to see what and how their state is represented," said Line.

The state trees are the focal point of holiday decorations in our Nation's Capital. They're lit each evening until January 1st.