The 2009 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony begins today 5 p.m. EST today. There will be musical entertainment (including Jordin Sparks and Sheryl Crow) during the event, and for the finale, President Obama will light the National Christmas Tree. The giant tree doesn’t stand alone. There are also 56 smaller trees representing each state and territory, as well as the District of Columbia.

TV stations across the country will broadcast the ceremony. You can also watch the ceremony online at www.thenationaltree.org. Will you be tuning in?

Read more about the National Christmas Tree on the National Park Service website.

How much do you know about winter holidays? Quiz Your Noodle and find out!

Photograph  by Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP