National Christmas Tree reopened thanks to National Park Foundation donation

WASHINGTON - To the delight of many families living and visiting Washington, D.C., the National Christmas tree has been reopened just in time for Christmas thanks to support from National Park Foundation.

This comes after over three days of darkness brought on by a trespasser and a partial government shutdown.

The National Christmas Tree's lights went out Friday, after a man tried to climb the tree and caused damage to the lights.

Then, after Congress failed to come to an agreement on a budget, and forced a partial shutdown at midnight Friday, repairs to the tree were slowed, and Park Service staff was prevented from keeping it open due to funding.

The National Park Foundation has now stepped in to provide the support needed to reopen, operate, and manage the National Christmas Tree site.

"The National Park Foundation and hundreds of local philanthropic organizations and other park partners are always working to help ensure all people have access to our treasured national parks," said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation.

"The National Park Foundation's support to President's Park is one example of how private philanthropy can help support national parks when they need it most," said Shafroth in a statement.

They say the National Christmas Tree is open to the public until 10 p.m. Monday, and 10 a.m. til 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through Jan. 1.