Eva Longoria Named the Host of White House's National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC — Actress Eva Longoria has been named the host of the 94th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in front of the White House on Dec. 1, and Marc Anthony has also been added to a star-studded lineup for the event.

Anthony joins James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson, Yolanda Adams and Chance the Rapper as confirmed artists who will perform at the ceremony, according to the National Park Service.

The event will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5.

"Taking place on Thursday, Dec. 1, on the Ellipse at President’s Park (White House), the special event wraps the National Park Service centennial year and celebrates the launch of a second century of stewardship," the statement reads. "Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, the National Christmas Tree Lighting will be telecast exclusively on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 5, and simulcast on DirecTV 4K Ultra HD."

The annual ceremony began in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge.

Image via Flickr user Tim Evanson