Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden presided over his last Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the White House on Thursday. He expressed his heartfelt wish for the nation to “continue to seek the light of liberty and love, kindness and compassion, dignity and decency.”
The event took place on the Ellipse, situated outside the White House South Lawn, where attendees braved the cold winter weather bundled in heavy layers. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were present to enjoy the festive occasion. The beautifully adorned 30-foot red spruce, which originated from the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Grayson County, Virginia, was transferred to the White House on November 15.
As this holiday season marks Biden’s final stretch in office, his wife, Jill, has transformed the White House into a winter wonderland filled with whimsical decorations symbolizing the “peace and light” of the season. Unfortunately, she could not attend the tree lighting because she was in Doha, Qatar, engaging in discussions about her initiative focused on women’s health.
Taking on the ceremonial role himself, Biden counted down from five before the tree lit up in a cheerful bright green from top to bottom. After illuminating the tree, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas before taking his place for the musical performances that followed.
Biden emphasized that the theme of the decorations encapsulates the “peace we feel as we pause and reflect on our blessings and the light we see as we gather with loved ones and cherish our time together.”
The tree lighting ceremony is a cherished annual tradition. This year, musical performances featured popular artists such as Trombone Shorty and Trisha Yearwood, adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
The White House Christmas display features an impressive tree surrounded by a carousel inspired by amusement parks. Visitors can also enjoy brass-colored bells and sleigh bells adorning a hallway, along with a ceiling design that simulates snowfall, creating a magical holiday experience.
The magnificent tree this year was sourced from a farm in Newland, North Carolina, which suffered damage from Hurricane Helene earlier in the year. The Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm, a longstanding establishment, lost thousands of trees due to a mudslide.
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Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this report.
