President Joe Biden presided over the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the White House, delivering a message of hope and unity to the nation. The event took place on the Ellipse outside the White House South Lawn, with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, in attendance.
The 30-foot red spruce tree, sourced from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Virginia, was illuminated in a festive display. The tree was transferred to the White House on November 15, marking the beginning of the holiday season at the presidential residence.
Despite the chilly temperatures and frigid winds, the crowd gathered to witness the lighting of the tree, which was adorned with whimsical decorations curated by First Lady Jill Biden. The theme of the decorations aimed to evoke a sense of peace and light during the holiday season.
President Biden, joined by the attendees, counted down to the lighting of the tree, which shone brightly in green hues from top to bottom. He extended warm wishes for a Merry Christmas to all present before enjoying musical performances by artists such as Trombone Shorty and Trisha Yearwood.
The White House Christmas display featured a towering tree surrounded by festive elements, including a carousel, brass-colored bells, and a hallway lined with sleigh bells. The ceiling design mimicked snowfall, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere.
Notably, the tree at the White House came from a farm in North Carolina that had faced adversity earlier in the year. The Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland suffered significant losses due to Hurricane Helene, with thousands of trees destroyed by a mudslide.
President Biden's final Christmas tree lighting ceremony encapsulated the spirit of the season, emphasizing the values of liberty, love, kindness, and compassion. The event served as a reminder of the importance of coming together with loved ones to cherish blessings and create lasting memories.
