National Christmas Tree Lighting with President Obama and the First Family in Photos
By • December 12, 2013 0 1353
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters officially lit the National Christmas Tree on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington D.C., just south of the White House in President’s Park. There were performances by Train, Aretha Franklin, Forte, Janelle Monae, Joshua Bell, Prince Royce, Renee Fleming, the Avett Bros., Arturo Sandoval and Mariah Carey. “Glee” star Jane Lynch emceed the event. Thousands attended despite cold, rainy conditions. This year’s ceremony marked the 91st annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, an American holiday tradition started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. It was the fifth time that the event has been hosted by the Obama family, since its first year at the White House for Christmas in 2009.
View our photos of the National Tree Lighting Ceremony by clicking on the photo icons below.
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- At the end of the ceremony, singer Mariah Carey joined the president on stage, holding her 2-year-old daughter Monroe. | Jeff Malet
