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National Christmas Tree lighting The first family participates in the ceremony outside the White House on Thursday night.
Dec. 6, 2012
With the White House in the background, the National Christmas Tree is lit during the 90th lighting ceremony.
Alex Brandon
/
AP
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Dec. 6, 2012
Host Neil Patrick Harris (of the TV show "How I Met Your Mother"), right, speaks with actor Rico Rodriguez (of "Modern Family") during the ceremony.
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Dec. 6, 2012
President Obama looks at the stage as he sits with first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, along with mother-in-law Marian Robinson during the lighting ceremony. This year's giant blue spruce was planted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House.
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Dec. 6, 2012
Singer Ledisi performs with a choir during the ceremony.
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Dec. 6, 2012
James Taylor sings during the entertainment portion of the ceremony.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI
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Dec. 6, 2012
The Fray performs during the lighting ceremony.
Alex Brandon
/
AP
Dec. 6, 2012
"American Idol" season 11 winner Phillip Phillips performs during the event.
SAUL LOEB
/
AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Dec. 6, 2012
President Obama arrives on stage with his daughter Sasha, left, and is followed by his other daughter, Malia.
JASON REED
/
REUTERS
Dec. 6, 2012
Host Neil Patrick Harris, left; President Obama; first lady Michelle Obama; and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, participate in the lighting ceremony.
JASON REED
/
REUTERS
Dec. 6, 2012
Sasha, left, and Malia Obama help flip the switch to light the National Christmas Tree.
Carolyn Kaster
/
AP
Dec. 6, 2012
Actor Neil Patrick Harris and the first family participate in the lighting ceremony.
Mark Wilson
/
GETTY IMAGES
Dec. 6, 2012
President Obama speaks after lighting the National Christmas Tree.
Mark Wilson
/
GETTY IMAGES
Dec. 6, 2012
Singer Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds performs during the ceremony.
SAUL LOEB
/
AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Dec. 6, 2012
First lady Michelle Obama and "Modern Family" actor Rico Rodriguez read "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (often known as " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas") to a few children on stage.
Marvin Joseph
/
THE WASHINGTON POST
Dec. 6, 2012
Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat sing a duet during the ceremony.
Mark Wilson
/
GETTY IMAGES
Dec. 6, 2012
From left to right, President Obama's mother-in-law, Marian Robinson; first lady Michelle Obama; Sasha; Malia; Obama; and actors Neil Patrick Harris and Rico Rodriguez sing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" at the conclusion of the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
Marvin Joseph
/
THE WASHINGTON POST
Dec. 6, 2012
Barack Obama and the first family join the performers while singing during the lighting ceremony. The annual event, hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris, featured performances by Jason Mraz, Ledisi, James Taylor, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Colbie Caillat and "American Idol" season 11 winner Phillip Phillips.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI
/
AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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