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National Christmas Tree lights up Washington The Obamas are joined by Kermit the Frog, Carson Daly, OneRepublic, Big Time Rush and others for the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
The White House is seen in the background before the National Christmas Tree is lit.
Katherine Frey
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The Washington Post
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Hundreds attend the 89th National Christmas Tree ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House.
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The Washington Post
Secret Service members keep watch on top of the White House during the tree-lighting ceremony.
Katherine Frey
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The Washington Post
President Obama and his family prepare to take the stage and greet those who came to see the tree illuminated.
Marvin Joseph
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The Washington Post
Jaylee Keller and Chloe Whittington, 7, of Hagerstown, spot President Obama arriving at the lighting.
Marvin Joseph
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The Washington Post
Families watch the arrival of the president and his family on huge screens.
Marvin Joseph
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The Washington Post
President Obama; his wife, Michelle; and his daughters, Sasha and Malia, greet the crowd at the annual lighting.
Katherine Frey
/
The Washington Post
This year was the first time this tree had top billing in the ceremony; the old one, planted in the Jimmy Carter administration, was knocked over by high winds in February.
Katherine Frey
/
The Washington Post
President Obama and the first family light the tree.
Katherine Frey
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The Washington Post
The new tree is 26.5 feet tall.
Marvin Joseph
/
The Washington Post
Members of the "Jersey Boys" cast perform at the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
Katherine Frey
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The Washington Post
Santa Claus and Kermit the Frog were among the guests at the ceremony.
Marvin Joseph
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The Washington Post
President Obama and Sasha, left, and Malia enjoy the ceremony.
Marvin Joseph
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The Washington Post
First lady Michelle Obama reads "The Night Before Christmas" with Kermit the Frog. When she told Kermit he could call her Michelle, he responded: "That's very nice of you. I have to call Miss Piggy 'Your Majesty.'"
Marvin Joseph
/
The Washington Post
Michelle Obama hugs a group of children after reading the book.
Marvin Joseph
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The Washington Post
Pop acts including OneRepublic performed at the ceremony.
Katherine Frey
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The Washington Post
The first family enjoys the ceremony. “We all know that this tradition is larger than any single tree," President Obama said during the ceremony. “We gather here not simply to light decorations but to honor a story that lights the world.”
Marvin Joseph
/
The Washington Post
President Obama touches his daughter Sasha's nose as attendees sing "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Marvin Joseph
/
The Washington Post
Audience members enjoy the ceremony. Calvin Coolidge held the first National Christmas Tree lighting when he was president.
Katherine Frey
/
The Washington Post
Rodney Atkins performs at the ceremony.
Marvin Joseph
/
The Washington Post
From left, Ellie Goulding, Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, Michelle Obama, Carson Daly, Santa Claus and President Obama wrap up the ceremony.
Katherine Frey
/
The Washington Post
Hundreds of guests gathered for the annual ceremony.
Katherine Frey
/
The Washington Post
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Section:/lifestyle
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