President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicked off the holiday season in the nation’s capital Thursday evening by lighting the National Christmas.
For the special event that also included the Pageant of Peace ceremony, the first family was joined by hosts Dean Cain and Kathy Lee Gifford on the White House Ellipse.
Several White House officials were in attendance for the popular occasion including Donald Trump Jr.’s family and Tiffany Trump.
Ivanka Trump was also in attendance, as she brought along her young children and husband Jared Kushner.
Seasons Greetings: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicked off the holiday season in the nation’s capital Thursday evening by lighting the National Christmas
For the special event that also included the Pageant of Peace ceremony, the first family was joined by hosts Dean Cain and Kathy Lee Gifford on the White House Ellipse
Melania looked flawless for the occasion while sporting an elegant red coat that matched the president’s bright red tie
Several White House officials were in attendance for the popular event including Donald Trump Jr. (above) and his family
The president’s youngest daughter Tiffany Trump (above next to her brother-in-law Jared Kushner) joined her siblings for the event
Ivanka Trump was also in attendance for the family friendly event. Above she holds her youngest son Theodore James Kushner while chatting to her sister Tiffany
The busy mom also brought along her daughter Arabella and other son Joseph for the tree lighting
Trump’s daughters seemed to happy while attending their first official White House tree lighting ceremony
A number of celebrities also performed at the event including Boys II Bow Ties, Craig Campbell, Jack Wagner, Mannheim Steamroller, The Beach Boys, The Texas Tenors, Us The Duo, Wynonna and the U.S. Navy Band, led by Emmy-nominated music director Steve Gibson.
The lighting of the National Christmas tree is in its 95th year, easily making it one of the country’s oldest traditions.
President Calvin Coolidge first lit the tree on Christmas Eve in 1923 while on the Ellipse in front of more than 3,000 people.
The lighting of the National Christmas tree is in its 95th year, easily making it one of the country’s oldest traditions
But this year’s event was the first for the Trump family since the president took office in January
Wynonna Judd performed during the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Ellipse
The Beach Boys also hit the stage at the event in President’s Park on Thursday night
Since then, every president has carried on the special tradition.
But this year’s event was the first for the Trump family since the president took office in January.
The elaborate decorations on stage were perfect for the occasion.
The stage was covered in red carpet and decorated generously with poinsettias, and boxes stacked like Christmas presents, wrapped in red and white paper – designs included waves, reindeer, and paisley – and with golden ribbon and bows.
The program is set to air on the Hallmark Channel on December 4.