President Joe Biden brought some Christmas cheer to the US capital.
The President and First Lady Jill Biden participated in the annual tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park near the White House.
“Merry Christmas everyone,” Biden said as he turned on the lights. “It’s a wonderful tradition.”
This year’s National Christmas Tree is a 12-foot Norway spruce imported from West Virginia.
On Tuesday, the tree was toppled by a strong gust of wind, raising questions about whether the lighting ceremony will go ahead as planned.
But after a few hours, the cable holding the tree was replaced and it was straightened again.
None of the 58 small trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree were damaged. About 20 decorations fell from the tree, but did not break.
The National Park Service said Wednesday that workers were “installing concrete blocks and additional cables to secure the tree.”
The lighting ceremony is a 101-year-old annual White House tradition that includes a countdown and musical performances.
The ceremony was hosted by country singer Mickey Guyton and also featured performances by Dionne Warwick, St. Vincent, Joe Walsh, Darren Criss and others.
Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff also attended the ceremony.
The holiday season was kicked off Monday by First Lady Jill Biden, who showed off the White House Christmas decorations.
A Christmas skating rink opened Wednesday on the South Lawn of the White House, where children can skate and play hockey throughout December.
