Steph Deschamps / December 1, 2022
U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill officially ushered in the holiday season in the United States by lighting the traditional Christmas tree near the White House Wednesday night. They were joined by artists such as rapper LL Cool J, country singer Shania Twain and soul icon Joss Stone.
The lighting of the National Christmas Tree, which stands in the Ellipse between the White House and the Washington Monument, continues a nearly 100-year-old tradition. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge first lit a Christmas tree in the park. At that time, the tree was decorated with nearly 2,500 red, white and green lights.