First Family lights National Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON – The Obama Family, joined by host Reese Witherspoon, took center stage at President’s Park on Thursday evening to light the National Christmas Tree.

This year’s 93rd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony featured a full line up of musical guests including Fall Out Boy, Tori Kelly, Trombone Shorty, Aloe Blacc and more.

But along with the festive spirit came road closures and heightened security for the event, with surrounding streets and avenues closed off. The event came just one day after a shooting spree in San Bernardino, California left 14 dead.

“Now, this is, of course, the most wonderful time of the year,” President Barack Obama said at the ceremony. “But we would be remiss not to take a moment to remember our fellow Americans whose hearts are heavy tonight – who grieve for loved ones, especially in San Bernardino, California. Their loss is our loss, too, for we’re all one American family.”

The lighting of the tree is the symbolic start to the holiday season in the nation’s capital. On Wednesday evening, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree was also lit, giving the city a joyous glow that is now on display at each prominent landmark.

“So during this holiday season, let’s come together as brothers and sisters around the humanity that we share,” Obama said in his concluding remarks. “Let’s reach out to those who can use a hand. Let’s summon the spirit of togetherness that’s always helped to kindle America’s shining example to the world.”

— Rock band Fall Out Boy performs just before the National Christmas Tree is officially lit by Reese Witherspoon and the Obama family on Thursday night. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— Fall Out Boy is silhouetted as they exit the stage. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— Reese Witherspoon, who was the host for the evening, takes the stage for the first time before introducing the Obama family. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— Singer Andra Day performs after the official lighting of the tree. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— Keeping with tradition, first lady Michelle Obama reads "The Night Before Christmas" along with special guest Miss Piggy. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— Singer Tori Kelly is seen through the screen of a broadcast camera as she performs on stage. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— Aloe Blacc takes the stage as one of the final acts of the night. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— President Barack Obama gives a speech at the ceremony to highlight the meaning of the Christmas spirit in the U.S. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— President Obama jokes with daughter Sasha Obama as they sing on stage prior to the end of the ceremony. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

— President Obama hugs a man dressed as Santa Claus at the end of the ceremony. SHFWire photo by Heather Khalifa

Reach reporter Heather Khalifa at heather.khalifa@scripps.com or 202-408-1488. SHFWire stories are free to any news organization that gives the reporter a byline and credits the SHFWire. Like the Scripps Howard Foundation Wire interns on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Download photos: NationalTreeLighting2015.zip

About Heather Khalifa - Multimedia Fellow 2015-2016

Heather Khalifa is the 2015-2016 multimedia fellow for the SHFWire and a recent graduate of Stony Brook University.

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