President Biden Participates in Final White House Christmas Tree Lighting

President Joe Biden took part in the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse Thursday evening, marking his final participation in the tradition before he leaves the White House next year. Returning early Thursday from Angola, where he spent the start of the week, Biden sparked significant attention before his departure by issuing a full pardon for his son, Hunter Biden.

Hunter had been convicted of federal drug and gun charges and pleaded guilty to tax violations. When asked about the decision, First Lady Jill Biden, who attended every day of Hunter’s trial in Delaware, expressed unwavering support, stating, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.”

The centerpiece of this year's event is a stunning 35-foot Red Spruce, sourced from Virginia's George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

Surrounding it are 58 smaller trees, each adorned with student-designed ornaments representing every U.S. state and territory. This year’s White House holiday theme, “A Season of Peace and Light,” emphasizes unity and reflection, a sentiment mirrored in the evening’s festivities.

The 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Mickey Guyton, included performances from James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood, Stephen Sanchez, and Adam Blackstone. The full event will air on CBS on December 20, allowing viewers nationwide to experience the holiday cheer.

The White House Holiday Decorations

The tree lighting ceremony is the final highlight of the White House’s holiday transformation. First Lady Jill Biden revealed the intricate decorations earlier this week, addressing the volunteers who helped bring the festive vision to life.

“As we celebrate our final holiday season here in the White House, we are guided by the values we hold sacred: faith, family, service to our country, kindness toward all of our neighbors, and the power of community,” she shared.

This year’s decorations required the efforts of over 300 volunteers from across the country, who used nearly 10,000 feet of ribbon, over 28,000 ornaments, and 2,200 paper doves to deck the halls.

Visitors entering the White House are greeted by a tree dedicated to Gold Star families, symbolizing military service with six stacked stars for each branch of the armed forces. The East Colonnade is lined with bells representing the peaceful sounds of the holidays, while the East Room features twinkling canopies designed to mimic snowfall.

The Blue Room houses the centerpiece tree, an 18.5-foot Fraser Fir from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina. This particular tree, nicknamed “Tremendous,” survived Hurricane Helene, symbolizing resilience and the strength of North Carolina communities.

In the State Dining Room, another tree showcases ornaments featuring self-portraits of students, including works from first-grade students of one of the volunteers, Alisa Cooper de Uribe, the 2021 New Mexico Teacher of the Year.

Cooper de Uribe remarked on the significance of involving children, stating, “It was an opportunity for the students to see themselves reflected in the White House and to celebrate their culture and individuality during this season.”

The tradition of holiday decorations dates back to President Benjamin Harrison in 1889, with a single tree adorned with candles in the Second Floor Oval Room.

Today, the elaborate displays extend throughout the White House, welcoming over 100,000 visitors during the holiday season.

Each year, volunteers—teachers, military families, and small business owners—apply to join the decor team. They gather immediately after Thanksgiving to begin decorating, forming lasting bonds and celebrating their shared commitment to this cherished tradition.