White House Christmases through the years

The National Christmas Tree is illuminated on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House on Dec. 4, 2008, in Washington. The tree lighting was the highlight of an evening event that included roving carolers, urban dancers, country music, and holiday tunes by the U.S. Army Band. The tree, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce, was transplanted from York, Pa.

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