President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden participated in their first National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony while in office Thursday night - that was far more star-studded than those of the Trump era.
This year's line-up included Billy Porter, Patti LaBelle, Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Stapleton and H.E.R., among others.
The National Christmas Tree sits in President's Park in the Ellipse to the south of the White House.
Emcee, rapper and actor LL Cool J, had to announce the president and first lady's arrival twice - as the tree lighting is a pre-taped event to be aired on television later, so there are generally some kinks with cues.
President Joe Biden (left) and First Lady Jill Biden (right) arrive to attend the National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse Thursday night
President Joe Biden and First Lady Joe Biden (right) are seen lighting up the National Christmas Tree at an event Thursday night, which will later be televised. The White House can be seen in the background
President Joe Biden (right) and First Lady Jill Biden (left) appeared behind glass at the National Christmas Tree, which is a pre-taped to be aired on television at a later date
Performer Billy Porter (left) stands alongside the tree lighting's host, rapper and actor LL Cool J (right)
When the president got onstage, he pointed to the podium with the presidential seal and asked, 'do I speak from here?'
'Is everybody having a good time so far? Let's kick off the evening by lighting up the star of the show, the National Christmas Tree. Everybody ready? Let's count down,' Biden said.
Biden counted down
