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 from five, as the 27-foot white fir from Pennsylvania, planted several weeks before, lit up in red and white behind him. Dr. Biden did the honors and pushed the button to turn the tree's lights on. 'I like that job,' President Biden said. LL Cool J replied, 'It's a great job.' Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performed 'The Man With The Bag' prior to the Bidens' arrival at President's Park The Howard University Gospel Choir performs before President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attend the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony Vice President Kamala Harris (left) and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (right) arrive at Thursday night's National Tree Lighting Stage workers clean the bullet proof glass in front of the podium before President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attend the National Christmas Tree LL Cool J stayed several feet away from the president and first lady, who were kept behind glass. 'For our safety, I am going to stand over here and social distance. I don't want to cough on you or anything like that,' the host said. Later, when Biden gave a longer address to the audience, he tried to compliment LL Cool J's physique. 'He looks like he can still play and I'm not talking about instruments, I'm talking about football or something, man,' Biden said. Before the Bidens arrival, singer and actress Chenoweth performed 'The Man With The Bag.' Porter performed directly after, singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' Other performers include Juanes, Keb' Mo', Maren Morris, U.S. Army Band Downrange and the Howard University Gospel Choir. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff sat in the front row of the audience and were greeted by the Bidens after they lit up the tree. This year's National Tree Lighting featured more prominent stars compared to last year's lighting with former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, whose guests included a number of country artists. The National Tree Lighting ceremony will air on CBS on December 5 at 8:30 p.m. EST. All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility