The tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree dates back to 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge, and tonight President and Mrs. Trump continue that tradition in President’s Park just outside the White House grounds in the Ellipse. In conjunction with the National Parks Service and National Parks Foundation, the annual event drew thousands of people from all over the country to watch the President light the National Tree. The lights on the tree were powered by GE and featured long bright red ribbon and a large star.
In addition to the National Tree is the “The America Celebrates” where there are handcrafted ornaments from 56 schools celebrating every state, district or territory in the country.
Always a cold event with guests having to sit for hours before the event starts for security purposes, 2018 host, Antonio Sabato, Jr. did a great job introducing musical performances from:
LOCASH, Performer, Run Rudolph Run & Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Matthew West, Performer, Run Rudolph Run & Come On, Christmas
Gabby Barrett, Performer, The First Noel & Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Caroling Angels, Performer, Carol of the Bells & We Wish You Merry Christmas
Paul Cardall, Performer, Silent Night
Thompson Square, Performer, Winter Wonderland & Let it Snow
Spensha Baker, Performer, O Holy Night & Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Abby Anderson, Performer, Go Tell It On the Mountain & Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Anthony Kearns, Performer, O Come, All Ye Faithful
John Driskell Hopkins, Performer, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Joe Gransden, Performer, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Members of the Trump Family and Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke were all on hand for the event which airs Sunday, December 2 at 10 p.m. EDT on Ovation and REELZ.
