Oliver James Montgomery|Biden gets a chance to bring holiday spirit to Washington by lighting the National Christmas Tree

2025-04-28 16:55:39source:Quantum Insightscategory:Finance

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s President Joe Biden ‘s turn to bring some holiday spirit to the U.S. capital.

The Oliver James Montgomerypresident and his wife, Jill, are participating Thursday in the annual tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, an area known as President’s Park, on the south side of the White House.

This year’s tree is a 40-foot (12-meter) Norway spruce from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest.

There was a moment’s doubt earlier this week about whether the 101-year-old tradition would go ahead as planned after the tree was felled by strong gusty winds Tuesday. But the tree was upright again within hours after a cable securing it was replaced, according to the National Park Service.

Other news Toppled White House Christmas tree is secured upright, and lighting show will happen as scheduledIs it normal or a problem if your evergreens are browning? How to know whether they need helpClimate change is hastening the demise of Pacific Northwest forests

The tree lighting ceremony is an annual White House holiday tradition with a countdown and musical performances. The Norway spruce was planted about two weeks ago, replacing an older tree that the park service said had developed a fungal disease that caused its needles to turn brown and fall off.

None of the 58 smaller trees surrounding the National Christmas Tree was damaged. About 20 ornaments fell from the tree but did not break. The NPS announced Wednesday that crews are “installing concrete blocks and additional cables to further secure the tree.”

Country singer Mickey Guyton is the ceremony’s host, with musical performances by Dionne Warwick and St. Vincent, among others.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are also attendees of Thursday’s ceremony.

On Monday, the first lady helped open Washington’s holiday season by unveiling the White House holiday decorations. On Wednesday, she opened a holiday ice rink on the South Lawn for children to skate and play hockey throughout December.

___

Associated Press writer Ashraf Khalil contributed to this report.

More:Finance

Recommend

Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes

Friday the 13th might be unlucky for many people, but Mega Millions players could be lucky in tonigh

'Don’t do that to your pets': Video shows police rescue dog left inside hot trailer

A Colorado police department is asking pet owners to be responsible this summer after a video of off

The Daily Money: Identity theft victims face a long wait for refunds

Good morning! It’s Daniel de Visé with your Daily Money.Thousands of unfortunate taxpayers who are